Reply 1988 Star Park Bo Gum to Make Surprise Appearance at World Go Championship Final

Park Bo Gum is returning to the world of Go but this time, not as a fictional genius.

The actor is set to make a special appearance at the final of the inaugural Shinhan Bank World Go Championship, taking place from February 25 to 27 in Seoul. The championship, known for offering one of the highest prize pools among annual international Go tournaments, will host its decisive three-game final at Shinhan Bank’s headquarters.

His visit has already sparked major attention among both drama fans and Go enthusiasts.

From “Reply 1988” to a Real Go Arena

Park Bo Gum became closely associated with Go after portraying Choi Taek in the hit tvN drama Reply 1988. His character was a quiet, nationally treasured Go prodigy whose calm demeanor and intense concentration made him unforgettable to viewers.

The role significantly boosted Park’s popularity and remains one of his most iconic performances. At the time, reports noted that he received personal Go lessons to authentically portray a professional player’s posture and expressions.

Now, nearly a decade later, he will step into a real-life Go championship setting not as a competitor, but as a guest supporter.

Why Is He Attending?

According to organizers, Park Bo Gum will visit the venue on the afternoon of February 25, during Game 1 of the three-match final. He is expected to present bouquets to the finalists and participate in a commemorative photo session.

His appearance is linked to his role as a model for Shinhan Financial Group, the tournament’s sponsor. The actor has previously worked with Shinhan Bank and was selected again as a brand ambassador last year.

Given his previous connection to Go through Reply 1988, his presence adds both nostalgic and promotional value to the event.

A High-Stakes International Final

The championship final will feature a high-profile showdown between top-ranked Korean professional Park Jung Hwan (9-dan) and Chinese rising star Wang Xinghao (9-dan), who recently defeated one of the world’s leading players to advance.

The tournament offers a grand prize of 400 million KRW (approximately 4 billion won) and is structured under a Fischer time control format.

In addition, Go legend Lee Sedol — famously known as the only professional Go player to defeat Google’s AI AlphaGo — is also expected to attend. He will encourage players and hold a signing event for young Go students.

Where Entertainment Meets Tradition

Park Bo Gum’s attendance highlights a unique crossover moment between Korean entertainment and traditional mind sports.

For many fans, the memory of his portrayal of Choi Taek still lingers. Seeing him at a real-world Go championship bridges fiction and reality in a way that resonates deeply with audiences who grew up watching Reply 1988.

As anticipation builds for the final, his appearance is expected to boost visibility for the tournament, drawing both sports enthusiasts and Hallyu fans to the event.