Go playerSouth KoreanDaejeonGo Master

Seo Bong-soo

Seo Bong-soo is a prominent self-taught South Korean Go professional known for his aggressive style, winning the Ing Cup, and achieving an unprecedented nine-game win streak in the Jinro Cup.

1. Early Life and Career

Seo Bong-soo's journey into the world of professional Go began with a distinctive independent learning approach, contrasting sharply with the traditional path of training under a professional master. His early career quickly established him as a formidable player, setting records that underscored his talent and unique style.

1.1. Birth and Background

Seo Bong-soo was born on February 1, 1953, in Yuchon-myeon, Daedeok-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (now Seo-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City). His father, 서승달Seo Seung-dalKorean, operated a Go academy in Daejeon, while his mother, 유필례Yu Pil-lyeKorean, passed away in 1992. Seo's personal life includes two marriages; he was first married to 이영화Lee Yeong-hwaKorean from 1976 until their divorce in May 2003. He later remarried in October 2004 to Lâm Thị Hiếu MúaLam Thi Hieu MuaVietnamese, a woman from a rural Vietnamese family. He has a son, 서상현Seo Sang-hyeonKorean, and a daughter, 서진Seo JinKorean.

1.2. Professional Debut and Early Success

Seo Bong-soo entered the professional Go world in 1970 at the age of 17, while attending Baemun High School in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Unlike many peers, he was largely self-taught, honing his skills at a local Go club without the direct guidance of a professional mentor. His exceptional talent became apparent almost immediately; the following year, as a 1-dan player, he earned the right to challenge for the prestigious Myungin title. During the title match, he was promoted to 2-dan and went on to defeat veteran player 조남철Cho Nam-chulKorean with a score of 3-1. This victory made him the Myungin champion at the unprecedented age of 18 in 1971, marking him as the youngest Myungin winner in history at the time. He successfully defended the Myungin title for five consecutive years following his initial triumph, establishing himself as a dominant force in Korean Go.

2. Playing Style

Seo Bong-soo's playing style is renowned for its aggressive and combative nature, earning him distinctive nicknames among Go enthusiasts. He is frequently referred to as the "Wild Go Player" (야기사YaegisaKorean) or, more figuratively, the "Field Commander" (야전사령관YajeonsaryeonggwanKorean). These monikers reflect his characteristic approach of engaging in fierce, complex fights across the board, prioritizing direct confrontation and tactical prowess over positional solidity or subtle maneuvering. His games are often described as dynamic and exciting, marked by bold invasions and relentless attacks. This "wild" and "field commander" style contrasted with the more traditional, balanced approaches favored by some of his contemporaries, contributing significantly to his popularity and distinct identity within the Go community. In Japan, he was also known as "Ya-bushi" (野武士Ya-bushiJapanese, literally "Wild Warrior" or "Rōnin"), encapsulating a similar perception of his fierce, untamed play.

3. Major Achievements and Records

Seo Bong-soo's career is marked by an extensive list of accomplishments in both domestic and international Go tournaments, highlighted by his intense rivalry with Cho Hunhyun and several groundbreaking records.

3.1. Rivalry with Cho Hunhyun

The 1980s in Korean Go were largely defined by the intense rivalry between Seo Bong-soo and Cho Hunhyun. Their competition was central to the sport, as they consistently challenged each other for major titles. This enduring contest led to them playing against each other in over 350 official games, a world record for professional Go players. While Seo often found himself as the runner-up to Cho in some key tournaments like the Guksu, he notably broke through to claim the Guksu title for two consecutive years starting in 1987. Their formidable presence led to them, along with Lee Chang-ho and Yoo Changhyuk, being dubbed the "Gang of Four" of Korean Go in the 1990s, collectively dominating the professional scene.

3.2. Domestic Titles

Seo Bong-soo holds an impressive number of domestic titles, ranking among the top players in Korea for total title wins. His achievements span various eras of Korean Go, from his early career dominance to his later contributions in senior events.

His notable domestic title victories include:

  • Myungin: 1971-1974, 1976, 1978, 1983 (7 titles, including the record as the youngest champion at age 18 in 1971 and five consecutive wins after his debut).
  • Wangwi: 1975, 1980 (2 titles)
  • Guksu: 1986, 1987 (2 titles)
  • KBS Baduk Wang: 1983, 1984 (won 2-1 against Cho Hunhyun in 1984; runner-up in 1985 after losing 1-2 to Cho Hunhyun).
  • Chaegowi: 1980 (1 title)
  • Gukgi: 1980, 1988, 1992 (3 titles)
  • Kiwang: 1983, 1988 (2 titles)
  • Tong Yang Cup: 1991 (1 title)
  • LG Refined Oil Cup: 1999 (1 title), won by defeating 유창혁Yoo ChanghyukKorean 3-2 in the final.
  • MBC Cup Gukgi: 1974 (1 title)
  • 789-dan Match: 1988 (1 title)
  • Daewang: 1983, 1987 (2 titles)
  • Seokjong Cup Professional Senior Tournament: 2000, 2002, 2003 (3 titles)
  • E-land Cup Wangjungwang Jeon (Hyunmu Division): 2006, 2008 (2 titles)
  • Senior Go Classic Senior Wangwi: 2014 (1 title)
  • Daejoo Cup Professional Senior Strongest Player: 2021, 2024 (2 titles), also runner-up in 2010, 2013.

3.3. International Titles

Seo Bong-soo's international career is highlighted by his victories in two of the most prestigious world Go championships, solidifying his status as a global powerhouse.

3.3.1. Ing Cup Victory

Seo Bong-soo achieved his first major international title by winning the 2nd Ing Cup World Go Championship in 1993. This tournament, held between 1992 and 1993, saw him navigate a challenging path to the final. He defeated formidable opponents such as Zheng Minghuang in the first round, Fujisawa Hideyuki in the second, and Takemiya Masaki in the third. In the semifinals, held in November 1992, he overcame Cho Chikun with a 2-1 victory, securing his place in the championship final.
In the best-of-five final series, Seo faced Otake Hideo of Japan. Otake won the first game, but Seo equalized in the second. In the crucial third game, played on May 16, 1993, Seo (playing as Black) secured a decisive victory by resignation after 119 moves. Although Otake managed to tie the series again by winning the fourth game, Seo emerged victorious in the final fifth game on May 20, winning by resignation after 219 moves. His 3-2 triumph over Otake not only earned him the Ing Cup but also marked Korea's second consecutive victory in the tournament, following Cho Hunhyun's win in the inaugural event.

1993 Ing Cup Final, Game 3: Otake Hideo (White) vs. Seo Bong-soo (Black), moves 41-55. Black's 41st move (1) was critical, leading to a decisive attack.
1993 Ing Cup Final, Game 3: Otake Hideo (White) vs. Seo Bong-soo (Black), moves 41-55. Black's 41st move (1) was critical, leading to a decisive attack.

3.3.2. Jinro Cup 9-Win Streak

In 1997, Seo Bong-soo delivered one of the most astonishing performances in Go history at the 5th Jinro Cup SBS World Go Championship, a team event. Playing as Korea's fourth representative, he achieved an unprecedented nine-game winning streak (9人抜きkyūnin-nukiJapanese). He single-handedly defeated the entire Chinese team, including players like Yu Bin, Chang Hao, Cao Dayuan, and Chen Linxin, as well as the remaining Japanese players such as Yoda Norimoto and Ma Xiaochun. This remarkable feat secured Korea's fifth consecutive championship victory in the Jinro Cup, etching his name into Go legend.

  • Gentleman's Cup World Championship: 1995 (1 title)
  • Zhangshu China Medicine Capital Cup China-Japan-Korea Go Masters Tournament: 2017 (1 title)

3.4. Career Milestones

Beyond his numerous titles, Seo Bong-soo has achieved several significant career milestones that attest to his longevity and prolific activity.
In 1994, he reached a notable landmark by recording his 1,000th professional win during the main tournament of the 28th Wangwi, defeating 장수영Chang Su-youngKorean 9-dan. In August 2023, he surpassed his long-time rival Cho Hunhyun to set a new record for the most official games played by a professional Go player, reaching an impressive 2,811 matches.

3.5. Senior Career

Even in his senior years, Seo Bong-soo has remained an active and competitive force in the Go world. He has participated consistently in the Korean Baduk Association President's Cup Senior Go League, notably winning the Most Wins Award in 2017, 2018, and 2021. In 2022, he participated in a special five-game challenge titled "Soparukosanoru Seo Bong-soo's Hot-blooded Challenge," where he faced five top-ranked active players, securing one win out of five games. His continued presence and strong performances in senior tournaments underscore his enduring passion and skill for the game.

4. International Tournament Performance

The following table summarizes Seo Bong-soo's performance in major international Go tournaments.

Tournament198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008
Ing CupR32---W---R16---R24---R32---R32
Fujitsu CupR16SFR16QFR16R16R16R24R24R16R24R24R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32
Tong Yang Securities CupQFWR16-R16R16R32R32-R32R32N/A---------
Samsung Cup--------QFR32R32R32SFR32R32R32R32R32SFR32R32
LG Cup--------R32QFR32R32R32R16R32R32R32R32R32R32R32
Chunlan Cup----------R32R16R24-R32-R32-R32-R32
TV Go Asia Championship-R32R32R32R32RUR32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32
Nongshim CupR32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32R32



Other international tournament performances include:

  • Jinro Cup SBS World Go Championship:** Beyond his 9-win streak in 1997, he participated in earlier editions, achieving 2 wins and 1 loss in 1993, and 4 wins and 1 loss in 1994.
  • Lotte Cup Korea-China Go Match:** 1994, lost 0-2 to Chang Hao and Ma Xiaochun.
  • Yancheng Dongfang Group Cup Korea-China Team Meijin Championship:** 2016, 1 win and 2 losses.
  • Pyeonggang Cup Korea-China Go Master Friendship Match:** 2019, 1 win and 1 loss.
  • 1004 Islands Sinan International Senior Go Tournament (Team event):** 2019, 1 win and 2 losses.
  • Nongshim Baeksansu Cup World Go Senior Strongest Player:** 2023-2024, 0-1.

5. Notable Games

Among his many matches, the third game of the 2nd Ing Cup final against Otake Hideo on May 16, 1993, stands out as a prime example of Seo Bong-soo's "Field Commander" style. In this pivotal match, after Otake (White) played a relatively soft move on the right side (White 40) that aimed to reduce Black's territory rather than pressuring Black's strong upper-side group, Seo (Black) responded with the optimal move at Black 41. This move, combined with subsequent aggressive plays like Black 51 and 53, allowed Seo to launch a one-sided attack, ultimately leading to Otake's resignation after 119 moves. This decisive victory showcased Seo's tactical brilliance and his ability to seize the initiative through direct confrontation, setting the stage for his eventual 3-2 triumph in the series.

Another notable match includes his 3-0 victory against Nakamura Sumire in the Sumire ORO Challenge in 2020, demonstrating his continued strength against younger talents. In the 2021 E-land Rival Match, he split games, losing to Cho Hunhyun and winning against Yoo Changhyuk.

6. Personal Life

Seo Bong-soo's personal life has seen him go through two marriages. His first marriage was to 이영화Lee Yeong-hwaKorean, which lasted from 1976 until their divorce in May 2003. In October 2004, he remarried to Lâm Thị Hiếu MúaLam Thi Hieu MuaVietnamese, who is described as the eldest daughter from a rural Vietnamese family. He is a father to one son, 서상현Seo Sang-hyeonKorean, and one daughter, 서진Seo JinKorean. Beyond Go, his hobby is billiards.

7. Awards and Recognition

Seo Bong-soo has received numerous awards and recognitions for his exceptional contributions and achievements in the world of Go:

  • Kido Cultural Award:
    • Most Wins Award: 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983
    • Consecutive Wins Award: 1979
    • Excellent Player Award: 1980, 1981, 1982
  • Igo Cultural Award:
    • Excellent Player Award: 1993, 1997, 1999
  • Igo Grand Prize:
    • Fighting Spirit Award: 2006
    • Senior Player Award: 2021

8. Legacy and Evaluation

Seo Bong-soo's legacy in Go is multifaceted, reflecting his unique journey, distinctive playing style, and profound impact on the sport. As a self-taught professional, he carved an unconventional path to the pinnacle of Go, demonstrating that success could be achieved without formal apprenticeship under a renowned master. This aspect of his career resonated deeply within the Korean Go community, earning him widespread popularity.

His aggressive and combat-oriented "Wild Go Player" and "Field Commander" style became his trademark, distinguishing him from his contemporaries and influencing subsequent generations of players who embraced more direct and fighting strategies. The intense rivalry with Cho Hunhyun captivated audiences for years, elevating the profile of professional Go in Korea and pushing both players to new heights. His membership in the "Gang of Four" further cemented his status as one of the era's dominant figures.

Beyond his numerous domestic titles, his international triumphs, particularly the Ing Cup victory and the unprecedented Jinro Cup 9-win streak, solidified his reputation on the global stage. Even in his senior career, Seo's continued participation and competitive spirit, evidenced by his consistent performances in senior leagues, underscore his enduring passion and commitment to the game. He remains a revered figure, often affectionately referred to as "Seo Myungin" (서명인Seo MyunginKorean) due to his early Myungin championship, symbolizing his lasting impact and unique place in Go history.