Breaking the board: the rise of female Go players in Korea

In the historically male-dominated world of Go—a game with a rich history and a current global player base of 46 million—recent years have marked a significant shift in gender dynamics, highlighted by Choi Jeong’s historic achievement as the first female to reach the open major world tournament finals. This study investigates the rise of female Go players in Korea through multiple lenses: descriptive analyses cover demographic data, Elo ratings, and competition statistics, while social representation analyses employ in-depth interviews and core-periphery analysis. A core finding is the profound transformation within the Korean Go community, where female players are not just witnessing increased representation but also significant enhancements in performance, opportunities, and financial rewards. Narratives from the players unravel the intricate web of performance disparities, community engagement, and evolving infrastructures. Economic incentives, societal and cultural shifts, and institutional support are identified as key contributors to their success. Beyond its application to professional Go, this research underscores a paradigmatic shift, illuminating strategies for fostering gender inclusivity in fields traditionally overshadowed by male dominance.