Daily E-Sports interview/article about Sangho and the match-fixing scandal.
The player who was hurt most by the match-fixing scandal
After the news of the match-fixing incidents came out, who were the players who were hurt the most? Probably the numerous players who played fairly and had nothing to do with the match-fixing. The unpleasant incident caused both OGN and MBC to have difficulties securing sponsors, and disappointed the fans and hurt the industry. There is also another victim – before the completion of the investigation, eSTRO’s Sangho was implicated due to a fabricated list of involved players by a netizen.
I met Sangho the day after the first public investigation of the match-fixing. When I met him, his face was much thinner than during his life in the practice house. The happy and enthusiastic Sangho who entertained everyone around him has all but disappeared now. Reflected now on his face is only the hardships and sorrows he had to endure.
Even though he is now willing to accept this interview, Sangho told us that during this exceptionally difficult time, because he was falsely accused of match-fixing combined with his father going through surgery, “there were times when I wanted to die.”
Only because of one loss
Sangho will never forget the day of 2009 10/24. Because it was a game that day that involved him in the maelstrom of the match-fixing incident. In the third set of a game against STX, on Outsider, Sangho missed a crucial timing against Calm, and lost the game after securing a huge advantage.
“This game led to a lot of criticisms from fans. I myself am disappointed that I was unable to decisively judge the situation while being in the advantage. But I didn’t know that this game would change my life so much.”
Before the 2009-2010 SPL season began, Sangho decided with his teammates that they would definitely make the playoffs. Because hyvaa and Upmagic have been performing well and Really has been playing his role as the ace, Sangho believed that there is a very realistic possibility that eSTRO could accomplish something this season.
But when the season began, Sangho was unable to get many victories. Thanks to the free agency, he enjoyed the highest salary on eSTRO, but didn’t deliver many wins. This worried him, but the desire to win backfired and he ended up losing more and more, and his confidence was lost along with the games.
“After the game where the opponent staged a comeback, Sangho didn’t know what to do,” he said. Everytime he lost a game, he would be criticized, and people would even say he might as well retire. Sangho talked with head coach Kim and told him his thoughts: “If I can’t get myself out of my current situation, I’ll retire.” In his mind, “if I fall here, all of my efforts would have been for naught,” and similar thoughts couldn’t be dispelled.
“I gave my soul to eSTRO. I will definitely lead the team into the playoffs. So from that point, I started practicing with everything I had, and tried to condition my mentality, and hoped to chase away from the fans’ memories the failure that game.”
For the hard-working Sangho, to be accused of match-fixing was fatal. Later, we learned that he would often give the salary-less B-teamers spending money. He had such a strong passion for eSTRO, but the netizens’ accusations robbed Sangho of the strength to even lift up a mouse.
Afraid to leave the house
Everyone has had at some point thought that they couldn’t go on, but only few actually attempt suicide. Sangho would see celebrities who commit suicide after rumors and slandering, and had thought they didn’t cherish life enough. But when he himself met a situation like this, he really considered ending his life.
“I used to think that if you have the courage to commit suicide, then you should have the courage to face life. But when I actually met something like this, I started to understand what those people thought. I had never even heard of the match-fixing, let alone participate in it, but I have to face this kind of slandering, I was really depressed. I would walk on the street and people would run up to me and ask ‘did you really throw games?’ For a while I was afraid to even leave my house. Staying at home, I thought, ‘can I really continue like this?’”
When faced with these people who wouldn’t trust him, who wouldn’t listen to his explanations, Sangho began to have regrets. Regrets of giving the past 5 years of his life, in the pursuit of his dreams and passions, to e-Sports. Sangho no longer knows why he abandoned everything to come here. When all people could do is glance at him with expressions of suspicion, Sangho just wanted to know how he could disappear.
“I first heard rumors of the match-fixing in the beginning of February. I didn’t know why when I went to the games, no one would talk to me, and everyone would act so strangely. Only later did I find out the reason. I would watch movies where the innocent protagonist gets blamed and suspected, and now, I became that protagonist, only in real life.”
Exacerbated by father’s surgery
Even though he was blamed for match-fixing, Sangho believed that the truth will eventually surface. But just when he first saw the light at the end of the tunnel due his teammates’ trust, his father fell down. This only worsened the situation.
“I was in the middle of practice, and my mom kept calling. She knows that usually, I won’t answer when practicing unless it’s an emergency. It seems like there will be bad news. I answered the phone and learned that my dad fainted. I cried, and immediately returned home.”
After learning that his dad would have to go through a major surgery, Sangho felt like the brave mentality he had laboriously built-up was just destroyed again. Sangho kept going under these false accusations, but this news crippled him again.
“Luckily, my dad’s surgery was a success, but even after the surgery, his condition can’t be cured completely. And under this condition, he saw the rumors on the web, and was very angry after seeing people accuse me of match-fixing. As my dad, he understood me better than anyone. He knew I would never do anything like that. Just after the surgery before he recovered, my dad said ‘find me everyone who left these kinds of comments.’ He got angry, and ended up collapsing again.”
Sangho first witnessed the truth in the very real harm of rumors. His father collapsing before even fully recovering from the surgery made Sangho wish he could find each and every one of the people spreading these rumors and change their mind. He can’t forgive the people who hurt him and his father so much.
“Even though the investigation has proven my innocence, no one apologized to me. There is no trace of remorse from the people spreading the rumors. They almost killed a man. They don’t even know how one sentence from them has caused so much harm. But of course, there will be people who will be unrepentant even after seeing my interview. If they can try looking at this from someone else’s shoes, they’ll know how dangerous the things they’ve done were, but unfortunately they’re not doing that.”
Towards a new dream
When the rumors were coming out full speed, Sangho never stepped forward and said “I didn’t.” The main reason was because no one would’ve believed it. He knew that only when the investigations concluded could he convince others of his innocence. But if he had said something, a lot of the rumors would’ve been dispelled. But Sangho doesn’t regret his decision of silence.
“Saying stuff without any evidence – who would’ve believed it? Also, if it was my responsibility to step forth and say something to wash myself of any suspicions, does this mean that every innocent player had to step forth to say something? I had hoped that if I said nothing, the rumors would die down. I didn’t want my teammates to get hurt, so I had to keep silent.”
The investigation lasted from April to May. Sangho lived a difficult life during those two months. When he decided to leave eSports, Sangho returned home without looking back once.
“I didn’t watch TV for two months. The past 5 years were for nothing. If I remained in this place where my dreams died, I wouldn’t be able to breathe. Now? I haven’t thought much, but it’ll be difficult for me to pick up a mouse again.”
After confirming that his dad is recovering again, Sangho began to consider his future. Even though many people are telling him that he probably won’t be able to succeed as a player again, it’s hard for him to completely suppress his passion for eSports.
“The reason I wanted to do this interview was not because I wanted to prove my innocence. I just don’t want another victim like me to appear again. I sincerely ask of the netizens to not forget that just one little rumor from you can make you the same as a criminal, to almost kill a man. I hope no one gets hurt like Id id again.”
Sangho still hasn’t forgotten the pain he suffered, but his heart is no longer as cold as it was. He is currently considering his future – should he return to eSports and do what he can to his ability? Or should we clap for a Sangho who will be soaring towards a new dream? And is it time for the culture of flip-flopping, inconsiderate commenting change?
This makes me so sad because he's such a friendly, funny guy. I have many good memories of time spent backstage with him, Suny, Hyvaa, Really, Action, and the other eSTRO players (As well as Hwanni.) I won't forget all our silly chicken parties, that one photoshoot were I made him go outside without a coat and he nearly fell over a sculpture, the afternoon with them all bickering over the free polaroids, or stealing his cartons of juice :/ I hope he's happier whatever happens in the future.
Thanks for the translation! The match-fixing scandal has simmered down significantly now, and its good to see that at least some attempt at a follow-up has occurred. I just feel it was very unfortunate that SangHo was innocently caught up in the witch-hunt and inadvertently forced to 'resign'. While he may not have shown fantastic results, I feel that every gamer in the SC scene carries a bit of the soul of e-sports within them, and its always a shame when one disappears.
“The reason I wanted to do this interview was not because I wanted to prove my innocence. I just don’t want another victim like me to appear again. I sincerely ask of the netizens to not forget that just one little rumor from you can make you the same as a criminal, to almost kill a man. I hope no one gets hurt like Id id again.”
Sangho still hasn’t forgotten the pain he suffered, but his heart is no longer as cold as it was. He is currently considering his future – should he return to eSports and do what he can to his ability? Or should we clap for a Sangho who will be soaring towards a new dream? And is it time for the culture of flip-flopping, inconsiderate commenting change?
Do there happen to be any netizen comments on this article, and what their reaction to the article was? And considering he was on the eSTRO team which TL has lots of contacts with (i think...i could be wrong!), would there be anything the foreign community such as TL could do? Maybe even send him a 'Best Wishes' card? I'm sure I'd be happy to support him returning to the e-sports scene...but then again that may just be me...
Wow that's so sad. =( Stupid netizens causing people so much misery........ It's really sad when you read that 5 years of his life was crushed just like that. Bleh. I wish Sangho luck in whatever he does in the future!
On June 15 2010 15:44 Fish_Baguettes wrote: Do there happen to be any netizen comments on this article, and what their reaction to the article was? And considering he was on the eSTRO team which TL has lots of contacts with (i think...i could be wrong!), would there be anything the foreign community such as TL could do? Maybe even send him a 'Best Wishes' card? I'm sure I'd be happy to support him returning to the e-sports scene...but then again that may just be me...
Yes yes! I haven't sent anyone a message in best wishes (even my favourite progamer Jaedong....no longer Savior), but I would definitely write one to Sangho!
I feel terrible for Sangho. 5 years of is life and it disappears just like that from a rumor (and it was that one game only). I would be so bitter if that was me. Poor Sangho
On June 15 2010 15:49 JIJIyO wrote: Wow that's so sad. =( Stupid netizens causing people so much misery........ It's really sad when you read that 5 years of his life was crushed just like that. Bleh. I wish Sangho luck in whatever he does in the future!
On June 15 2010 15:44 Fish_Baguettes wrote: Do there happen to be any netizen comments on this article, and what their reaction to the article was? And considering he was on the eSTRO team which TL has lots of contacts with (i think...i could be wrong!), would there be anything the foreign community such as TL could do? Maybe even send him a 'Best Wishes' card? I'm sure I'd be happy to support him returning to the e-sports scene...but then again that may just be me...
Yes yes! I haven't sent anyone a message in best wishes (even my favourite progamer Jaedong....no longer Savior), but I would definitely write one to Sangho!
i have never send any msg either, and i would for sangho
i love these interviews. it gives life to the progamers who we dont know much about. on screen, we only see that they are sc-playing robots. but deep down inside, they have personalities. and we can see them through these interviews. i think hes a pretty nice guy. i feel bad for what he had to go through. the korean netizens sure are fierce. theyve caused many celebs to commit suicide and almost got one more.
Those pictures of him making me instantly sad... it's exactly as the interviewer says. Sang Ho was the happiest and nicest guy who loved what he did and loved his team. Terrible thing to go through. I hope he can think of all the good times.
wow ive been desensitised enough over the years but this make me choke up. Especially after reading how awesome he is from people who met him. Hope he finds peace in whatever he does next.
On June 15 2010 18:05 cemlions wrote: I think considering suicide over people thinking you cheat at BW is a bit off.
It is not like if he has been banned for hacking on US east. He was a professional who dedicated five years of his life to full time progaming and those rumors have ruined his reputation and his career.
On June 15 2010 15:49 JIJIyO wrote: Wow that's so sad. =( Stupid netizens causing people so much misery........ It's really sad when you read that 5 years of his life was crushed just like that. Bleh. I wish Sangho luck in whatever he does in the future!
On June 15 2010 15:44 Fish_Baguettes wrote: Do there happen to be any netizen comments on this article, and what their reaction to the article was? And considering he was on the eSTRO team which TL has lots of contacts with (i think...i could be wrong!), would there be anything the foreign community such as TL could do? Maybe even send him a 'Best Wishes' card? I'm sure I'd be happy to support him returning to the e-sports scene...but then again that may just be me...
Yes yes! I haven't sent anyone a message in best wishes (even my favourite progamer Jaedong....no longer Savior), but I would definitely write one to Sangho!
i have never send any msg either, and i would for sangho
i think i sent one to savior(maybe?) and flash i know, id love to send one to sangho! esp after the saddening things i read in this article
I would too write him and his father a message. He looks like a very Nice guy, from NonY's and NeverGG's messages, and he gave spending Money to b-teamers!
Maybe he should contact TesteR and Start playing SC2, as his former coach and progamer TesteR would be very understanding of his situation and giving SangHo some top tips .
It breaks my heart to imagine how many similar personal tragedies are behind the scenes due to these few match-fixing suckers. Of course, he is in a very special situation amongst them too
This makes me even angrier at the players that acutally did matchfixing. I mean, if it only hurt themselves or maybe even if the reputation of progaming got a blow (which all sports have gotten) one might be able to forgive these players.
But this is the real hurting of real people. All the non- S or A class players and especially those rumored to have participated.
Fuck you Savior, Lux, Yarnc etc. Hope at least some people will learn from this.
On June 15 2010 20:52 Nightmarjoo wrote: So Estro won't let him back even though he's proven innocent? Korean politics are harsh.
Where did you read that?
Well you're right, I didn't, but I also didn't read that they let him back in. The melancholy tone of the article made me assume he was out in the cold.
to have a person of his sincerity towards his team and proffession suffer such hardships over a false accusation, thanks the OP for translating this interview and gives Sangho a chance to tell his story to a wider audience.
On June 15 2010 15:11 G3nXsiS wrote: Poor SangHo. The lives of non Flash or S-class progamers..........
Sangho was decently paid. I think this is more sad because he faced deep depression as an innocent young man, while at the same time worrying about his dad.
On June 15 2010 15:40 danl9rm wrote: i sometimes hate the internets.
such a volatile, unaccountable, heartless place.
Me too. I take from this that we should all at least try and be a bit kinder to each other. We're all just people out there behind the keyboards.
Celebrities have it really tough though. The adulation must be amazing but the hatred would cut so close to the bone.
On June 15 2010 20:52 Nightmarjoo wrote: So Estro won't let him back even though he's proven innocent? Korean politics are harsh.
Where did you read that?
Well you're right, I didn't, but I also didn't read that they let him back in. The melancholy tone of the article made me assume he was out in the cold.
I took it to mean that he left himself because of his father's illness and his depression. Artosis came out pretty early on and said Sangho was not being investigated. So I don't feel that he was ostracised by his team.
T_T We should definitely make him a card. And if he cannot get back into eSTRO, we should encourage him to play StarCraft II since he is still young and has pro-experience.
I really enjoyed a lot of Sangho's play (in good form), this is such a sad interview. It's amazing how false rumours can destroy a character in the spotlight, even without any proof.
Wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do.
On June 15 2010 23:21 Shiragaku wrote: T_T We should definitely make him a card. And if he cannot get back into eSTRO, we should encourage him to play StarCraft II since he is still young and has pro-experience.
Agreed. He used to be one of my favourites to put on anti team for FPL (hehehehe) but nothing against the player himself, this article definitely shed some light on his situation.
I just what to point out that while progamers aren't as heavily into this community as they are the Korean communities, many of you contributed to this mess.
This makes me so sad, he clearly gave his heart and soul into eStro and to be sent into a depression by the combined force of the 11 and neitizens is truly horrible.
More than anything I just want to give him a hug and tell him that I will never forget his game versus guemchi in the STX masters.
Wow ;~; Everything about this situation is just heart wrenching; from Sangho's kind nature, his family crisis, and the amount of dedication he has given to eSports and his team, to how he took all the criticism from netizens, yet has remained so noble about the situation.
On June 17 2010 17:27 Mooncat wrote: Probably I'm a bit naive here but shouldn't estro like... formally apologize and rehire him or something? o.O
Why should Estro apologize? As far as I have read they have done nothing wrong. The trouble was caused by netizens fabricating/spreading a list with his name on it. I don't think Estro ever took actions against him.
To me it sounds as if Sangho is considering whether he wants to return to e-sports, and if he chooses to I expect Estro will welcome him back (does anyone know if his contract with Estro is formally terminated?).
Wow...I had lost faith in him with the list came out on TL with his name on it. Since his name stopped coming up though he slipped from my mind and I focused more of the anger towards Fake Yellow and sAviOr. Feel really bad to see him go through such a thing like that.
Even though it's unlikely he'll read this, I apologize for doubting you Ryan[Shield]. I hope you'll find your future soon.
I just watched the 뒷담화 (the talk show thingy with Kingdom and Kim Carrier and the other guy) episodes 25/26 (associated with this OP), very illuminating. Kinda feel bad for putting SangHo on my anti for 2 FPL seasons before... best of luck for the honest guy.
considering the netizens are almost all like below the age of 18.. people need to stop taking those comments seriously i mean i did it sometimes as well and i just wrote it coz i felt like being bitter and stupid without thought or conclusive observation.. but its amazing how words kill.
I know this hasnt been commented on for a while, but reading this makes me feel heartfelt for SangHo. Also now he is without a team and I am hopefull he can find somewhere to play, and the reason I bumped this is that it tells a good point, a true point, where one little sentence can hurt someone without even knowing it, its even happened to me before. Thought the new TL members that havent seen this, can have a look and learn about the point of the article.
EPT
![[image loading]](http://img.dailygame.co.kr/news/201006/attachments/20100615_5cba1b2a93462e04daebd1120dd419d0.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img.dailygame.co.kr/news/201006/attachments/20100615_86d9a4885b74f63a4fe9cfb51fefd118.jpg)
.. wish the best for SangHo on his future endeavors. 
