Yun Jeong-su: New Ssireum Sensation

Yun Jeong-su (Suwon City Hall) became a true champion yesterday.

In the Blue Dragon weight class (heavier than 105 kg) at the 2007 Chuseok Ssireum (Korean traditional wrestling) Championship held at Taean County Stadium yesterday, Yun Jeong-su won against Kim Seung-hyeon (Yeonsu District Office), 2-0.

In the first round, Yun tied with Kim. However, in the second round, he pushed Kim down successfully on his way to becoming champion. After tying the third round, Yun knocked Kim down on the ground again, securing his position as champion of the Blue Dragon weight class.

He became a professional ssireum player a year ago, and the win gives Yun his second championship title following his win in the New Year’s Ssireum Championship last February. He is emerging as a next generation ssireum star.

Mo Jae-uk (Masan City Athletic Association), the “man of technique” won against Pak Bo-geon (Gijang District Office), 2-0 in the White Tiger weight class on September 25. For Mo, who is also coaching at Kyungnam University, it was his second victory after winning at the Dangjin Ssireum Championships last June. Lee Ju-yong (Suwon City Hall) won the Rich Merchant weight class (less than 90 kg) and Gu Ja-won at the White Horse weight class (less than 80 kg).

beetlez@donga.com