Hong Malk-eun Saem

Hong Malk-eun Saem (홍맑은샘; often romanised as Hong Malgunsem, changed name after becoming a pro in Japan as Hon Seisen 洪清泉), born 1981-12-30, is a former Korean amateur player and former yeonguseng (1993-1997) of the Hankuk Kiwon living in Japan from 2005; on 2009-12-01 he qualified as 1 dan professional of the Kansai Kiin; promoted 2 dan in 2013-08-07.

He is the teacher of several new japanese professionals. Hong has an unusual playing style - he likes rare josekis, trick moves and often plays for influence in the opening.

He was the winner of several amateur tournaments in Korea and Japan:

• 1999: Kuksu
• 2000: Best Ten
• 2000: Chonmekbe cup (beat Alexander Dinerchtein in the final)
• 2001: Samsung
• 2001: Kuksu
• 2002: LG cup
• 2003: Baduk TV
• 2004: SKY Baduk TV (and one other tournament)

In Japan, Hong won:

• 2007: Zen Nihon Meijin
• 2007: Daiwa Shoken Cup - Amateur section
• 2008: Daiwa Amateur
• 2009: Amateur Honinbo
• 2009: ProAmHoninboMatch

Hong also placed third in the 2000 World Amateur Go Championship, second in 2002, and second in 2004.

Reference: http://www.i-g-o.jp/nyukai1.doc

View photo at: http://www.nihonkiin.or.jp/match/2009/01/110_3.html

Photos from his wedding (2009-03-04).

Bio at Hon Dojo 洪道場

John F. Hong's name is unusual in Korean and so strictly be rendered as three parts in romanisation: Hong Malk-eun Saem using the Mc-R usual on SL. The k is also often omitted on pronunciation. In Japanese it is Hon Marugun Semu.