Korean promotion rules have automatic promotion by one dan rank for winning a top women's title. If Japan did the same, then the top women like Xie Yimin, Rina, and {Ueno Asami] would all be 9 p. They are not weaker on either rating or head-to-head scores than the Korean female 9ps like Kim Hye-min, O Yujin, and Kim Chaeyeong. I grant that female 9p Choi Jung and possibly Kim Eunji might be at a higher level, as was Chinese female great 9p Rui Naiwei in her prime.