Jake Jinhoo Kim has been selected as the American Go Foundation’s
Teacher of the Year. At just 17 he is the youngest person to ever receive the award, which wins him a free trip to the US Go Congress. Kim discovered his passion for Go in 4th grade, drawn not only to its countless possibilities but also to the subtle, almost "mind-reading" interactions between players that make the game so engaging, he writes on his website.
"In 2022, Jake organized a go club at his high school, the Bishop's School in La Jolla. Then he added a Go club at his church and at the local public library,” writes San Diego Go Club Chapter Head Ted Terpstra. "Jake, and several of his classmates, in 2024, started a weekly Go class at Chateau La Jolla rest home. I attend these meetings to help. There is a loyal following every Saturday, including a 100-year-old woman. Jake's Go lessons are well organized for each audience. His teaching style is tailored for his students and holds the attention of his audience. It is a combination of Go basics and example games led by his acolytes from the Bishop's School."
While still a freshman in high school, Kim saw Go’s potential to help seniors, which inspired him to start his nonprofit,
Go for a Better World, aimed at reducing dementia risk and fostering an intergenerational community. Its mission is to 'unlock the goodness of Go to help seniors.’ Kim entered the school's volunteer project of the year competition as well. "Finalists had to make a presentation before the whole high school. Jake won the $4,000 first prize. He was eloquent in his presentation and convincing that Go can help slow down dementia in older players,” said Terpstra.
"I feel very honored to receive this award,” says Kim. “My Go teacher, Kweon Kab Yong, often emphasized 'If you see a good move, look for a better one’ a quote by Emanuel Lasker, a German chess player. My teacher taught us to always look for the best possible move, even if a good one was already in sight. This mindset helped us become stronger and more resilient players. I also feel this quote applies to life beyond Go. It reminds me not to settle for what’s merely good, but to always look for something better: whether it’s a decision, an opportunity, or a version of myself. Like in Go, life is about constantly evaluating our choices and pushing for improvement."
Kim also entered Go for a Better World in the 2nd
International Go Studies Society (ISGS) Award Competition. He took 3rd place: "for his outstanding efforts and innovative approach promoting the game of go."
Jake returned to Korea for the summer of 2024. And organized the
Gateway to Go Summit. Its mission was to create and expand an intergenerational Go-playing community. Out of this meeting, Kim and a Korean counterpart wrote and published, in English and Korean, “
Gateway to Go Workbook,” a 5-part book for new go players. He continues to expand workshops at senior living homes and support the opening of new chapters across various regions.
Kim will hold a special Go Workshop at the US Go Congress in Austin. He will review a game by his teacher Kweon Kab Yong - who has also taught legendary Go players, including Lee Se Dol and Park Junghwan.