(Jan. 17, 2024 Sejong City, Korea) Over 100 South Korean Go players gathered in front of the Ministry of Planning and Finance building in Sejong City, South Korea, to hold a rally condemning the complete cut of the 2024 Go budget. The mobilization rally, which started at 11:30 AM, followed the agenda outlined by the host, including demonstrations, slogans, reading statements, greetings (Korean Baduk Association "KBA" president), introductions and speeches by key individuals, future plans, etc. More than 100 Go players nationwide, including KBA president Jeong Bong-soo, participated in the event. Despite freezing-cold and continuous rainy weather, over 100 Go players from various regions attended. Note: The KBA has supported Korean players for significant achievements in the past several decades. The efficiency is also impressive. Korea has reportedly 8 million go-player population (China 70 million), yet has won over 50% of some 130 world championship titles since 1988, besides four of the six gold medals in the 16th and 19th Asian Games. The 2024 government budget is set at 656.6 trillion Korean won, with a 2.8% increase from 2023. However, the Go project's budget under the Korea Sports Council has been entirely cut, sparking controversy. Go, alongside taekwondo, wrestling, and traditional martial arts, is among the government-designated cultural promotion projects. Some argue the complete cut in the Go budget is unjustified, especially when budgets for other projects remain stable or increase in 2024 compared to 2023. "The Go budget has been consistently used for meaningful initiatives in the long-term infrastructure development of Go, training of student and adult players, and promoting Go among vulnerable groups." KBA president Jeong stated. "If fully cut, the related projects will inevitably face paralysis. I urge the relevant departments of the Go budget, including the Ministry of Planning and Finance, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and the Korea Sports Council, to make wise judgments." News and photo from Cyberoro and Yike Weiqi's QiuDaoYu; translate and revision by ChatGPT.
