▲ Group photo of the award recipients and attendees at the 9th Baduk Day commemorative ceremony - Awards presented from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, and the chairman of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, 13 in total - Key figures in the Go world attend, including Korea Baduk Association Chairman Jung Tae-soon (정태순) and Korea Baduk Federation President Ha Geun-yul (하근율) The 9th Baduk Day ceremony was held to commemorate the history and development of Korean baduk and to honor those who have contributed to promoting the game. The 9th Baduk Day commemoration ceremony was held at 11 a.m. on the 5th on the first floor of the Korea Baduk Association (Hankiwon) annex in Seongdong District, Seoul. Attending and sharing in the meaningful occasion were Hankiwon Chairman Jeong Tae-sun (정태순), Vice Chairman Han Sang-yeol (한상열), Korea Baduk Federation President Ha Geun-yul (하근율), Korea Professional Baduk Players Association President Jo Han-seung (조한승), 9-dan Lee Chang-ho (이창호), Hankiwon executives, and other figures from the baduk community. The ceremony proceeded in the following order: an opening declaration and the national pledge, an introduction of guests, remarks by Chung Tae-soon (정태순), chairman of the Korea Baduk Association, and Ha Geun-yul (하근율), president of the Korea Baduk Federation, the screening of a commemorative video, the presentation of awards to those who had rendered distinguished service, and a group photo. ▲ Remarks of congratulations by Korea Baduk Association Chairman Jeong Tae-sun (정태순) Korea Baduk Association (Hankiwon) Chairman Jeong Tae-sun (정태순) said, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who graced the 9th Baduk Day commemoration ceremony despite their busy schedules," adding, "We are making efforts on many fronts to bring the educational value of baduk, which builds children's and teenagers' ability to think, to communities across the country." Ha Geun-yul (하근율), president of the Korea Baduk Association, said, "I sincerely congratulate all of the award recipients who have been honored with commendations for their dedication to promoting baduk," adding, "The Korea Baduk Association will spare no support in broadening the base of baduk as a recreational sport and in helping it establish itself as a global sport enjoyed by people around the world." At the ceremony, a total of 13 commendations were presented to individuals and organizations that contributed to the development of Korean baduk and the expansion of its base: three Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism commendations, five Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President commendations, and five Korea Sports Promotion Foundation Chairman commendations. ▲ Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation Ceremony (from left: CEO Cho Seong-rae, Chairman Jeong Tae-sun, President Jang Gye-sang) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism's commendation went to Haesung Industry, Jang Gye-sang (장계상), president of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Baduk Association, and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City. Haeseong Industry (해성산업) has sponsored the Haeseong Women's Gisung Tournament (해성 여자기성전), a leading domestic women's tournament, since 2017, contributing to the improvement of female professionals' skills and the strengthening of their international competitiveness. Jang Gye-sang (장계상), chairman of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Baduk Association, has worked to promote baduk in the region, including by bringing a variety of domestic and international tournaments to the area, while the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Integrated City (전남광주통합특별시) was recognized for its contributions to the internationalization of baduk and regional revitalization through its sponsorship of the Gooksan Mountain Range International Baduk Tournament (국수산맥 국제바둑대회). ▲Presentation of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President's Commendation (from left: Chairman Kim Seong-man (김성만), professional player Yun Yeong-seon (윤영선), Chairman Ha Geun-yul (하근율), Chairman Jang Si-yeong (장시영), Managing Director Jeong Sun-o (정순오), and player Song Ye-seul (송예슬)) The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee President's Commendation went to Blitz Investment Chairman Kim Seong-man (김성만), professional player Yun Yeong-seon (윤영선), Gangnam-gu Baduk Association Chairman Jang Si-yeong (장시영), Goesan County Baduk Association Executive Director Jeong Sun-o (정순오), and Korea Baduk Association player Song Ye-seul (송예슬). Blitz Investment Chairman Kim Seong-man (김성만) contributed to the development of baduk by sponsoring a number of tournaments, including the Blitz Asset Management Senior World Baduk Open and the The Meridian Open. Professional player Yoon Young-sun (윤영선) has been promoting and teaching the game in Germany and other parts of Europe since 2006, while Jang Si-young (장시영), chairman of the Gangnam-gu Baduk Association, and Jeong Sun-oh (정순오), executive director of the Goesan-gun Baduk Association, have worked to host local tournaments and promote baduk as a community sport. Song Ye-seul (송예슬) of the Korea Baduk Association achieved outstanding results, winning a total of six medals, including three gold medals at the National Sports Festival. ▲ Presentation of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation chairman's commendations (from left: advisor Yoo Seok-kwon (유석권), professional player Lee Kang-wook (이강욱), vice chairman Han Sang-yeol (한상열), chairman Kim Chung-hyun (김충현), and Park Ki-ju (박기주), vice president of the Ulsan Baduk Association, accepting on behalf of a recipient) The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) chairman's commendations went to Yu Seok-kwon (유석권), advisor to the Yeongcheon City Baduk Association; professional player Lee Kang-wook (이강욱); Kim Chung-hyeon (김충현), president of the Gwangjin District Baduk Association; Shin Won-tae (신원태), principal of Ulsan Seosa Elementary School; and Han Myeong-hui (한명희), CEO of the Kyongbuk Domin Ilbo. Yu Seok-kwon (유석권), an advisor to the Yeongcheon City Baduk Association, supported Yeongcheon's participation in the baduk league and contributed to the development of baduk in the region. Professional player Lee Kang-wook (이강욱) has worked since 2010 to promote baduk and train younger players in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Kim Chung-hyun (김충현), president of the Gwangjin District Baduk Association, took the lead in promoting everyday baduk, including creating baduk lounges for seniors. Shin Won-tae (신원태), principal of Ulsan Seosa Elementary School, contributed to establishing and spreading baduk education programs in elementary schools. Han Myung-hee (한명희), CEO of the Gyeongbuk Domin Ilbo, has continuously hosted the Yeongilman Love Cup Baduk Tournament and worked to broaden the base of baduk in the region. Baduk Day, observed every year on November 5, was established to commemorate the day in 1945 when the late Cho Nam-chul (조남철), a pioneer of modern Korean baduk, founded the Hansung Baduk Association (한성기원), the forerunner of the Korea Baduk Association (한국기원). Designated an official commemorative day following the enforcement of the Baduk Promotion Act in 2018, Baduk Day marks its ninth anniversary this year.
