An interview with the Go Master Cho Hun-hyun has been captured regarding the spring season’s most talked-about film, ‘The Match.’

On the 1st, the production team of the movie ‘The Match’ (directed by Kim Hyung-joo, distributed by By4M Studio, produced by Wolgwang Film, co-produced by BH Entertainment) released the full interview with Cho Hun-hyun, who served as the real-life model for the film.

‘The Match’ is a story about Korea’s top Go legend Cho Hun-hyun (Lee Byung-hun) challenging for the top spot once again with his innate competitive spirit after being defeated in a match against his student. The film is currently dominating the Korean box office and is being screened nationwide.

Below is the full interview with Cho Hun-hyun.

Q. How did you feel about receiving the proposal to adapt the story of this historic match between master and disciple into a film?A. At first, I thought, how will they create this Go story? The game of Go itself involves sitting down and thinking, making it very hard to visualize. Unlike sports like martial arts, where actions are easily represented, Go is a mental game, so it’s hard to bring that out. I was worried about how this could even become a story, and secondly, my name would be used for the character, so I was most concerned about the reaction.

Q. What did you think after watching the film?A. It brought back a lot of memories. I thought, did I really act like that back then? Lee Byung-hun acted very well, so I think his intentions were conveyed well.

Q. Lee Byung-hun did extensive research on not only your achievements and stories but also your fashion and habits to portray your role well. How was Lee Byung-hun’s performance as Cho Hun-hyun?A. The thing about Go is that it’s hard to portray. It’s introspective rather than outward. However, he reflected me quite a bit. I felt like saying, ‘Oh? I was like that back then. That’s the kind of atmosphere I had.’ The fact that he acted in line with that atmosphere is a remarkable performance.

Q. What did you think of the costumes for ‘Cho Hun-hyun’ in the film? Can you predict how friends, family, and fans, who know your true self well, will respond?A. I heard they paid a lot of attention to the clothes. In fact, back then, I didn’t care much about my outfits. Typically, my wife chose for me; she would say, ‘Wear this,’ and I would wear it. Watching the movie, I noticed the clothes changed often. I guess I’ll get messages from people who know me about how well they thought it was portrayed or what they thought of the content. To be honest, those who know me won’t speak negatively about it. No matter how bad it is, they’ll say, ‘It was good, it was fun.’ So honestly, I’m not too concerned about that. I’m more curious about how those who don’t understand Go or who don’t know me will react.

Q. If you had to identify the most similar and different aspects between the portrayal of Cho Hun-hyun in the film and the real Cho Hun-hyun?A. I learned something from my master. I passed that directly on to Lee Chang-ho. The master doesn’t teach; they just guide you. In the film, it shows me scolding, which is just for the movie—it wasn’t like that in real life. I didn’t teach him; he grew up and did well on his own.

Q. What was your impression of watching the historic match between master and disciple on screen?A. Watching the film, it brought back old memories, and frankly, it was depicted very similarly. The pain of losing in a match, the pain during conflicts—those were elements that made me wonder how they would portray and perform. I think they did a great job. Of course, a film cannot depict reality perfectly, but they represented it quite well, so personally, I am satisfied.

Q. Was there a particular scene in the film that left a strong impression on you as the actual protagonist?A. It’s somewhat different from reality, but I liked the scenes showing the process of teaching my disciple Lee Chang-ho.

Q. You are not just an exceptional Go player, but the greatest strategist of this era, which can only be described with the term ‘legend.’ You mentioned that the first condition for winning is ‘momentum,’ and that it’s crucial for a strategist to display confidence in any challenge. Does Cho Hun-hyun in 2025 still hold the same belief?A. My thinking is a bit different now that I have stepped back from the front lines. Back then, I only studied and fought for the top, and being young, I had that confidence. I had to do it, so I did, but now, even if I want to, I can’t keep up. Still, I would like to encourage young people to have spirit and study hard, as that’s not a trivial matter. Everything can eventually be beneficial. It may seem trivial now, but through all experiences and studies, it will help at some point. Thus, I think if you learn and put in effort, you can progress forward.

Q. Just as you have greatly influenced Lee Chang-ho’s life, I believe Lee Chang-ho has also significantly influenced your life. Reflecting back, what kind of influence did he have on you as a person and as a fellow and junior Go player?A. First, I didn’t teach him much, yet he became the number one in the world through Go and grew. So, even if I taught him, he couldn’t have done it without his own effort. I am thankful for that. Also, I feel I don’t receive blame from others. If my disciple gets criticism, then as a master, it means I didn’t teach him well. Therefore, above all, I believe he should not be criticized and that he should be satisfied with being number one through his own efforts.

Q. You mentioned, “When I was young, I didn’t shy away from challenges to maintain the top position, but now, I have stepped back from competing. I live my life through Go.” What lessons in attitudes and realizations about life have you gained through Go?A. The realization is endless. There doesn’t seem to be a definitive ‘end.’ While going through this, I feel like I am continuously progressing, moving forward. As I keep ascending, more challenges arise, and when I break through one, another wall appears. It’s not about reaching a point and saying you have realized everything—that’s not how it is. Everyone has their own limits and walls. Thus, it’s about learning endlessly. My hope is that no matter how much longer I have to live, I will wonder about how much I have realized and what kind of life I have led when I come to my end. So, I don’t believe I’ve reached a stopping point; rather, regardless of whether I live one day, one year, or ten years, I am resolved to keep moving forward. Therefore, I feel there isn’t a pause; arriving at the current point does not mean it’s over. I plan to keep advancing.

Q. At the press conference, Lee Byung-hun mentioned that he has now portrayed living legends in both ‘All In’ as Cha Min-soo and in ‘The Match’ as Cho Hun-hyun. Could you elaborate on their connection?A. The story of Master Cha Min-soo from the drama ‘All In’ was introduced first. It’s an old story, but Lee Byung-hun performed very well in that, which was somewhat action-oriented. I enjoyed it in that aspect. The Go in ‘The Match’—though it’s called a contest—actually involves inner conflict. Seeing him perfectly embody that role shows his remarkable acting ability.

Q. Your motto is 無心 (Mushin). It’s well-known, but could you please explain that state of mind? (To empty oneself of personal desires and do one’s best with a calm mind)A. I believe that the reason many problems arise is due to excessive desires. In Go, of course, one must win, but the desire to win can lead to reversals. If one just wants to gain a little more in a situation, it can lead to a turnaround. So having a calm mind, Mushin, or equanimity are quite similar concepts. One should not be overly ambitious but look at the situation accurately. This applies not only to Go but also to life. Accurately seeing one’s current situation and not being swayed by external pressures are what shows Mushin. But being human, that’s not easy. Life leads us to have fluctuating thoughts. Therefore, while striving, one should maintain equanimity and strive for that Mushin state. It’s about letting go of desires and finding a middle ground.

Q. You started your professional career at age 9 and have been actively playing ever since. It requires immense intellect and physical strength. What are your unique management secrets?A. I enjoy hiking. I don’t work out at a gym lifting weights, but I have hiked a lot when I was younger, and now I enjoy walking around the neighborhood or going up a nearby mountain to maintain my stamina. The first point in everything is physical strength. Whether it’s Go or any job, physical strength comes first. Mental strength arises from physical strength. Without stamina, a sick person lying in bed can’t take action. To speak frankly, being healthy creates chances for good things to happen and allows one to work. This holds true across the board. Specifically regarding Go, it is also about physical strength. It’s a battle of mental toughness rooted in physical power. That’s why one must keep one’s strength at its peak to compete with others. If that weakens, losing becomes inevitable.

Q. Lastly, a word of recommendation for moviegoers of ‘The Match.’A. I just watched it for the first time today, and it was entertaining. There were parts that were touching and resonated in my heart. Overall, I enjoyed it. I hope all of you will watch it a lot.

[Photo] Provided by By4M Studio.

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