Calm as a virgin, swift as a hare
When the 35-year-old “Go King” Lee Chang-ho officially announced his marriage, Koreans were shocked to find that their national treasure, the “Stone Buddha,” had fallen in love. Suddenly, 24-year-old Lee Do-lun became the most envied woman in Korea, surpassing top stars like Kim Tae-hee and Han Ga-in. People couldn’t help but wonder what kind of girl could captivate the seemingly unattainable “Stone Buddha”?
In Korea, young girls often idolize handsome men from the entertainment industry. Lee Do-lun was different. From a young age, she aspired to become a female Go player and deeply admired the Go master Lee Chang-ho. When she was very young, her father sent her to Go classes. Although she was lively by nature, her world turned black and white when she faced the Go board. The saying “Calm as a virgin, swift as a hare” perfectly described her.
When applying for college, Lee Do-lun chose the Go program at Myongji University without hesitation. After graduation, she pursued a master’s degree, achieving the highest level for amateur Go players and being awarded the highest amateur title of “Great Star 7-dan” by the Cyberoro website. Unfortunately, Lee Do-lun hit a technical bottleneck and failed to advance in several promotion tournaments, unable to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional Go player.
At the same time, Lee Chang-ho was also experiencing a difficult period. His declining performance led people to blame his prolonged bachelorhood, causing him great distress. He couldn’t understand how he had become a “public nuisance” for being single. The public’s demand for him to resolve his personal issues grew louder.
The more Lee Chang-ho avoided romance, the more the media wanted to dig up scandals, but they all failed. The nickname “Stone Buddha” became a curse for his love life, with rumors suggesting his heart was as hard as stone, unwilling to open up to women.
Perhaps it was fate that brought these two disheartened individuals together.
Cinderella Meets the Public Nuisance
Despite her dream of becoming a professional Go player being shattered, Lee Do-lun never gave up her love for Go. She joined the Cyberoro Go website as a Go reporter.
One day, Lee Do-lun was assigned to interview Lee Chang-ho, which thrilled her. At the press conference, Lee Chang-ho remained silent in response to media comments on his playing style, leaving even the translator at a loss. “Calling him ‘Stone Buddha’ is spot on,” Lee Do-lun chuckled quietly. After the conference, she caught up with Lee Chang-ho in the hallway, saying, “Master Lee, your game today was actually quite good. People are just used to your old style, so they’re questioning it.” Lee Chang-ho turned around and saw the fair-skinned Lee Do-lun, momentarily stunned. “Really? Thank you.” “Can I arrange an exclusive interview with you?” she asked. “I’m a reporter from Cyberoro Go website.” “Of course,” Lee Chang-ho shyly replied.
Due to the success of this interview, the Cyberoro Go website assigned all interviews with Lee Chang-ho to Lee Do-lun. As the interviews increased, they quickly became friends, and Lee Chang-ho occasionally joked around her.
Two months passed, and it was the Mid-Autumn Festival. While spending time with his family, Lee Chang-ho felt a pang of loneliness seeing his brother’s two children. He thought of Lee Do-lun and called her for a meeting. When they met, Lee Chang-ho remained silent for a long time on a bench. Finally, he took a deep breath and said, “If you don’t have a boyfriend, would you consider me?” This question stunned Lee Do-lun into silence. Though she had always secretly admired Lee Chang-ho, she never thought this Go prince would like her. She felt like a true Cinderella. This time, it was Lee Do-lun who couldn’t find words. Seeing her lack of response, Lee Chang-ho nervously added, “If there’s anything you don’t like about me, I can change!” Lee Do-lun shook her head, “No need, you’re fine as you are.” “So you agree?” Lee Chang-ho asked, pleasantly surprised. Lee Do-lun nodded, and thus, they became a couple.
A Hero on a Journey, Accompanied by His Lady
Lee Chang-ho, being who he is, didn’t just belong to Lee Do-lun but to all of Korea in her eyes. Because of work, Lee Do-lun often saw him, but even when traveling with the team, she tried to stay out of his sight.
However, there are no secrets. Observant people noticed their feelings. A reporter familiar with Lee Do-lun asked why she didn’t make their relationship public. Lee Do-lun candidly said she wanted to consider Lee Chang-ho’s situation. “I’ve admired him for a long time. Our relationship developed naturally, and we’re not at the stage of discussing marriage. He’s at the peak of his career, and exposure would bring him pressure.”
Hearing this, Lee Chang-ho felt deeply moved and decided to announce their relationship. On November 26, 20xx, major Korean websites headlined “Lee Chang-ho has a girlfriend,” noting that the “Stone Buddha” was finally bidding farewell to his bachelor status! Lee Do-lun’s colleagues were astounded, never imagining that the unassuming girl could not only interview the Go king but also win his heart!
At the end of July 20xx, Lee Chang-ho announced his wedding plans. He and Lee Do-lun chose a regular workday, October 28, for their wedding and planned a simple, low-key ceremony. Due to the Korean Go Association’s schedule, the couple might not even have time for a honeymoon!
Though post-marriage working together is common in Korea, Lee Do-lun quit her job to fully support Lee Chang-ho. She began learning Japanese to assist him during his competitions in Japan and took up cooking. Now, her Italian pasta and seaweed soup are Lee Chang-ho’s favorites.
Following Lee Do-lun’s preference, Lee Chang-ho bought a house in a scenic area, just a five-minute drive from his parents’ home and near hiking trails. The house is simple and elegant, reminiscent of the “Full House” in the Korean drama “Romantic Full House.”
Entering marriage marks a transformation for Lee Chang-ho, as his world now includes a vital life partner. With this virtuous support, the “Stone Buddha” can focus even more on his pursuits. A hero on a journey, accompanied by his lady, creates the most beautiful picture.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
