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BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF GO PLAYERS CHO HOON-HYUN AND LEE CHANG-HO

ALL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS MAY DIFFER FROM REAL-LIFE COUNTERPARTS

THE YING SHIBEI WORLD GO CHAMPIONSHIP WAS HELD IN THE 1980S

TO FIND THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD

A SINGLE SPOT WAS GIVEN TO KOREA, AN UNDERDOG COUNTRY

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN ADVANCED TO THE FINAL AGAINST EXPECTATIONS

HIS OPPONENT, NIE WEIPING 9-DAN OF CHINA, KNOWN AS "THE BLACK BEAR OF THE CONTINENT"

WON THE CHINA-JAPAN SUPER LEAGUE 11 CONSECUTIVE TIMES

AND WAS THE WORLD'S BEST PLAYER

[dramatic music playing]

[announcer 1] The final of the first Ying Shibei World Professional Go Championship

will be held in Singapore today.

Korea's Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan and China's Nie Weiping 9-dan,

tying at two wins, two losses each,

will fight in this match of the century

to become king of the international Go scene.

White has won in all the previous matches played,

so there is great interest already in who will play white in the final match.

- [clicking] - [reporter 1] Champion Cho!

[reporter 2] Are you going to attack fiercely?

[reporter 1] Mr. Cho!

[reporter 3] What have you done to prepare for the match today?

- [clamoring continues] - Sir!

[clamoring]

- Champion Cho! - [crowd chanting] Nie Weiping!

[reporter 4] How do you feel now?

[in Chinese] Piss off to Korea!

[crowd] Nie Weiping! Nie Weiping!

China will definitely win! China will definitely win!

MATCH VENUE STAMFORD HOTEL, SINGAPORE

[anticipatory music playing]

[judge in Japanese] Nie Weiping 9-dan, white.

Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan, black.

[music continues]

[oxygen hissing]

[inhales]

[grunts]

[in Japanese] Let the match begin.

[music continues]

THE 1ST YING SHIBEI WORLD GO CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL, LAST ROUND

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN VS NIE WEIPING 9-DAN

[lighter clicks]

[music continues]

[music intensifies]

THE MATCH

[in English] Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan

has ascended to the top of the international Go scene.

[reporter] Cho 9-dan defeated Japan,

who has boasted to be the center of the Go scene,

and also defeated China, where Go first originated.

His victory excitingly proves

that the quality of Korea's Go is at the top of the world.

[Hoon-hyun] Right now, well,

perhaps I would not even lose to the supreme god of Go himself. [laughs]

[reporter 1] Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan, the Go world champion,

returned to Korea today,

participating in a car parade from Gimpo Airport

to the Korea Baduk Association in Jongno 2-ga.

[reporter 2] The government awarded Cho 9-dan

with the Eungwan Order of Culture Merit

for improving the prestige of Korea's Go throughout the world.

5 MONTHS LATER

ONE-ON-MANY TEACHING MATCH WITH PROFESSIONAL GO PLAYERS

[stones clattering]

- [man 1] The boy's amazing. - [boy sighs]

He solved the life-and-death problem.

- [man 2] Huh? - [man 1] Huh? Right?

- Earlier... - Hey, hey. Hey, go.

- Okay. - Hmm?

- Let's go. - Uh-huh.

Hey, you're in a tight spot, Pro Cheon. [chuckles softly]

He's giving you a hard time, huh?

[man 3] This kid's a Go prodigy in Jeonju.

He's been playing for less than half a year.

Right, I heard there's no one who could beat him in Jeonju...

- No, in Jeollanam-do, right? Ha! - [man 4] He really must be a prodigy.

I think it's over. Wanna stop?

[Pro Cheon] Just wait.

[Pro Cheon scoffs]

It's not over yet.

What?

It's over. It's obvious.

Mind if I step in for him?

- This is it! - [men laugh]

[mysterious music playing]

[man 1] Oh, it's an atari.

ATARI: OPPONENT'S STONE CAPTURED ON THE NEXT MOVE

[man 1] Looks like he's been hit really hard.

Should we call it a tie and stop here?

[music continues]

[man 4] Wow, he's amazing.

Champion Cho is Korea's best. I can't believe it!

[man 1] He's champion for a reason.

It's much harder to win when you're given the advantage.

You stepped in when I was going easy. [chuckles]

Hey, wait! Play another one!

Oh, what are you doing?

Hey, you little brat, don't be rude.

Go play over there.

- Ugh! You go play with the amateurs. - [laughs]

Come on, one more round.

I'll beat you if we play another round.

What's your name, boy?

Chang-ho.

Lee Chang-ho.

Come here. Sit back down.

Chang-ho. Good at life-and-death problems.

LIFE-AND-DEATH: A PLAYER CAN SAVE THEIR STONES OR KILL THE OPPONENT'S STONES

[stones clattering]

Find the black's lifeline.

LIFELINE: A PATH WHERE STONES CAN ESCAPE ALIVE

This problem, solve it and we'll play again.

Are you sure about that?

You have to keep your word.

You know, you're not allowed to take it back.

[chuckles softly]

[man] He's a Lee from Gyeongju too.

A family elder kept talking about him,

so I told him to bring the boy by.

Well, he's good for a kid.

That little kid has quite a temper, doesn't he?

- So he's your nephew? - Nah, my first time seeing him too.

The family tree's all messed up so, he's actually a generation above.

Looks like I'll be taking care of a young uncle instead.

[laughs]

Your handicap?

Wow. Played a pro at only a disadvantage of four?

THE NUMBER OF STONES THAT CORRESPONDS TO A DIFFERENCE IN PLAYERS' STRENGTH

Black? Not white? Sure you didn't make a mistake?

Mistake? Really?

Why did you give him an unsolvable problem?

Just to confuse him, huh?

Go problems don't have answers.

I've never seen a play like his.

His haengma and opening are all mixed-up...

THE DIRECTION OR SHAPE OF STONES

...but oddly powerful.

OPENING TACTIC FOR THE GAME'S ADVANTAGE

[clocks ticking]

Ah.

Is it solved?

He can do this.

- Bend and push. [laughs] - No, no, no, right here.

- There, I mean-- - Oh, come on.

Ugh, what are you doing?

I told you I had to really concentrate a lot today.

Stop staring at me, or nothing will get done.

Yes, I hear you.

My grandson has important work,

so let's step out and have a drink. It'll be on me.

- My treat, come on. - I'm in trouble.

If I drink during the day, I know I'm going to pass out again.

[old man] Yeah. This guy can't even hold his milk--

What about your homework? You're concentrating on one thing?

[clock striking]

[sighs]

[horns honking]

[man] Third generation, only-son, adored by his grandfather.

Humor him and say the boy's good, that he shows talent.

I'll take care of all the rest.

[man 1] Ah!

Amazing, huh? His playing has a lot of maturity! [laughs]

- I'm number one at Go club... - [man 1] Hah.

[man 2] ...but I'm lucky if I win one out of ten matches with him.

Everyone around him keeps filling him with hot air, saying he's a prodigy,

absorbed in this silly game of stones instead of family business.

[laughing] Go's stature has been rising recently

thanks to Champion Cho right here.

There are more international competitions,

so, you can enhance Korea's prestige too.

[both laugh]

- That's right. - [laughs] Yes.

That being said,

Champion Cho,

I was hoping that you could perhaps take the boy on for a few months.

I would compensate you handsomely,

and sponsor you generously, of course.

You really should use that money to send him abroad

for the family business.

You can't improve at Go by studying hard.

There's really no point in me taking him on.

Talent?

Not a pinch.

No matter how hard I look.

Pro Cho!

[exhales] Champion Cho!

Hey, Cho Hoon-hyun!

I worked for months trying to get that.

Listen, man. You know how much money he'll be sponsoring for us?

What are we now, beggars?

Business meetings, sponsorships, they're all fine,

but Go is more important than money.

He said it was silly!

Where's your pride?

[man] Pride?

[dog barking in distance]

Min-je.

Cho Min-je, what are you up to?

- Daddy! - Cho Min-je!

- Yah! Whoo-hoo! - [laughing]

Ah, you're here!

- [Min-je] I made this for you, Daddy! - [Hoon-hyun laughs]

Hey, Cho Min-je, I told you not to touch the mail.

- Leave it, leave it. - [sighs]

- I'll clean up. - Come here.

- Is the mail interesting? Huh? - [grunts]

Come on, let's go wash your hands. Let's eat.

- [Hoon-hyun sighs] - Could you please turn on the stove?

Let's go up.

[Min-je] I want to eat sausage.

[Hoon-hyun's wife] You already had some this morning.

[gentle music playing]

KEEP YOUR PROMISE FROM LEE CHANG-HO

[chuckles softly]

[phone ringing]

Aw, man.

Hello?

Hey, Pro Lee. Cho Hoon-hyun.

[Pro Lee on phone] Huh? Oh, right, yes.

That boy, Chang-ho?

Could I meet the boy again?

LEE'S CLOCK SHOP

- Oh, come on, let's go. Let's go. - Hurry.

SORRY, WE'RE CLOSED TODAY

[stone clatters]

Only three handicap stones.

But if I win, you'll teach me Go.

[inhales deeply]

Why learn Go from me?

I heard you're the strongest player.

Korea's best player.

[Pro Cheon] Hey, hey!

Korea's best? He's the world's best. You've got no idea kid.

Hey. The masters are talking.

- Stop interrupting us, novice. - [laughs]

You know, you're pretty rude for a little kid.

Last time, you little punk, I gave four handicap stones.

I'll knock you out if we play an even game, you little brat!

[scoffs] So you want to win against a kid that badly, huh?

[laughing]

And what about...

if you lose, what's my prize?

[endearing music playing]

BANANA MILK

[Hoon-hyun chuckles]

[inhales deeply] Okay.

[chuckles] It's a done deal. Cho Hoon-hyun came all the way here.

[old man 1] What a smart son you have.

- Hwa-chun! - Huh?

Don't just stand there, come here.

- [laughs] - Ay!

[old man 2] He's really nervous.

[gentle music playing]

- [old men laughing] - [Hwa-chun] Hmm.

[dog barking]

[stones clattering]

[inhales deeply]

It looks like I can't make anymore moves here.

It's over. I won, right?

Yeah, I lost this time. You've improved.

- [bell ringing] - [laughing] Oh, you must be hungry.

- Right? - [old man chuckles]

Oh, but who won?

Mr. Chang-ho just won.

- Oh wow, I can't believe it. [laughs] - [stone clacking on board]

Mr. Chang-ho, you're going to play again?

It's one against one. We're tied right now.

So, do you like Go that much?

It's awful. When I lose, I can't sleep, I can't eat.

It annoys me so much.

But when I win, there's nothing more fun in the world.

[chuckles softly]

Is that what keeps you playing, mister?

- [men laugh] - [old man] Oh, he's not a kid.

[all laughing]

- Let's, um... - [stones clattering]

...finish up in Seoul.

- [grunts] - [old man] Oh my.

Calling me "mister..." Amateur.

Oh, I don't mean you. [chuckles]

[laughs]

Call me "seonsaengnim."

- [whimsical music plays] - Seonsaengnim?

- Goodness. - Mm-hmm?

- [old man 2] He's in. He is in! - [old man 1 laughing]

Chang-ho, what are you doing?

Bow to your seonsaengnim. To your new teacher.

- Oh no, that's all right. - [old man] What are you doing keeping him?

- Let's say hurray. - Hurray! [laughs]

- Hurray for independence! - Hurray!

[sizzling]

[Pro Cheon] You play three-day matches. How are you gonna handle a student?

You really think you can handle all that?

[laughing] This is just between us,

but you don't have the personality to be a teacher, do you?

[laughs]

[sniffles]

[slurping]

Don't make more work for yourself, okay?

Just focus on the match.

What if you take him on as a student, and he doesn't make it?

So many people already want to take you down.

They'll go around saying all sorts of crap.

Wouldn't take him on if going pro was the goal.

[munching]

[inhales deeply]

I just got curious about how he'd play when he's older.

[slurping]

[Hwa-chun] Chang-ho, wear this at all times

and think of this watch as me.

Since you're doing this,

give it your all so you won't regret it.

Make sure to be studious and work hard.

Make sure you listen to your seonsaengnim.

Understand?

Hmm.

[engine powering]

[motivational music playing]

[train horn sounding]

[doorbell ringing]

- [banging on door] - Champion Cho! Champion Cho!

- Hey! - [Hoon-hyun] You'll break the door.

Hurry up! Hurry.

Oh, gotta go! I gotta-- [groaning]

What's with him?

[Pro Lee whimpering]

[Hoon-hyun] Right. Welcome.

You must be tired. Come in.

[toilet flushes]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[Pro Lee] Oh, I almost didn't make it. [laughs]

Oh my gosh! Sure are a handsome boy.

Wow, look at those strong bones and wide shoulders.

Your wish has come true.

Perfect build for wrestling, yeah! [laughs]

[clears throat]

- She's a girl. - [Cho Min-je] "She's a girl."

Oh, ma'am, I didn't mean, uh... Congratulations to you both!

- You've got two babies now! [laughs] - [baby coos]

[Hoon-hyun's wife] You're right about that.

- You're Chang-ho, right? - Yeah.

How do you do?

- [chuckling] - [baby cooing]

This is the study.

If you wanna read anything, go ahead.

[exhales]

I was about your age.

Who's this older man?

That's my seonsaengnim.

[Chang-ho] Whoa.

He looks so scary.

- How old is he right now? - He passed away a while ago.

[clicks tongue]

You're pretty lucky, huh?

I'm not an old man quite yet.

My grandpa said that death doesn't care about your age.

[sighs]

Let's go eat.

Come on.

This liquor is Igangju, but I don't feel drunk.

- It deserves it's liquor of Joseon title. - Yeah.

Tell your grandpa I appreciate it very much, okay?

- Yes. - How is the food?

Does everything taste okay?

Yes. It's delicious.

You're a wonderful cook, madam.

[chuckles] "Madam," um... That doesn't sound right.

[chuckles]

Yeah. We're family now.

That's a weird name.

I have to call her something.

- I'm not sure what to call her. - He's right about that.

Titles, once they get mixed up...

are confusing.

[laughing]

What about "Auntie"?

Just call me "Auntie" from now on. That's nice.

Okay.

Want some more rice, Chang-ho?

Yes. A little more please. Thanks, Auntie.

[Hoon-hyun's wife chuckles]

FUMIGATION

[kids screaming, laughing]

KOREA BADUK ASSOCIATION

CONGRATULATIONS CHO HOON-HYUN CONQUERS THE WORLD

[curious music playing]

Who are you?

Looking for your dad?

No, it's not that.

I'm here to play some Go.

Play Go?

[stones clattering]

[music continues]

[boy 1] Who's that?

[boy 2] I heard he's Champion Cho's student.

Anyone else?

[boy 3] Where'd he come from?

- [boy 4] Wow, he's amazing, seriously. - [stone clacks]

He's like a pro.

[boy 5] Whoa, he's pushing it like that?

[boy 6] I've never seen that before.

[stones clattering]

[boy 7] Whoa, what was that?

Agh! Come on, really?

There's so many. I'll play everyone at once.

- [chuckling] - [boy 7] This kid is crazy.

[orchestral music playing]

[stones clinking]

[boy 8] Wow, he really must be a prodigy.

[boy 9] Champion Cho wouldn't have brought him in from Jeonju if he wasn't.

[boy 8] Yeah, Champion Cho found a really good one.

[stone clacks on board]

- He's really good. - He is.

[music continues]

- Ah! - [stones clattering]

[Chang-ho] There's a territory here and here.

And if you add the komi, it's at least twenty.

Want more?

- [pensive music playing] - [horns honking]

HOSTED BY KOREA BADUK ASSOCIATION SEJONG HOTEL

THE NINTH GUKGI CHALLENGE MATCH FOURTH ROUND

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN VS NAM GI-CHEOL 8-DAN

[woman] Mr. 9-dan Cho, 30 minutes left.

CHALLENGE MATCH: FINAL MATCH

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN, NAM GI-CHEOL 8-DAN

[man] Champion Cho has a core of steel. He's brutal.

He won the match 30 minutes ago. Why is he waiting?

Expert Nam gets my respect because, I mean,

this has happened before,

and he knows it'll get ugly if he keeps going.

Ah, I'm sick of this era of Cho and Nam.

Nam Gi-cheol 8-dan, this is your final byoyomi.

BYOYOMI: TO ANNOUNCE THE REMAINING TIME TO A PLAYER

And one, two, three, four...

- ...five... - [sighs]

[woman] ...six,

seven, eight...

- [stones clattering] - [woman] ...nine.

[contemplative music playing]

[stones clatter]

I mean... [sighs]

...should have blocked it there.

[breathes deeply]

What a wuss.

[music continues]

[exhales]

[leg shaking]

[exhales smoke]

[Pro Lee] He's doing it. The Rattler.

What's the Rattler?

Hey, you don't know that? Huh?

If Cho Hoon-hyun starts bouncing his leg, that match is a sure win.

It's like Sun Dong-yol stretching in the bullpen in a game of baseball.

[man] Oh.

It makes the opponent lose their concentration.

[woman] One,

two,

three,

four...

[singing in Korean] ♪ The drizzle makes no sound ♪

♪ We part at Busan station in sorrow ♪

- ♪ Goodbye, farewell ♪ - [rattling]

♪ The train whistles as tears fall ♪

[woman in English] A no-count win by Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan.

NO-COUNT WIN: A WIN SO DECISIVE IT IS UNNECESSARY TO COUNT TERRITORIES

Expert Nam seemed really angry today.

Still, he should put back the stones. Wow, what bad manners! Hmm.

You, giving a lecture on manners? "Parting at Busan"?

You need to grind them into the ground, to make it easier the next time.

Don't worry. He'll be back for revenge later. You'll see.

Aigo! Congratulations! Your song selection was great today.

I already see the headlines that'll be up tomorrow.

Ah, Mr. Chang-ho is going through Gwancheol-dong as we speak.

He's mowing through all the apprentices like they're grass. [laughs]

Word has spread everywhere

that the tiger cub you brought back is a total prodigy.

- [laughs] - Yeah, but...

Hey, don't mention that prodigy stuff around him. Just don't do it.

It won't do him any good.

[Hoon-hyun] Wait for me.

Seonsaengnim.

- What's this? - [chuckles] Candy.

We're here, Auntie.

Oh. You're together?

We ran into each other.

- You did well, Chang-ho? - Yes. Thanks, Auntie.

How was the match today?

- I lost. - Hmm.

You always say you lost.

[exhales sharply]

The opening, haengma, reading, they're all terrible.

READING: TO THINK IN ADVANCE WHERE TO PLACE A STONE

But do you know what's worst among those?

It is your terrible attitude.

Huh?

I won against everyone.

The older players weren't anything special.

[Hoon-hyun] Winning isn't everything.

You've only studied Go a few months. These guys have been studying for years.

Your moves got lazy since you were at an advantage.

It's good manners to always do your best. And learn to respect your opponent first.

But you shake your leg.

You do. And you hum.

You...

Hey... [exhales sharply]

[grunts]

Hey, punk...

save that for when you're the best.

[scoffs, sniffles]

Let's, uh...

We'll start with the basics.

But I read that book.

Basics are boring, and they're easy.

Easy?

- Black or white, what's better? - White has the advantage. It's obvious.

Take white.

[gentle music playing]

Good moves don't come from thinking for a long time.

Thinking is what bad players do.

It's time to cultivate game sense.

That doesn't mean play impulsively.

Don't back down.

The essence of Go is the battle, the attack.

Still think white's better?

I don't.

Take black.

[stones clacking]

[stones clattering]

I played only using the basics. Tell me why you're losing.

[music continues]

"Genius," "prodigy," don't believe when people mention that.

You're good at calculations and memorizing.

You're only imitating how to play Go.

Don't be cocky. Learn the basics.

[grunts]

Use your right hand when playing, if nothing else.

It is basic courtesy when playing your opponent.

Okay.

[Hoon-hyun] Stamina is everything.

The rashness of an impulsive move.

The complacency of wanting to compromise.

The arrogance of wanting to finish quickly.

These things happen when your stamina fails,

and they'll lead to your defeat.

[panting]

[music continues]

[hisses]

Ah, no. I'll use my right hand.

[music continues]

DEAR GRANDPA I HOPE YOU'RE WELL

[music continues]

[stones clattering]

[music continues]

[stone clacks on board]

[music fades]

ONE STEP, ONE MOVE

[deliver man] Ugh...

Who eats Chinese food on the rooftop? Are you kidding me?

[door closes]

[slurping]

[slurping]

Hello.

Do you always come up here?

Man! Couldn't they have ordered together?

What's their problem? Why can't they eat at the restaurant?

[slurping]

Champion Cho must be working like crazy to keep you fed.

Do you...

know who I am?

Yeah, of course I know who you are.

You're the pro Nam Gi-cheol, my seonsaengnim's rival.

Rival? Please.

[Chang-ho slurping]

"KING OF GO" EXPANDS HIS FOOTPRINT!

Don't relax now that you're a pro. Keep studying.

Your teacher is extremely good.

Well,

you see,

I'm not sure if it's something I can learn just by studying.

I would love to be just half as good as his pinky toe,

but I just don't seem to have the talent.

[tsks] Don't just try to learn.

You should try to win.

[hopeful music playing]

Then you'll naturally learn.

That's what I did when I played him.

[slurping]

CHO HOON-HYUN'S LEGENDARY MATCHES

WHITE CHO HOON-HYUN BLACK KIM SEONG-JU

[hopeful music continues]

[sighs]

Wow, it moves so quickly.

How do I capture this?

Maybe going head-on won't help at all.

Should I just hold?

[music continues]

[sighs]

[stones clattering]

Chang-ho is working late tonight.

[Hoon-hyun] Mm-hmm.

So, how's it going?

Preliminaries are coming up, right?

How he does right now isn't important.

It's about finding his own Go.

You know, rushing him won't do him any good.

Don't just push him, coax and soothe him, honey.

Chang-ho's still a kid.

He'll be spoiled if I baby him like a kid.

I made him come to Seoul.

I can't slack off in teaching him. I need to make him the best.

Competition life is too sad if

you're not top dog.

THE 7TH DAEWANG TOURNAMENT FIRST PRELIMINARY ROUND

[gentle music playing]

[stones clattering]

[ticking]

[ticking echoes]

[ticking slows down]

[laughing]

I mean, he keeps staring at the board like it'll magically move or something.

You know, I thought he was falling asleep during the match.

- [laughs] - [sighs]

You know, the kid plays Go like he's pushing 60 years old.

- He's lost two rounds in a row. - Aish!

- Hey, Pro Noh, how much did you lose? - A couple hundred.

Hmm.

I'm losing all my earnings on bets like this.

I heard he was Cho's student, so I thought he'd be winning more.

I mean, he used to be a bright kid, so why's he been getting worse?

And his personality is getting weirder too.

[man] Champion Cho probably hounds him all day and night with that temper of his.

And he's living with him too, so it makes sense.

[Chang-ho] Grandpa...

Seonsaengnim Cho's Go is flashy and strong,

but it doesn't suit me.

I'm going to find my own Go,

something no one else can replicate, even if it takes time.

[Hoon-hyun] That's not it!

The geima at the top right corner, attach, push at the top edge, extending.

Where is everything I've taught you?

Honey.

- It's getting late. - Leave us.

You can't win all the time.

He's already upset about the loss, you know.

Stay out of it, please.

[crickets chirping]

You hold when you should push and push when you should hold.

Why are you offbeat?

[inhales deeply]

I thought the variables would increase with a fight,

so it'd be better to wait until--

I told you.

Go isn't about compromising and building territories.

Instead, you need to bite, scratch, and claw!

That's not my style, seonsaengnim. That is what you would do.

Don't give me lip--

Style?

Play style?

Lose and none of that stuff matters!

Learn to play! Follow the pattern.

[inhales] Does everyone in the world need to play Go the same as you?

All I'm saying is there's an order!

You need to have a reason for every stone you put down.

A reason behind every retreat.

You can't make your own style or anything without the basics!

[sighs]

[sighs] It's the same here.

It's only natural to extend over here, so why would you retreat? Why?

Why are you so defiant?

I know that might be what's right, but there is a...

small chance tables turn.

And if I make this move,

I'm one hundred percent sure

that I'll keep half a point.

A hundred percent?

Chang-ho, how many times did I tell you

staking out territories in the center becomes too much of a risk!

I'm sure that you're right, but...

[inhales deeply]

...I thought I could do the calculations, so...

[stones clattering]

...uh, I experimented here.

Experimented?

You think Go is a piece of cake.

You disregard the basics, use petty tricks instead,

and stubbornly cling to your own ideas.

[sighs]

Let's stop.

There's no point in getting angry when you don't want to learn.

[door closes]

[somber music playing]

[Chang-ho] And if I make this move,

I'm one hundred percent sure

that I'll keep half a point.

[Hoon-hyun] Those who play first, have the advantage in Go.

When players of the same rank play,

the first player is disadvantaged five and a half points.

That's called komi.

[sighs]

[uplifting music playing]

The half a point here is to prevent a tie,

and such a thing does not actually exist on the board.

It's the minimum unit deciding a match

and does not visibly exist on the board.

Perhaps, this kid is seeing something else here.

BLACK WINS BY 1.5 POINTS

[music continues]

RESPECTFULLY YOURS, CHANG-HO

SIR, AUNTIE, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING SORRY TO DISAPPOINT YOU

[sighs]

[woman] Yes, where to?

9:40 bus to Jeonju, please.

[man] All right, 9:40 bus to Jeonju!

SEOUL - JEONJU

The 9:40 bus is now leaving!

Okay, okay, anyone else boarding?

Okay, we have everyone, right?

Aigo!

- Seonsaengnim. - [Hoon-hyun grunts softly]

[grunts]

[grunts]

[slurping]

Yesterday,

the half point you talked about,

it turns out you weren't completely wrong.

It doesn't make it right, though.

I just

haven't found the right move yet.

Go doesn't have answers,

but I was forcing you to give me one.

I'm sorry.

Better to walk steady

than try to run and wobble.

You found your Go. That's good enough.

If that's the decision you've made,

take responsibility.

In both Go

and in life.

Understand?

[breathing emotionally]

[hopeful music playing]

Your fighting spirit is eighty percent.

Even if you lose, you can't let them take you in spirit.

It's better to hide it.

Your thoughts, emotions, your breathing.

Do not show vulnerability to your opponent.

I know, but, um, it's not easy to do.

[exhales] Think about something familiar and comfortable.

[inhales deeply]

Something that just relaxes you by thinking of it.

The match is over the moment you lose your composure.

[sighs]

[music continues]

Don't view the stones by color.

Every move needs a reason behind it.

Territories

come into form naturally and cannot be built with force.

Take care of each and every stone.

At some point,

the stones will have moved towards harmony.

[stones clattering]

29TH CHOEGOWI FINAL PRELIMINARY

[sighs]

[Pro Cheon] Champion Cho, aren't you going up?

Don't have to.

Aigo. Mr. Chang-ho just had to end up with Pro Ko again, the old-timer.

- [stones clattering] - [Hoon-hyun] Hey, don't worry about him.

[chuckles softly] You should be figuring out how to survive Chang-ho.

He's an odd one.

Doesn't even review his games properly, but he somehow keeps getting better.

[exhales]

His opening is sloppy and his haengma is slow,

but he somehow builds a position.

His calculations might be better than mine.

So does he still play like he's a 60-year-old grandfather?

No.

Like he's 80.

[all laugh]

[uplifting music playing]

[Chang-ho] I'm going to protect half a point for certainty

rather than make a whole point through a fight.

In the end, Go is a fight for territories.

[sighs]

Grandpa, I think I've finally found my own Go.

It's a bit rough,

and it's not flashy like Seonsaengnim Cho's,

but it's going to be impossible for anyone to beat.

[music crescendoes]

[music ends]

[sizzling]

[Pro Cheon chortles]

- [man] That's good. - Yeah, that's a good piece.

[chuckles]

[exclaims, chuckles]

The energy must be excellent here at Yeonhui-dong, right?

Two soaring professional players under the same roof.

[grunts]

Chang-ho, sir, congratulations!

You're making good time, already heading to finals!

Shouldn't we take a photograph to remember this?

Pro Cheon, could you take a family photo for us?

[laughing] Yeah.

Now...

One, two!

Chang-ho, come on, kid, smile.

Why do you look so sad?

What? He's smiling really big.

Yeah, he's smiling.

- Oh, really? - Yes.

O-Okay, then, here we go. Ready?

- One, two, three! - [camera clicks]

But I think

it'd be better for the white to bend this way here.

That could be a good move, but...

I'm thinking it could leave an opening.

Still, it'd be simple to cut off.

You're not even leaping there,

you'd rather take the long way around.

I don't love it, but...

[inhales deeply] ...well, no one will be judging me for it, either.

Who are you playing?

I'm playing Pro Nam Gi-cheol.

[chuckles softly]

I'm, uh... I'm worried about it.

I mean, his Go is fierce, but you know this, of course.

He's persistent.

If you start to back down, he'll think you're weak and start attacking.

You need to come at him strong.

I'm going to start in defense mode.

[sucks teeth] You little punk!

[chuckles softly]

You told me I should find my own Go.

Should I stand back?

Believe in me.

Okay.

Think of it as a lesson. Don't be nervous.

Okay.

I'm going...

I'm going to beat him.

23RD WANGWI COMPETITION FINALS 12TH ROUND

[pensive music playing]

[stones clattering]

[man] Nam 9-dan, black.

Lee 3-dan, white.

Let the match begin.

29TH CHOEGOWI MATCH CHALLENGER SELECTION

NAM GI-CHEOL 9-DAN VS LEE CHANG-HO 3-DAN

[stones clattering]

[stones clattering]

Mr. Lee.

- [gasps] Oh! My goodness. - [laughs]

Why don't we go to the review room, have some fresh coffee?

Ah, no. I won't understand anything anyway.

- It's all right. - Ah. [chuckles]

[music continues]

[stones clattering]

[stone clacks on board]

[stones clattering]

[stone clacks on board]

[stones clattering]

[inhales deeply]

[exhales smoke]

[stones clattering]

Cho 9-dan, ten minutes left.

Oh, uh... uh...

Okay...

I... Well, uh...

[woman] No-count win for white, Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan.

Oh, Pro Baek.

Thank you for the lesson.

- Hey, Champion Cho. - [Pro Lee clears throat]

The black seems to be at an advantage.

Oh, and what would you know about that?

Didn't you get crushed too?

I didn't get crushed, you punk. I was drunk that day.

Here's the record to the 115th move.

Mm-hmm.

[sighs]

[chuckles softly]

[sucks teeth] Shouldn't have cut that. Hmm.

If I took it...

[Chang-ho] Push one and expand to the center.

[Gi-cheol inhales deeply]

[grunts, exhales]

[clicks tongues, inhales sharply]

A game between you and Champion Cho will be worth watching.

Hmm?

You're better than your teacher in closing.

Congratulations.

[clears throat]

Expert Nam collapsed at the end.

See, man? Chang-ho's just strong. I'm not weak. [chuckles]

[Pro Lee] Something about that energy in Yeonhui-dong.

29TH CHOEGOWI TOURNAMENT

LEE CHANG-HO

CHALLENGER

[chuckles]

[pensive music playing]

[laughs] Oh my.

I cannot believe that this match has come so quickly.

CHOEGOWI FINAL LEE CHANG-HO VS CHO HOON-HYUN

He won his way up. What can I say?

What happens if Chang-ho actually beats ya?

Oh yeah? Please.

In ten years, maybe.

[train brakes squealing]

[announcer over PA] Please watch your step while exiting the train.

Doors closing.

[train door hissing close]

WINS THE YING SHIBEI CUP! UNIFIES THE WORLD!

[gentle music playing]

CHO HOON-HYUN VS SEO GEON-WOO

[Chang-ho] Seonsaengnim's haengma is weak

when he's been attacked in a game.

When the framework expands, his check is always weak.

[sighs]

Seonsaengnim, dinner's ready.

- [book thuds] - Yeah.

Ah, here's the book.

[exhales sharply] Hey, uh, honey, come on, you should talk to him.

You're his seonsaengnim, right?

What do you want me to...

Did you sleep well? Are you okay?

I'm good, Auntie.

Don't get hung up on winning.

Just play your own way.

Yes.

CHALLENGE MATCH LAST ROUND

- Is that the car? - Yes, it is.

FEBRUARY 2ND 1990 KOREA BADUK ASSOCIATION, GWANCHEOL-DONG

- They came in the same car. - Get a photo!

[reporter 1] Champion Cho, will you open aggressively today as well?

Will you go easy on your student?

- [reporters clamoring] - [sighs] Wait, wait.

[exhales]

[grunts]

You'll do well.

Thanks.

[anticipatory music playing]

[cameras clicking]

[music continues]

Choose your stones, please.

Lee 4-dan, black. Cho 9-dan, white.

Let the game begin.

29TH CHOEGOWI CHALLENGE MATCH LAST ROUND

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN VS LEE CHANG-HO 4-DAN

COUNTDOWN

[clicks]

[music continues]

[stones clattering]

[lighter clicks]

[cameras clicking]

Hey, let's see.

[reporter] Pro Cheon, how many moves have been made?

[Pro Cheon] Just a sec. Reporters, please!

I haven't taken a look at it yet.

Ack, later, please! People!

- Sure! Sure! - [clamoring continues]

Yeah, later, later. Okay. All right.

Jeez.

Ugh, it's so hectic.

Whoa, it's a fierce opening from Champion Cho.

See? It's an onslaught from the beginning.

Oh my. He's being so ruthless against his young student. Right?

- [Pro Lee] That's really brutal of him. - Huh.

[pensive music playing]

TIME SPENT

LEE CHANG-HO 2 HOURS 10 MINUTES CHO HOON-HYUN 50 MINUTES

[timer ticking]

This game will resume again after lunch.

[ticking stops]

Should I have just taken it?

A knight's jump, then a two-space extension.

[sighs] Maybe I should have given up a point.

[clears throat] Great-grandpa, when did you get here?

Oh, this morning.

Ah. [chuckles]

Oh, but Chang-ho seems off his game today.

Oh, he was ruthless playing against me last time. [chuckles]

What's this discrimination about?

[both chuckle]

Oh, ask Seonsaengnim to go easy on you, cut you some slack. [laughs]

What are you talking about? A match is a match.

He is such a...

Oh, good, food's here. [chuckles]

[chuckling]

Oh, careful, this is hot. It's hot.

Oh, oh, oh.

- [man] Hey, waitress! - [woman] Some water, please.

[Hoon-hyun grunts]

[dishes clatter]

[water boiling]

[stones clattering]

[stone clacks on board]

[stones clattering]

[paper flipping]

[flipping loudly]

[coughing]

[exhaust fan whirring noisily]

[water boiling loudly]

[emphasized ticking]

- [tense music playing] - [ticking fast]

[Chang- ho exhales]

[sighs]

[inhales deeply]

[exhales]

Huh, Mr. Chang-ho seems to be making small mistakes today.

We can't compete with him, so how could a kid do that?

It's his seonsaengnim. He looks up to him.

[tense music continues]

[stones clicking]

TIME SPENT

LEE CHANG-HO 3 HOURS 51 MINUTES CHO HOON-HYUN 1 HOUR 43 MINUTES

[music continues]

[Hoon-hyun] Think about something familiar and comfortable.

Something that just relaxes you by thinking of it.

The match is over the moment you lose your composure.

[music continues]

[clocks ticking]

[clock winding]

[clocks continue ticking]

[clock striking]

- [clock striking louder] - [clock ticking louder]

[ticking and striking echoes]

[ticking and striking stops]

[tense music continues]

[ticking]

[stones clattering]

[beeps]

[music continues]

TIME SPENT

LEE CHANG-HO 3 HOURS 53 MINUTES CHO HOON-HYUN 2 HOURS 58 MINUTES

[tense music continues]

[music fades]

[man] Cho 9-dan.

One,

two,

three,

four,

five,

six,

- seven... - [water boiling]

...eight,

nine,

ten.

TIME SPENT

LEE CHANG-HO 4 HOURS 50 MINUTES CHO HOON-HYUN 5 HOURS

[man] Cho 9-dan, you have two byoyomi left.

[inhales deeply]

[exhales]

[contemplative music playing]

[stones clattering]

[stones clattering]

[inhales sharply]

[music continues]

[stone clatters]

[gulping]

[glass thuds on table]

[sighs]

[sighs loudly]

[stone clatters]

[sighs loudly, laughs]

[man] I don't know. We'll know when it ends.

- [Gi-cheol] If this goes right... - [Pro Lee] Huh?

[exhales] ...we might see a real coup here.

A coup d'état?

- Really? - [man] Coup d'état?

Oh, let's not do this. Let's go see for ourselves.

- [clamoring] - Hurry up! Hurry!

- Run! Run! Run! - What's going on?

Let me see! Let me see!

[clamoring]

- [speaking indistinctly] - [man shushing] Quiet.

[man shushing]

[tense music playing]

Is it done?

[music continues]

[Pro Cheon] Black wins by half a point!

At 271 moves!

Hey, no, I said black.

Listen! It's Lee Chang-ho that won!

[camera clicks]

[contemplative music continues]

[music fades]

Um, it's so late. The restaurants will be closing soon.

- Champion Cho. - Huh?

- [sighs] - [people murmuring]

[inhales deeply]

[exhales]

A word for your student, and his victory?

Champion Cho, can I get a comment?

I've got nothing more to teach him.

- He can go his own way now. - [reporter chuckles]

Where do you think the match went wrong?

- Excuse me. - [reporter 2] Uh, Champion Cho!

You'll likely face Lee 4-dan in the Kisei too.

How do you plan to prepare for that match, Champion Cho?

First of all, congratulations. How are you feeling?

I'm sorry to my seonsaengnim...

I won with a bad game.

[somber music playing]

[exhales shakily]

[dog barking in distance]

[Hoon-hyun's wife] You're late.

[exhales]

How did it go?

[door closes]

[chuckles]

Chang-ho, you did so well.

Congrats.

Thank you, Auntie.

Yes, good work, all right?

You must be exhausted. Go rest.

Okay.

[Chang-ho] Grandpa.

Did you see me win today?

You know, I...

wanted to win so much.

Through my own style.

[inhales shakily]

[sobbing]

[sniffles]

[sobbing]

[exhales]

[music fades]

[bicycle bell rings]

A HALF-POINT WIN SENSATION IN THE WORLD OF GO

YOUNGEST CHAMP, LEE CHANG-HO

[groans]

That boy, well... [sighs]

[stones clattering]

[Hoon-hyun exhales]

Should I have wedged it?

[sighs]

[inhales deeply]

[sighs loudly]

- [knocking on door] - [gasps]

Oh.

Seonsaengnim.

Um, our review?

Oh, yes. We should.

REVIEW: TO REPLAY A FINISHED GAME AND GO OVER THE MOVES

Weather's good. Let's go out there.

[stone clacks on board]

What if I defend right here?

That's not bad either,

but here is better...

[stones clattering]

...and expand the center.

The black's heavy.

[exhales]

[inhales sharply]

Or maybe...

if I wedge it like this?

[breathes deeply]

[inhales deeply]

Mmm...

[inhales sharply] Uh...

[exhales]

Hmm. That shape doesn't look good there.

You could defend this side instead. Here.

Or maybe attach it over here first.

I don't think this is bad right here.

We could do atari here, push through,

and attach.

No, not there. It's going to leave a bad aftertaste.

[stone clacks on board]

And no need to look further here.

[sighs]

Seonsaengnim.

[breathes deeply]

[inhales deeply]

I'm sorry.

About yesterday.

What?

When I'm across the board.

Am I seonsaengnim to you?

Uh, no.

You're my enemy.

Winning a game doesn't mean the world has changed.

Don't become deluded.

Go professionals win and lose every day, and that's our fate.

Arrogant punk.

From now on, let's not review games we've played.

[door opens, closes]

[breathing deeply]

[groans]

[breathing heavily]

[sighs]

[exhales]

[exhales]

[dramatic music playing]

FOURTH KISEI CHALLENGE MATCH LAST ROUND

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN VS LEE CHANG-HO 6-DAN

[Pro Cheon] It's the 27th game between them.

It's a world-shaking event

that will go down in Korean Go history.

It's unprecedented.

Yes. The Daewang, the Kisei,

the Paewang, the Choegowi, and now, Kiwang.

THE 33RD CHOEGOWI CHALLENGE MATCH LAST ROUND

The student and the teacher are meeting for the finals of all five cups.

[Pro Baek] This is all because of Lee Chang-ho 6-dan.

He's moving so quickly.

Cho 9-dan probably didn't expect him to rise so quickly, either.

[moderator] Recent games have shown Cho 9-dan backed into a corner.

Cho 9-dan's knife is famous for its sharpness.

It penetrates your weak spots mercilessly.

But it seems

it's not working on Lee Chang-ho 6-dan.

Yes, Mr. Lee 6-dan lets his opponents do as they like.

But, when they're done, and they realize they've lost,

it leaves them dumbstruck.

[Pro Baek] One professional player told me he's scared to face Cho 9-dan.

As for Chang-ho, he doesn't even want to look at him.

[Pro Cheon] As everyone knows, the two have completely different styles of play.

The teacher is fast, and the student is slow.

The student holds, and the teacher fights.

Looking only at recent games,

they seem to have switched their styles.

It is now the teacher who's on the defense

while the student is on the offense.

[moderator] Cho 9-dan must be struggling immensely to change this trend.

I agree, but the problem is, Lee Chang-ho isn't just good at defense.

He was absolutely ruthless yesterday.

Cho Hoon-hyun, Go's best, hasn't once extended his hand.

- [reporter 1] Could I have a comment? - [reporter 2] Cho 9-dan!

- [reporter 3] Sir! Sir! - [reporter 4] Cho 9-dan!

[reporter 5] Lee 6-dan, first of all, congratulations.

Could you tell us how you're feeling?

[reporters clamoring]

[moderator] There's only the Paewang left now.

If Cho 9-dan loses there, he'll have won no cups.

GO SPECIAL FORUM

So how do you all think that the next upcoming game will go?

[Pro Cheon] Lee Chang-ho is in great spirits,

but this is Cho Hoon-hyun, the King of Go.

You can see he won't back down easily here.

Yes, that's right.

Mr. Fujisawa 9-dan of Japan,

this man won himself a cup when he was well into his sixties.

Oh, let's not be daft here.

There wasn't a Lee Chang-ho in Japan!

WINS THE YING SHIBEI CUP! UNIFIES THE WORLD!

[dramatic music playing]

Lee Chang-ho is changing the paradigm of Go.

1250 This is what the fans of Go are saying.

Go is a sport where you can fight all day, only for Lee Chang-ho to win in the end.

[stones clatter]

[huffing]

ETERNAL KINGDOM FALLEN BY HALF-POINT CHO ON THE EDGE OF A CLIFF

29TH PAEWANG CHALLENGE MATCH FOURTH ROUND

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN VS LEE CHANG-HO 6-DAN

[stones clattering]

[music continues]

[breathing heavily]

[music fades]

[grunts]

- Oh. - Champion Cho!

- Over there, tissue. Please, tissue. - Oh.

[breathing heavily]

[birds chirping]

Cho seonsaengnim. We'll be heading out.

[Hoon-hyun's wife] Oh, yes. Have a safe trip home.

[sighs] Terrible situation.

For you and for Chang-ho.

[breathes deeply]

[slurping]

Stomach bothering you?

I feel awful.

For my seonsaengnim, you know.

Also for my Auntie.

Well...

would you rather lose?

Then give it your best and win.

What else can you do?

- [footsteps treading] - [dog barking in distance]

[sighs]

[exhales] You're back?

[Hoon-hyun sighs]

[exhales]

There was a time you couldn't tie your shoes,

but now you're a professional.

It's time

for you to stand alone.

You've surpassed me already.

It makes no sense to keep you as my student.

I'm not there yet.

There's still so much I don't know that I should be learning from you.

[sighs] Well, not from me.

I really should have sent you away much sooner.

Though winning and losing is a part of our lives,

it's been hard for both of us,

living in the same house,

fighting across the board.

I'm sorry, seonsaengnim.

I didn't teach you that.

The pro's job is to win, no matter the opponent.

[sighs]

You've taught me a lot these days, as well.

I'm learning that I can lose at any time, now.

[breathes deeply]

You'll do fine without me,

but after you leave, don't be lazy.

[breathes deeply]

Thinking about it,

I never once complimented you in all this time you've been here with us.

Your seonsaengnim...

has always been very proud of you.

You were...

always my pride.

[door opens]

[door closes]

- [emotional music playing] - [breathing emotionally]

Here's yeolmu kimchi for you.

Uh, Chang-ho really likes it.

Oh, thank you.

[man] Okay, we're done.

Chang-ho.

Let me have a big hug.

Eat well, okay? Come visit us too.

I will. Thanks, Auntie.

[emotional music continues]

[Hoon-hyun's wife] Dress warmly. Come by for side dishes when you run out.

[man 1] Sir, thank you so much for everything.

[man 2] It was nothing.

[man 1] Please, be well.

[man 2] Yes, you too. Have a safe journey.

Seonsaengnim.

Thank you so much for everything.

Oh...

Your seonsaengnim gave this to you.

WHITE CHO HYEON-SIK VS BLACK LEE CHANG-HO BLACK WINS BY 1.5 POINTS

[emotional music continues]

[sobbing]

[man] The Great Cho Hoon-hyun without a single cup.

[scoffs] He's getting devoured by the tiger cub he raised.

- Who can he blame? - [urinating]

Still, it must sting.

Yeah, we make more money when the matches are basically neck-and-neck,

and not like this, huh?

We won't make much commission this way.

On Chang-ho, let's lower the payout.

One, two, three, four, five...

19TH KIWANG FINALS CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN VS NAM GI-CHEOL 9-DAN

- ...six, seven, eight, nine, ten. - [breathes deeply]

Cho 9-dan, runs out of time.

Nam 9-dan wins by default.

[clicks]

[breathes deeply]

[door opens]

[door closes]

The kids?

- Not home yet? - Mm-mm.

How was the game?

I lost.

I'll live with you if you lose...

but not if you're pathetic.

[inhales deeply] Stop running from what's real.

I never resented either of you

during all of those years we took care of Chang-ho.

But seeing you like this...

I'm resenting him now.

[sighs] Don't be pathetic.

[whirring]

Ah.

Oh. Hey, Champion Lee, it's been a long time! [chuckles]

You eat?

Well, if you didn't, let's go get something.

No thanks, I'm not really hungry yet.

[Pro Baek] I'm sure he's full.

He's gorged himself on all those championship titles,

and devoured his seonsaengnim. [scoffs]

Hey, what do you mean he devoured him? You take that back.

Why are you getting so upset?

Why don't you laugh?

It's a joke.

[laughs]

[sighs]

Oh, it must be nice, Pro Lee, huh? Wow. You're photogenic too.

THE STUDENT WHO STABBED HIS TEACHER IN THE BACK

ANOTHER FORFEIT WILL CHO HOON-HYUN RETIRE?

[man] Wow, you could be a model, really.

[phone ringing in distance]

- Why don't we have intestine soup? - [stones rattling]

- It's been a while. - Mmm, okay.

- How about a drink to go with it? - Well, then what should I do?

Huh?

Pro Baek, if you were me, what would you do?

Should I just lose?

Hey. [chuckles] What are you asking me for?

[chuckles]

That's what I was taught. That a pro's job is to win.

You must not have ever met a good teacher to learn from yet, Pro Baek.

You're such a...

Your mouth is getting ahead of you now.

You're not laughing.

I was joking a bit, too.

What?

A joke. He's joking.

Champion Lee, let's go. Come on.

[tsks]

A forfeit? The Great Cho Hoon-hyun?

- You should have at least shown up! - [Hoon-hyun] Hmm.

[Pro Cheon] Do you know how much your wife worries about you?

And Chang-ho?

He doesn't talk about it,

but think of how uncomfortable this is for him as well.

[rain pattering]

[gentle music playing]

Hey, what are you doing that for? You're a lightweight.

Hey, Champion Cho.

Huh?

[gulping]

[Pro Lee scoffs]

[glass thuds on table]

[exhales]

My knife's rusted.

[glass thuds on table]

Hold on. You don't have an umbrella.

Hey, Champion Cho!

[music continues]

[exhales]

[gags]

[retching]

[groans]

[groans]

[retching]

[grunts, groans]

[grunting softly]

[exhales]

CHO HOON-HYUN VS LEE CHANG-HO NO-COUNT WIN BY LEE

[clears throat]

[papers rustling]

[rain pattering]

[tuts] I'd be upset if you bowed down to something as small as this.

You have stabbed me at least a hundred times now, in my back.

[sighs]

Everyone hurts when they've been punched.

[tuts] Chang-ho must have it hard.

The poor kid's suffering.

He met the wrong teacher.

He can't even try to laugh even while he's winning.

He's not done learning from you.

You need to challenge him, so that he'll grow stronger.

The game of Go is so odd.

Once you place a stone,

you feel like you can do it,

but the first stone is the hardest.

I thought I understood the game, but... [sighs]

You have to endure that, to win.

The wound oozes, scabs over, and then new flesh covers the wound.

You keep biting down,

and you'll find an opportunity.

Champion Cho.

Once you start avoiding your opponent on the board,

there's nowhere left to go.

[gentle music continues]

Act like yourself.

Being small and quiet

does not suit you at all.

[music continues]

[music fades]

[hopeful music playing]

[exhales]

GO IS ABOUT TRYING TO FIND AN ANSWER WHEN THERE ARE NO ANSWERS

KENSAKU SEGOE (CHO HOON-HYUN'S MASTER)

[sighs]

[music continues]

GO IS A FIGHT AGAINST YOURSELF JULY 1964, CHO HOON-HYUN

[chuckles softly]

[man] Oh, I'm full. That was great.

Pro Baek, early congrats on your win.

I didn't see Champion Cho today.

Don't congratulate me. This leaves a bad taste even when I win.

Ugh, now's the moment to face off against Cho Hoon-hyun and crush him.

[men laugh]

- He's scared and lost his nerve. - He's off the deep end.

[laughing]

[stops laughing]

[paper rustling]

[Hoon-hyun] Oh, Pro Baek, you've arrived.

So,

have you had a good meal, sir?

[spits out toothpick]

[indistinct chatter]

ONE YEAR LATER

SECOND WOMEN'S GUKSU CUP FINALS

Huh? Seonsaengnim.

Oh, you. Hey, let me help you with that.

Oh, no, it's okay. I'll do it.

[grunts]

Seonsaengnim.

Today's game...

You're embarrassing. Wow. [chuckles]

Punk, I won. Oh man.

Aigo! Look at me, in the preliminaries.

[scoffs]

I saw your latest game.

You still won't put up a fight, will you?

Because I can win without fighting.

So why should I risk it by fighting?

You're not avoiding that because you're fearful?

Of course I'm not.

Whose student am I, huh?

Yeah. Well, look at me lecturing to a higher player.

[sighs]

[announcer] Lee Chang-ho 7-dan wins a no-count win

and succeeds defending his title of Daewang.

He has 19 consecutive competition wins...

What matters is how many consecutive wins Lee Chang-ho gets, you know what I mean?

[announcer] The Paewang will be held in 15 days...

[scoffs] You don't have to watch to know Lee will win three to zero.

- Cho Hoon-hyun is a has-been now. - [laughs]

[announcer] Cho 9-dan, who's been going through a slump

won through a variety of preliminaries and finals,

and now will challenge Lee 7-dan once again.

Lee 7-dan...

[door closes]

- Hello. [chuckles] - You're here.

- We're all done. - Okay.

- Hey, he's all mic'd up, yes? - Yes.

[chuckles]

Champion Cho. You can skip this if you want you.

Should I?

- Huh? - [laughs] I'm joking.

It's time I did one. It's been a while.

Come on. [chuckles]

First of all, congratulations.

You were voted the most popular Go player... [chuckles]

...by the fans.

How do you feel about it?

If I knew it'd be like this, I would have lost much sooner. [chuckles]

When I was champion, I was hated so much.

[both laugh]

Well, the records show you've played 110 matches last year alone.

You've been playing practically once every three days,

including all the preliminaries and the finals.

In the past, you must have gotten used to waiting as the defending champion.

It's been rough.

[smacks lips]

Although, it makes the match more exhilarating when a single...

[smacks lips] ...loss could send you down that cliff.

Fun, in a way.

It was refreshing going against those young rookies too.

Lately, Lee Chang-ho 7-dan is on a roll.

They say you're not a professional until you lose to him.

Let's end the interview with your intentions.

Any messages for Lee 7-dan, your student and opponent in the final?

[breathes deeply]

Ah, Lee Chang-ho, he's my opponent.

And even if I have to go against him,

I plan on giving it my absolute best.

[smacks lips] It's now my turn to challenge him as he once did me.

[anticipatory music playing]

CHO HOON-HYUN RETURNS!

[stones clattering]

[stone clacks on board]

[stones clattering]

[music continues]

[stones clattering]

[stones clattering]

31ST PAEWANG CUP CHALLENGE MATCH LAST ROUND

CHO HOON-HYUN 9-DAN VS LEE CHANG-HO 7-DAN

- [stone clacks on board] - [timer clicks]

- [stone clacks on board] - [timer clicks]

[timer clicks]

[timer clicks]

[timer clicks]

[timer clicks]

[stone clacks on board]

[stone clacks on board]

[timer clicks]

This is the final game, and both sides have two wins each,

I was thinking the game would begin in a cautious manner,

but it's going extremely quickly,

and the opening so far is the same as the fourth match.

Like they've choreographed their moves.

It's very heated, with neither of them backing down.

They're both shouting their way of Go is correct.

[moderator] Lee Chang-ho 7-dan is known as "The God of Calculation."

Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan won the very first two matches

but lost the next two, and is now standing at the edge of a cliff.

The matches between the once student and teacher continue in this pattern,

with comeback wins now a signature of Lee Chang-ho 7-dan's.

[Gi-cheol] Cho Hoon-hyun 9-dan's challenge is to keep his composure 'til the end.

[music continues]

[moderator] Cho 9-dan's interesting.

It's customary to take and strengthen right here.

Cho 9-dan placed his stone here.

Hasn't Cho 9-dan's Go become much sharper and acute

since he's bounced back from hitting rock bottom?

His new nickname is "The God of War."

[Gi-cheol] From that perspective, it seems Cho 9-dan is planning to incite a fight.

How will Lee 7-dan respond?

[moderator] Oh, Lee 7-dan makes a hit!

He's capturing.

He doesn't seem to have any intention to compromise. Unusual.

It doesn't seem Cho 9-dan expected this either.

[anticipatory music continues]

[stones clattering]

Lee Chang-ho 7-dan strikes back against Cho 9-dan's wave of attacks.

[stones clatter]

Cho 9-dan shakes up the center.

It doesn't seem like Lee Chang-ho will have to rise to the attack.

Wow, Lee Chang-ho jumping in!

They don't dare move their eyes from the board.

All they care about is the battle!

Neither the teacher nor the student

will give an inch when it comes to the match.

[music intensifies]

This battle is truly chilling.

They're fighting like they're mortal enemies.

Lee Chang-ho 7-dan is deep in thought.

He's probably running tens of thousands of possible sequences in his head.

[music continues]

[stones clattering]

Oh, Lee Chang-ho suddenly makes a sharp jab.

Cho 9-dan has to be aching.

Overall, the white seems to be at an advantage.

What are you thinking, Nam 9-dan?

Champion Cho is starting fights here and there,

but Chan-ho's walls are just too thick.

[Gi-cheol] It seems Lee Chang-ho 7-dan is ahead

by three and a half or four and a half points so far.

[moderator] Yes. This intense match is entering its final endgame.

If Lee Chang-ho 7-dan wins today,

he'll become the second winner of all cups, following his teacher.

Lee Chang-ho 7-dan is almost there.

[stones clattering]

Oh, is he making a counterattack in this situation?

Is Cho 9-dan planning to capture in this area?

[sucks teeth] It won't be easy.

It's Lee Chang-ho he's facing, after all.

His defense is strong.

It's Lee Chang-ho. A good position?

Oh yes, he's staged a defense and attacked a vital spot.

[sucks teeth]

It's very Lee Chang-ho.

[moderator] Cho 9-dan is now on the defensive.

How will he get out of this difficult situation?

[Hoon-hyun exhales]

[moderator] Cho 9-dan has never once been at an advantage during this game.

[anticipatory music continues]

[stones clattering]

Oh, what was that move? Did that make any sense?

[Pro Baek] What? He's going to jump more here?

Whoa, it's too reckless.

There is nothing supporting it.

[stones clattering]

[moderator] Oh, Lee Chang-oh 7-dan retreated.

I think it'd be better to bend here and capture one point, instead, right?

What does that do?

Is there perhaps something more to Cho 9-dan's move?

I'm perplexed.

What are they up to? There's something else going on.

[contemplative music playing]

[Hoon-hyun] Vital points are painful.

The points where once you get hit, you can't move and can only gasp.

More stones on the board mingling,

result in more vital points.

My vital point is

my opponent's vital point.

- Wait just a minute. - [moderator] Okay.

I see it. It's complete genius.

Black falls here, white does an atari,

black connects, then the white extends here.

And in the end, black inevitably gets the initiative.

It's an exquisite victory bid by Cho 9-dan.

The teacher is finally twisting the student's arm!

If this works, Cho 9-dan might actually turn the game around.

[Gi-cheol] It takes two to play Go.

A single genius player can't create a good game of Go by himself.

[tense music playing]

This match is one that will go down in history.

[moderator] Lee Chang-ho bends on the left side.

Cho 9-dan blocks decisively.

[music continues]

[stone cracking]

Oh-oh-oh, the stone statue just winced, oh my!

Lee Chang-ho is human after all!

[stone clacks on board]

Huh?

[anticipatory music playing]

[stones clattering]

[stones clattering]

[exhales]

Lee Chang-ho resigns!

Cho Hoon-hyun just blocked Lee Chang-ho from a grand slam!

Cho Hoon-hyun has won!

Cho Hoon-hyun, who rose again and again after 15 losses,

finally leaves the hellish tunnel that is Lee Chang-ho!

Cho 9-dan becomes the Paewang and escapes champion title exile!

- [laughs] - [moderator] Everyone!

We welcome back the King!

[all cheering]

[cameras clicking]

[music continues]

WINNER

29TH PAEWANG CHALLENGE WINNER

[music fades]

Have a safe journey back.

Oh, here.

Here, uh...

Well, it didn't feel right throwing it out.

It's still usable. Here.

[breathes deeply]

TAXI

Cut, throw-in, then bend,

atari, then cover...

[sighs]

GO IS FINDING AN ANSWER WHEN THERE ARE NO ANSWERS

GO IS A FIGHT AGAINST YOURSELF JULY 1964, CHO HOON-HYUN

[chuckles softly]

NOVEMBER 16, 1998 42ND GUKSU CUP EVE EVENT

[Pro Cheon] Now, let's wrap up the pictures

and start the press conference.

If the reporters could all please move to their designated seats.

First, the Guksu title has come to represent you in a way,

and so you must be feeling very emotional.

You get a title,

and can have it taken from you. That's how it goes, right?

Or it could be my age.

But I'm more interested in...

leaving behind a legacy game record in my name.

Cho 9-dan, you've been on winning streak recently.

What is your secret formula?

[sighs] Well...

Uh...

Well, don't they say the, uh, sun shines the brightest

right before it begins to set?

I expect it will be subsiding sometime soon. [chuckles]

What's your take, Lee 9-dan ?

[people chuckling]

He definitely stopped making mistakes in the closing

ever since he stopped smoking.

Smoking must have been the problem.

[all laugh]

[reporter] Ha! Thank you.

Uh, finally, do either of you have a map in your mind for tomorrow's match?

Hmm...

Chang-ho's gotten a taste for comeback wins,

so he let me have the first round,

but now that we're going for it, I'll make tomorrow's match a lesson.

[chuckles]

I think that the one match was lesson enough.

[inhales deeply]

Many are rooting for my seonsaengnim Cho's victory,

though I am not planning to give him the championship title so easily either.

[breathes deeply]

[inspirational music playing]

[Hoon-hyun] Chang-ho, you again?

[Chang-ho] Yes, seonsaengnim.

[Hoon-hyun] Ha, what can you do?

This is the match.

MUSHIM: TO EMPTY OUT ONE'S HEART

[stones clatter]

SEONG-EUI: TO GIVE ALL ONE'S HEART

[music continues]

[stone clacks on board]

[stones clattering]

[music continues]

[birds chirping]

[inspirational music continues]

NOVEMBER 17, 1998

CHO HOON-HYUN TAKES BACK THE GUKSU CHAMPION TITLE,

WHICH WAS HIS SYMBOL, FROM LEE CHANG-HO AFTER FIVE YEARS

THE FIRST SNOW FELL THAT DAY

LEE CHANG-HO RULED AT THE TOP OF THE INTERNATIONAL GO SCENE FOR 15 YEARS

FOLLOWING HIS TEACHER'S FOOTSTEPS

AND IS STILL CONSIDERED AS THE STRONGEST PLAYER IN HISTORY

THE TEACHER AND THE STUDENT

ARE STILL PLAYING

[inspirational music continues]

[music fades]

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