“I am so happy to win the game. I think I was lucky that the opponent made a mistake.”

This is probably the saying that you may hear most frequently from baduk players at the interviews. Maybe not just Baduk players, but most sports players. It is quite safe and cliché at the same time. In fact, journalists tend to nudge their interviewees to pick up some other words such as “I knew I would win. He is strong but not enough.” Or “I assure you that I am the only one who deserves this title.” Of course, no one would say like this directly unless he is really really confident with himself or doesn’t he regard other people at all. Yet, it is definitely possible to covertly express one’s confidence in a fresh way through interviews. I guess that’s what journalists are looking for.

     Among Korean players, Lee Changho 9P is well-known for his modesty and calm answers. He usually says what is exactly expected or necessary. Conversely, Kang Dongyun 9P tends to tell something unexpected and fresh. So many journalists love him and are willing to interview him. However, while Lee Changho 9P is being loved by almost all Baduk fans, some people criticize Kang 9P for being overconfident. If an answer is too safe it becomes boring and cliché, but if it goes too far it sounds arrogant. Then where is the right place between modesty and confidence?

     As a Baduk player, I grew up being naturally taught about modesty. No one wins every game. Just like people, who want to receive smiles from other people, smile to other people I always tried not to upset my opponents when I beat them. Otherwise, I would be upset by their bragging when I was beaten. I guess it is one of the chief aspects that Baduk has as an educational mean. Actually in the Baduk world, players don’t have to say anything. Only the results say.

     However, as I experience outside of baduk field little by little, I recognized that people never know what my strengths are if I don’t tell them. I think it is true that nothing is absolutely good or is nothing absolutely bad. My modesty shines when I am in front of baduk fans with good performance, but also it prevents me from expressing myself effectively. I just cannot say such things that “I am a strong professional Baduk player. I have once won a title in 2008. I speak English, have been to a dozen of other countries and constantly read diverse books.” Even if they are all true, it feels as if I am showing off too much. I instinctively want people to know about me without having told them so. Why can’t they just find out by merely looking at me?

     I took the university admission interview a few days ago. Dad drove me to the school in the morning. It is Solbridge International School of Business. Although the school doesn’t have a big campus it has very nice brand new building. Well, the school itself is brand new. Faculties are mostly from the USA or educated in the USA and the student body is comprised of variety of countries’ students.

     Anyway, I went to the school for the first time and loved there at first sight. It was modern and clean 14 story building with an international atmosphere. The waiting room for the applicants was on 10^th floor, and there were a few beverages and snacks in the room. Later, they gave all applicants a pair of sandwiches and soft drinks, too. (What an impressive welcome!) At the interview, there were 3 professors. One American and two Korean. We used only English throughout the interview though.

     You know what? I expected to be asked what Go is, but the truth was all three professors knew about it!! So I couldn’t say what I prepared. Oh, what I wrote and memorized! That is not all. One professor had known that I lost against Hyeyeon a few days before the interview!!! OMG

Well, I guess it helped me to forget the nervousness though.

     The sharpest question was that “Don’t you want to keep your career as a professional player?” What professional player would deny the dream to be a top? However I have a bigger dream. Yes, bigger than being a top. I want to work for the global Go society. I don’t know what position it would be, but whatever it is, I want that. I told the interviewers that I want to be an administration officer rather than an active player. Then one professor asked, “You mean, such as Korean Baduk Association?” so I said, “Yes. Or it could be an international organization.” Fortunately, the interviewers seemed understanding.

     The result is supposed to come up on January 22. I hope to tell you a good news then!