There will be a professional system in US.

In the mean while, there are only 4 countries where have a professional system in the world, but netx country is expected to be US. On the 19th of December, Both Association's representative agreed to cooperate to make a professional system by having a contract of MOU.

They are preparing to make it detail now, and they will choose 2 players for professional players every year.

By having this contract, people who are enrolled in the US Baduk Association can join 5th open tournament organaized by Korea. And KBA (Korea Baduk Association) 's representative agreed to support those who are planing to study baduk in Korea in the future $500 every month. 

What make this business possible are two things that first, KABA (Korea Amateur Baduk Association) tried to support by Globalization of Baduk and also Kim Myong Wan 9Dan who made this possible in Us.

 Interview / Andrew Oken who signed to cooperate this business with KBA. 

It is good thing to have a professional system in US, ahead of Europe. When the system got placed in US?
" America Baduk Association started to move for this business 6 or 7 month ago, but It is known that Kim MyongWan 9Dan moved long before for this busienss. Luckily we start earlier than Europe for this project, I hope they start this soon and compete together for good.

How much did it prepared if entitlement tournament for professional player starts next year? -
" Next year's July will be first time. For those who has citizen ship of Us can participate. However we should work out for those who are professional players from Korea, Japan, China etc and started to spread Baduk here. We decided that they can participate this tournament after they give up their position in their country.

We will work out to solve this matter. We will not ignore their efforts to spread Baduk here in Us and we will find best way for both of us soon. This should be win-win for both of us. KBA agreed to support to build a center where professional players can study together In Us.

- Who are staying in US and spread baduk here?
" Kim MyongWan 9Dan from Korea, Janis Kim 1Dan and James Kewen 1Dan who became professional player for the first time in Japan and Pengwin 9Dan etc, I think there are about 12 people.

- Please introduce America Baduk Association.
" It is founded in 1937 by a chess player. That building has been used for a long time and keeps developing itself. Currently, there is an America Baduk Associaton in Newyork. In Us, there are about 100 baduk clubs and about 2000~2500 members and having 100 tournaments every year. "

- How does ABA work out?
" Based on the Internet, we are trying to spread baduk. We have a hopepage and provide news mailing service. About 14,000 people get this service. However these days, newspaper market is in a downstream, so SNS market is in a upstream. I think people will see new paradigm soon.

 - What about financial matter?
"Members pay $30 and executives pay more and life-member pays more than that. And we get some donations and money through US congress.