The Spotlight's Embrace
I made my way through the lobby toward the awards hall after passing through the lobby toward the awards hall.
The entrance to the convention hall was already bustling with activity.
Professional cameras on tripods stood ready.
Journalists buzzing with interview energy.
And professional players in impeccable suits exchanged polite greetings at their designated spots.
It was the grand finale, wrapping up the year.
The atmosphere filled the entire space.
“Huh? Master Kim, are you here? Come this way.”
A staff member from the Korea Baduk Association approached and greeted me warmly.
They immediately guided me to the photo wall area.
Soon after, a pro player who had awkwardly finished an interview stepped into the awards hall.
I took a deep breath and positioned myself in front of the photo wall.
The lights grew brighter.
Flashes started going off without pause.
I struck a familiar pose, facing the camera directly.
Naturally, I turned my head for a side shot as well.
I knew how to pose now.
'This... I'm getting used to it.'
Once the photo session ended, the emcee who had been waiting nearby approached.
It was Moon Ga-yeon, the BadukTV caster.
“One of the protagonists of the Korean Baduk Awards is here. This year's name that has heated up the Baduk world. Kim In-ha, Master!”
Her bright introduction was met with applause.
Under the barrage of lights, I quietly received the microphone.
“This year's Baduk world was truly Kim In-ha's year. Also, you've made it to the candidate for the main award. Please share your thoughts.”
I quietly brought the microphone to my lips.
“It's an honor. And I'm sincerely grateful to Daemyung Enterprise for creating such a venue in the Baduk world.”
It was a concise yet sincere greeting towards the 'sponsoring company'.
And it carried a calculated intent to elevate my value.
Observing me, Moon Ga-yeon smiled with delight.
“Currently, you're leading in viewer voting. What do you think is the secret to your popularity?”
I pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke.
“Is it not because of my looks?”
“What?”
“Just kidding. I'm grateful that many people love my style and motto.”
I gave a small smile and looked at the camera.
More flashes and shutter sounds followed.
After that, a few prepared questions came.
“Final question. With the year coming to a close, can we expect more of Master Kim's activities next year?”
Closing question.
I lifted the microphone as if waiting for it.
“Yes. I have high expectations for myself too. How far I can go... please watch.”
Confident tone.
With a slight smile added.
Small gasps came from the journalists.
As if they had been waiting for such a response.
I slowly lowered the microphone and bowed politely.
The shutter sounds erupted again, and I descended from the photo wall and entered the awards hall.
A grand chandelier hung over the spacious hall.
The high ceiling made the space reverberate.
The stage, platform, and VIP tables were arranged with decorum.
“Master Kim!”
A voice called from behind.
Turning around, the branch manager was smiling widely and waving.
Gold tie, neat suit.
The feel of a Korea Baduk Association executive who had come to the awards.
“You came?”
“Of course! How could I not come when you invited me to such an event? Haha.”
In the branch manager's eyes, which didn't leave the smile, there was emotion hard to hide.
“It was a spot where only two people could be invited... I really wanted to invite the branch manager.”
“I'm happy, but won't your parents be disappointed?”
“It's fine. I can't leave the store empty. I told them I'd watch on TV.”
Recently, even seeing my parents' faces has been difficult because of me, the child.
Because the Ice Cream Tteokbokki craze and the customers who came seeking mouthwatering food increased.
“I'm glad.”
“We'll talk later. You should look around. Get autographs and take photos.”
“Is that okay?”
“That was why I invited you.”
The branch manager nodded repeatedly and went to look around.
At that moment.
To me, who was now alone again, someone approached as if waiting.
“Master Kim In-ha, nice to meet you.”
The voice of a strange man.
Polite but sharp tone.
“Nice to meet you. I'm Oh Jung-kook, Director of Daemyung Enterprise.”
He extended his hand politely.
I shook hands and bowed my head.
“Congratulations on becoming the Olympic national team representative.”
“Thank you.”
Brief pleasantries and compliments exchanged.
And then the main point.
“To be honest, I'd like to arrange a venue sometime, but is there time?”
“A venue?”
My question, he nodded.
“Yes. We're looking for partners to work with at our Daemyung Enterprise.”
Partner.
Though phrased that way, the feeling hit strongly.
'Main sponsor proposal.'
I knew that the one-color Go match against Oh Soo 9-dan next year would be sponsored by Daemyung Enterprise.
At that moment.
“Sorry to interrupt. Master Kim, shall we discuss the sponsorship matters?”
A polite but businesslike voice.
Calm and clear tone.
Turning my head, Jeong Soo-yeon, the team leader, approached in a dignified manner.
The style matched the atmosphere of the awards hall perfectly.
Not too much, not too little.
“Excuse me, who are you?”
Jeong Soo-yeon took out a business card from her bag and handed it over.
“Kim In-ha, I'm Jeong Soo-yeon, Head of the INHIVE Headquarters in charge of management.”
With a calm smile, she slightly bowed her head.
“Shall we discuss over there?”
At that moment, Oh Jung-kook's expression hardened for a moment.
“Yes.”
Oh Jung-kook quickly composed himself and responded skillfully.
With familiarity, he followed Jeong Soo-yeon without hesitation.
Watching his retreating back, I let out a small smile.
INHIVE.
A brand created by combining my name 'Inha' with the new word 'Hive'.
The meaning is simple.
Content centered around me.
When Jeong Soo-yeon first suggested the company name, I was honestly embarrassed.
But the more I saw it, the more it stuck in my mouth and became persuasive when explained.
'Leave it to me.'
Jeong Soo-yeon gave me a light glance as if inviting me over, then confidently led the way with Oh Jung-kook.
Trustworthy.
Not just a simple manager, but a colleague designing my brand together.
I felt that way.
While watching his back with delight, someone approached me again as if waiting.
“Kim In-ha, hello. Nice to meet you. I am Chen Weilin, the head coach of the Shanghai Shenhua team in the A-League.”
Chinese A-League.
The top professional league in Chinese Baduk.
16 teams participate, with the world's best players.
There is a promotion/relegation system up to the third division, and the prize money is enormous.
Korean and Japanese top players are active as mercenaries and are known domestically.
“I heard you speak Chinese.”
“Yes. Nice to meet you.”
I naturally replied in Chinese.
“By any chance, do you have any intention of becoming a mercenary on our team?”
“...I don't think the Chinese side likes me much?”
Emotionally intense clashes with Chinese players.
That's why I knew the Chinese public opinion was quite bad.
“Public opinion doesn't matter. We only look at results. If Master Kim becomes the champion of our team, we promise the highest treatment befitting him.”
Chen Weilin's expression and tone were full of pride.
The pride of being in the top league was fully felt.
Upon thinking, I heard that Jeong Si-hoo 9-dan and Kim Eun-woo 9-dan were also active in the Chinese A-League.
Even one win gives a salary comparable to the prize money of a major domestic tournament.
“Please think about it. If it's okay, contact me anytime. I'll be waiting.”
Chen Weilin's hand was firm when handing over the business card.
No flattery, straightforward greeting.
Real coach-like ease.
'...I need to seriously consider this.'
A league with guaranteed huge profits.
Moreover, not many games.
It might be perfect to expand my activity range and raise my recognition.
At that moment.
“After a short while, all honored guests, please take your seats in the designated seats within the venue.”
An announcement echoed in the hall.
I received the business card, gave a brief greeting, and headed to the designated seat.
Checking the paper nameplate on the round table and trying to sit, an unfamiliar person was already there.
“Ah.”
He also noticed me and hesitated for a moment.
Then he stood up and bowed slightly.
I followed with a greeting.
“Hello.”
“Nice to meet you. It's the first time I've had a conversation like this.”
Jeong Si-hoo 9-dan smiled gently.
I sat next to him.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. Much better. Ah, congratulations on becoming Master.”
“...Thank you.”
I nodded and met his eyes.
We looked at each other straight.
After only a few words, the awkwardness somewhat faded.
“I wish we had had a proper chance to greet each other.”
“Me too.”
At the moment our eyes met, it was clearly felt.
Under the soft and relaxed expression, there was a firm strength.
The ease and dignity only a top player can have.
He turned his head and looked at me.
“This year, I hope we have a chance to play against Master Kim once.”
“Me too, I'm looking forward to it.”
I smiled back.
Soon, the lights in the hall dimmed slowly, and grand music began to flow.
The Korean Baduk Awards award ceremony had begun.
Moon Ga-yeon's voice spread through the microphone.
“The black-and-white war that has continued for a year. The fierce competition of professional Baduk players. This venue sponsored by Daemyung Enterprise, we will continue to celebrate and encourage the players through this awards ceremony.”
After the long introduction, an image replaying the past year played on the large screen behind the stage.
The intense major domestic tournaments.
The appearances of players active in world tournaments.
The revived National Master Tournament.
In the video unfolding beautifully on the large screen, the face that appeared the most was mine.
The miracle of an amateur.
The fateful confrontation with Chinese players.
The breakthrough of beating Lu Quanyi 9-dan and Zihao 9-dan.
Each of these had pulled the audience's gaze to the Baduk board.
And then my mottoes followed.
'...My story is too much?'
Even I was surprised.
But on the other hand, it was proof of how influential I had become.
Admiration, emotion, shock, cheers.
A season passed like a panorama of all emotions concentrated.
“Next, I will introduce the honored guests who have attended today's awards ceremony.”
Moon Ga-yeon's calm voice resonated in the space.
Officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
President of the Korea Baduk Association, executives of major sponsors.
Polite introductions continued, and finally the main awards began.
“The first is the Skill Development Award. The player who achieved the greatest performance compared to last year will receive the award.”
Starting with the Skill Development Award, various winners such as Most Wins, Best Female Player stepped onto the stage.
And.
“Next is the Popularity Award. The winner selected based on video views, player mentions, box office, etc... is Kim In-ha, Master!”
Claps.
Applause and cheers erupted from all over the audience.
The camera flashes poured out again.
I quietly stood up and headed to the stage.
Popularity Award.
The most popular category.
And for me, it was the first trophy with more meaning than any other award.
“Well then, let's meet Master Kim In-ha in an interview. How do you feel?”
Holding a trophy in one hand and a bouquet and a paper board with 5 million won prize money in the other, I answered.
“I'm too grateful to have received such a meaningful award. As always, I will continue to repay with the Baduk I win.”
Short but concise impression.
Applause followed in the venue.
'Anyway, I have to come up again.'
The current award impression was just a preview.
What I wanted was the main award this year.
I was already in the candidates for that.
I quietly descended from the stage and returned to my seat.
“Next is the Best Overall Award category.”
At that moment, the lights dimmed slightly and the stage screen changed.
A short video played.
The candidates were three.
Jeong Si-hoo 9-dan.
Kim Eun-woo 9-dan.
And me.
“The winner of the Korean Baduk Awards, Best Overall Award... is...”
Music with rising tension.
All eyes turned to the screen and stage.
'...Don't call my name.'
I thought to myself.
If possible, getting the main award would give more reward.
“Kim In-ha, Master!”
My name rang clearly from the speaker behind the stage.
At that moment.
Congratulations. You have won the Korean Baduk Awards 'Popularity Award'.
Congratulations. You have won the Korean Baduk Awards 'Best Overall Award'.
You have achieved the remarkable feat in the shortest time. Bonus points will be awarded.
Congratulations, a Platinum Roulette Ticket has been awarded.
Congratulations, a Gold Roulette Ticket has been awarded.
Congratulations, a Talent Expansion Ticket has been awarded.