▲From left: Planning Director Im Chae-jung (임채중), Jangseong County Governor Kim Han-jong (김한종), Team Owner Park Mun-su (박문수), Captain Lee Ji-hyun (이지현), Head Coach Kim Man-su (김만수) - Head coach Kim Man-su (김만수) and captain Lee Ji-hyeon (이지현) visit Jangseong County and pledge a strong showing - Drawing on the spirit of the Hwangryong River, the team dreams of rising to become a powerhouse of Go The Jangseong Dragons of the 2026-2027 Hana Bank Korean Baduk League held their inaugural ceremony and announced a fresh start. At the "Jangseong Dragons Team Launch Ceremony" held on the 12th at Jangseong County Office in the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, Jangseong County Governor Kim Han-jong (김한종), team owner Park Mun-su (박문수), Planning Director Im Chae-jung (임채중), head coach Kim Man-su (김만수) and team captain Lee Ji-hyeon (이지현), 9 dan, were in attendance to celebrate the team's launch and wish them success. The Jangseong Dragons aim to be the first team in the history of the Korean Baduk League in which fans take a direct part. Head coach Kim Man-su (김만수) said, "This is a new kind of club, one where fans sponsor the team directly and take part in its operation," adding, "Using baduk as a medium, we will promote Jangseong County far and wide and build a team that provides real benefits to the region, including attracting tourists." The roster is centered on head coach Kim Mansu (김만수), with 9-dan Mok Jinseok (목진석) serving as both a Futures League player and head assistant coach. Lee Jihyeon (이지현), Yun Junsang (윤준상) and An Gukhyeon (안국현), all 9-dan, along with 8-dan Kim Seungjin (김승진), will compete as Baduk League players. In the Futures League, 5-dan Kim Dabin (김다빈), 3-dan Kim Jeonghyeon (김정현) and others are expected to provide depth. Team owner Park Moon-soo (박문수) said, "Jangseong is a historic town that has continued since the Goryeo period, and as the saying 'Munbulyeo Jangseong' (no scholar rivals Jangseong) suggests, it takes deep pride in learning and the spirit of the scholar. Baduk, where every move carries deep thought and wisdom and players show respect for their opponents while pondering strategy, is closely tied to Jangseong's scholarly spirit." He added, "I hope the Jangseong Dragons will grow into a team that not only achieves good results but also spreads the word about the region's history and culture and brings joy to the people of Korea." Jangseong County Governor Kim Han-jong (김한종) also congratulated the team on its launch and expressed his support and encouragement. "It is deeply meaningful to be part of the Jangseong Dragons' strong start," Governor Kim said. "I hope every player will put on great matches with pride in representing Jangseong, and the county will cheer them on with all its strength so that they can show their very best." The Jangseong Dragons, who are joining this season as an expansion team, will play their opening match against Cyber Oro on December 3. The 2026-2027 Hana Bank Korean Baduk League will be broadcast live on Baduk TV every week from Thursday to Sunday at 7 p.m., starting with the opening match. The regular-season champion will receive a prize of 50 million won, and the postseason champion 100 million won. The time control uses a cumulative-time system: the captain's match gives each player 30 minutes plus 20 seconds added per move, and the rapid games give each player 1 minute plus 15 seconds added per move.
