<Interview> Billiards ”rising star” Kim Bo-geon, who is expected to perform well on the international stage this year

Kim Bo-gon (25), a member of the Gyeongbuk Athletic Association, made it to the top four at the 2023 All Japan Championships held in Hyogo Prefecture last November. In the semi-finals, he beat Japan, ranked 18th in the world.
Kim Bo-gon also won the Predator US Pro Billiards Series (PR Billiards Series) held in Wisconsin, USA in May last year.
EDATOR US Pro Billiard Series) and "World No. 8" Chen Chia, who is competing for the round of 16
Although she was sadly defeated in the match against Hua (23), she is still a strong leader in the Korean women's pocket ball world.
I met and talked with Kim Bo-geon, who is expected to be a big star not only in Korea but also on the international stage this year, at the Giant Billiards Club in Goyang City.
1. Please introduce yourself. - I was born in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do. My father liked billiards, so he encouraged me to play billiards since I liked to stay at home.
I started when I was in the fourth grade. I studied under professional dancer Jung Moon-seok in Seoul for about 10 years, and after I had become well-known, I had problems with my balance and took a break.
After taking a break for about two years to undergo treatment, I signed a contract with the Gyeongbuk Athletic Association and started again. 2. I was ranked 10th in the ranking announced by KBF in April, but this year
What are your goals? Do you have plans to participate in international competitions? - There aren't many competitions, but I'll try my best to improve my ranking. I want to get the most information I can about participating in international competitions.
I would like to secure a spot as soon as possible and participate in the tournament. 3. In April, I was the defending champion in the doubles division at the Korea Billiards League (KBL) tournament.
We were unable to win two games in a row. How do you feel looking back on the tournament? - We were in good condition, but the opposing team was very skilled and we didn't have a chance.
Unfortunately, I couldn't concentrate on the singles because it ended at 11pm the night before. Then, the next morning, I was playing and I realized that I wasn't preparing well.
4. Last year at the All Japan Championships you were defeated by the eventual winner Hiraguchi Yuki, so you were satisfied with making it to the top four, but will you be competing this year?
If you do participate, what is your goal? - When I watch Japanese games, I like them the most in the world. Japan is close to Korea, so there is no jet lag and the food is similar.
I think there are a lot of Korean players there. Also, the stadium is very close to the hotel, so it's easy to get around, and I'm used to the tables. If possible, I'd like to participate and win.
5. In 2022, the Gyeongbuk Athletic Association came in first overall in the billiards competition at the National Athletic Meet. What is your goal this year? - Our goal this year is also to come in first place, and this year's lineup of players is the same.
6. Last year, you held a talent donation event for young people with KBF in Guri, Gyeonggi Province. Will you be doing it again this year?
It was very good last year, and I don't know if they'll use me again this year.
However, if they use it, I will of course do it. It was great to interact with young fans who love billiards, and I'm proud to be a mentor, so I will definitely do it.
I also think this is a good opportunity to get to know Pocket Ball, so I would like to participate. This year, many changes are expected internationally in the field of Pocket Ball.
Given this trend, we hope to see Kim Bo-gon perform well on the international stage.