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.