HiyA: "I want my days as a progamer to remain as good memories"
Earlier this month, on Novemer 4th, Kespa posted the progamers that used to belong to the disbanded Hwaseung OZ, MBCGame HERO and WeMade FOX. Posting is basically a draft conducted by the six other corporate-sponsored teams, excluding ACE. Players state a minimum salary, then a desired salary, and if they negotiate a deal somewhere in between with a team, they are drafted.
Hiya, the terran ace of Hwaseung Oz, participated in the posting as well. He was planning on continuing his career as a progamer if a team picked him up. However, none of the teams wanted him. Rumor has it that his minimum salary was much higher than what the teams had expected.
When Shine, who was a big fish among those who failed to post initially, was later picked up by Samsung KHAN, we were curious of Hiya's status. Daily E-sports visited Hiya on the 16th at his house and conducted an interview.
DE=How have you been? Hiya=The first few days after I failed to post, I thought alot about my future, and came to the conclusion to tie everything up. I have no plans of continuing on as a progamer, so I haven't reached out to other teams either. To be honest, I am enjoying this break away from progaming.
DE=Alot of things happened after Hwaseung Oz disbanded. Hiya=The news of our disbanding broke after the season ended. I packed my luggage and came home with a heavy heart. One day, I even went onto an e-sports news site and F5'd all day to see if any corporations wanted to sponsor a team. For about two months, I did nothing but wait for the good news. They were very unsettling times for me. Then, to top it off, my father passed away last month, weighing even more heavily on my heart.
DE=We heard he passed away in October. How was the funeral. Hiya=Alot of e-sports personnel visited and tried to cheer me up. My father loved to drink and he was admitted to a hospital for Liver Cirrhosis a few months ago. He was let go after being treated, but he suddenly collapsed, so he was readmitted. We were so shocked because he passed away not two days after re-admittance. Our relatives said he probably knew he didn't have much time left, and wanted to pass away quickly to reduce medical bills. I was still trying to comprehend what had happened, but with my older brother and mother's efforts, we were able to have a successful funeral.
DE=You are now the head of the family [가장=one who brings home the bread] Hiya=I'm the younger brother, so I'm not the head. My older brother, who is 7 years older, is our head now. Even during our funeral, he managed everything and I just helped him. He must be overwhelmed by the responsibility he now carries.
DE=I remember you saying 'I hope things start to look up after October.' It is now November, and things are still looking gloomy for Hiya. Hiya=I expected things to flesh out after October. I waited for our team to find another sponsor, then heard that wouldn't be happening. I participated in the posting on the 4th, and I was planning on entering a team that wanted me. But they must have thought my desired salary was too high.
I heard Shine, who also failed to post initially, entered Khan. I am happy for him. Coach Han of team8, and ex-coach of Hwaseung Oz, said he would try to find me a spot in another team, but after 2 days, I told him that I would like to retire. To be honest, after I failed to post on the 4th, I gave up continuing on as a progamer.
DE=What have you been up to recently. Hiya=I've been streaming on Afreeca. I guess it's because I used to be a progamer, but over a 1000 viewers log onto my channel at times.
DE=The viewers must have alot of questions regarding your whereabouts and future plans. Hiya=Yea. Alot of them ask me if I have plans of continuing as a progamer. I answer them honestly.
DE=Afreeca doesn't necessarily have the best reputation at the moment. Hiya=That bothered me too. There are alot of people who disapprove of ex-progamers who had been involved in match-fixing streaming on Afreeca. I was worried I would get involved in that mess somehow. But the viewers all gave me words of encouragement, and only had positive things to say. Since [Starcraft] is all I know how to do, I am happy that I can still earn some money, however little it is, through streaming.
I wanted to enjoy the game without the title of 'progamer.' When I was on the team, sometimes it was a pain to practice according schedule and live by tournament schedules. However, now I am just having the time of my life playing [Starcraft] and talking to my viewers. This has been the happiest time of my life.
DE=There is speculation that you may transfer to Starcraft 2. Hiya=It would be a lie if I said I hadn't thought about it. After Hwaseung disbanded, I tried SC2 at home for a week. I hit diamond very easily. I thought it might be possible, but then I played against fOrGG who recently switched to SC2, and I got absolutely demolished. He was off-racing as Zerg at that, so I gave up right then and there. I am planning to join the military rather than to play SC2. [NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO]
DE=Lomo is joining the police sooon. Hiya= I went down to Pusan about a week ago with Sky, Bee, sHy and Ryul2. When my father passed away, Lomo came up all the way from Pusan. It meant alot for me. That's when I heard of his plans to join the military as a police officer. I decided to return the favor by going down to Pusan and throwing him a good-bye party, while getting some fresh air as well. I told him to take care and come back safely.
DE=Are you jealous of players who joined team8. Hiya=It was cool to see the ace players from 3 teams, such as Jaedong, Sea, Killer, BaBy, beatace OR Jaehoon and Tyson, together. It's pretty obvious that this team will do well. I thought 'only if I had performed better in the 10-11 season, then maybe I could have joined too' but it is a thing of the past and there is nothing I can do now.
Since there were alot of us Hwaseung players who were close to Coach Han, we visited him in Itaewon. I went with Alone and Bee. We wanted to talk about future plans, but we got there late so we couldn't talke much. Itaewon is far from Boochun and we started to worry we wouldn't have a bus home. I hope team8 does well.
DE=Did your father's passing away have a impact on your decision to retire. Hiya=When I was packing away my father's belongings, I realized we didn't have a single family picture. My father worked in Japan to earn our family money since I was very young. I never saw my father in elementary and middle school. When he came back, I was already part of a team and living in a dormitory, so I never saw him.
Before my father passed away, he suggested that we go on a vacation to Jaeju island. He suggested it when he was healthy, but then was admitted to a hospital and passed away in less than a week. We missed the opportunity to go on our first family vacation in 20 years. [T_T.. this is so saddening.. RIP]
After my father passed away, I realized the importance of family. I am now trying to spend as much time as I can with my mother and brother. It played a big part in my decision to retire. I want streaming on Afreeca to be a hobby, and use the time that is left to spend one more hour, have one more conversation with my family.
DE=You mentioned that money is not a big motivator for you in one of the past interviews, that you play for fun. Hiya=Yea. Even my decision to become a progamer was not based on the money. I was good at what I did, and I found fun in being good. It would have been ideal to earn money while doing what I enjoy, but for now, spending time with my family is priority number one.
When I was a progamer, I thought 'I should retire after becoming the best'. I dreamt of announcing my retirement after winning an individual league title. But I guess becoming the best wasn't that easy. I didn't want to become a thing of the past and retire because I had to. In the 10-11 season, I didn't have the best results, but I think I put up a good fighting. I think now is a good point to walk away from it all.
DE=Any last words to your fans. Hiya=I often talk about my status and life when I stream on Afreeca. They support [my decision to retire] and empathize, so I am thankful. But some viewers try to over-analyze or fixate on one aspect of what I say and blow it out of context. I hope they don't put words in my mouth and post it all over the internet in the future.
The days I spent as a progamer remain as dear and fun memories. Now we have parted ways, but you can never tell what will happen in life. When we meet again in the future, I hope you will still remember me as the 'funny progamer Hiya.'
Disappointing to hear him retiring and not giving a try at SC2 (or anyone else for that matter if they retire). Though to be honest if he wanted to retire from progaming in BW, I suppose its better not to even try SC2.
Giving my 3000th post to HiyA. Sad to hear the story about his father and also his future in progaming. I was hoping to at least see him in sc2 rather than him retire for good but if this is what he wants then so be it. I am also a bit sad that he don't get the recognition he deserves thru his stream not only on Afreeca with ~1000 viewers but also here on TL when people take the effort to restream him. It's a real treat to see him play.
He shouldn't retire, he's still a good player with a lot of potential to do great things, but if he feels that he has no more motivation to stay in the rts scene...I respect his decision. Hiya Fighting!!! You were one of the best personalities in the scene, you will be missed
RIP, Hiya's dad... Not having a family photo or even family vacation really2 sucked. He surely feels terrible...not getting accepted into a team just adds salt to his wounds.
Thanks for the translation, wasn't what a lot of us wanted to hear, but at least HiYa is having fun with BW as a hobby now. If he keeps on streaming it will still be very nice to tune into.
wohaa that was so sad to read, about he's dad and when he got picked up by a team he didn't get to see him much anyways because he lives and train at the dormitory . so sad so sad, he needs a pause that's for sure. wow.
Btw, anybody notice how much better he looks? Much better than his typical hunchback, mouth wide-open hiya : ) All the best with his family, career and surgery!!! He is definitely an entertainer for the fans, rather than a result oriented one.
On November 18 2011 04:57 chongu wrote: RIP Hiya's Dad.
Btw, anybody notice how much better he looks? Much better than his typical hunchback, mouth wide-open hiya : ) All the best with his family, career and surgery!!! He is definitely an entertainer for the fans, rather than a result oriented one.
I remember my friend filmed my face when I was playing supersmashbrothers, and it seems that some people look dumb when they are really focused on something... Let's just say I was quite shocked at how I looked and deleted the video immediately lol
But hiya if you don't come to SC2 how can you and MVP team up to form team magikarp? I'll miss hiya I would have loved to see him get picked up by a team (Woongjin could always use a good terran right?) but I hope he enjoys his life.
I wish someone on TL could put a book together of TL-ers saying thank you to him and stating their favorite Hiya moment. If we can do it for JD's birthday then Hiya def deserves this.
On November 18 2011 05:03 BisuDagger wrote: I wish someone on TL could put a book together of TL-ers saying thank you to him and stating their favorite Hiya moment. If we can do it for JD's birthday then Hiya def deserves this.
If TLers could make this happen, I could look into delivering it to him personally... I live in Pittsburgh PA right now but I'll be going to Korea on December 10th.. I'm terribly un-artistic, though, so it would just a be a scrap book with comments...
He was a pretty influential and good pro, it's sad to see how tough life for pro is if you're not one of the very top player. Pretty wise and sad interview from Hiya. I wish him a happy life, and I must say I have a lot of respect for him. Many thanks for the interview.
On November 18 2011 05:03 BisuDagger wrote: I wish someone on TL could put a book together of TL-ers saying thank you to him and stating their favorite Hiya moment. If we can do it for JD's birthday then Hiya def deserves this.
If TLers could make this happen, I could look into delivering it to him personally... I live in Pittsburgh PA right now but I'll be going to Korea on December 10th.. I'm terribly un-artistic, though, so it would just a be a scrap book with comments...
Look at some of NeverGG's projects or the Zergling for Jaedong for ideas, I would so be down to help out or contribute.
On November 18 2011 04:54 zaii wrote: what..... one lost to forgg convinced him to retire from progaming...
I don't think it has anything to do with losing to ForGG specifically. I think he just took that moment to reflect on how much time it would take to reclimb the ladder and become a top Progamer again.
Weighing the timesink that progaming is versus the importance family is to Hiya made it an easy decision I think. It's sad that he is retiring but he's happy now, and that's what matters.
sad story ............. all this pressure and agony it's just sad to happen to one person in this short time i hope , some team will take him for a normal salary , maybe this season's ratting will blow sky high and some companies will come to bw what i like about hiya is his atitude towards sc2
Im sad to see Hiya go as a progammer but its easy to understand. When something like that happens to you, you get to see things in a new perspective and Im glad for him that he found the peace of mind to make this decision and start enjoying time with his family more.
GG Hiya maybe you can get a job as a commentator or coach in a few years
Stories and interviews like this really gives esports another perspective for me. For every BW game we watch there's an elite player who had to give up so much, like Hiya, to become as good as he is. Sometimes we just take things for granted, and its nice to have an interview like this every once in a while to remember the human side of esports. Just hopefully not too many of these because then I wouldn't be able to take it
Thanks for the translation, and at least we still get to see hiya stream for a little bit. He shall be missed.
It makes me sad, that it has to end this way for him. But if he can look back at his time as a progamer and feel that it was a happy time, then that is maybe not the worst thing.
Still it is sad. Will try to watch his stream as often as possible.
One of the greatest entertainers in esports. He'll truly be missed.
It's odd that he gave up on SC2 simply because he lost to Forgg, an A-team BW pro whose been playing the game for a lot longer than him. I'm sure if he stuck to it, he'd easily make it to Code S in no time. I guess after everything that happened in the last few months, he just got tired of progaming and wanted to get away from all of it. Oh well, best of luck to him with whatever he decides to do in the future, but I hope he gives progaming another try after his military service.
On November 18 2011 05:28 Drey wrote: This is the saddest interview I ever read on TL, it goes from bad to worse and no happy ending.
For us, probably. For him, I guess it at least resulted in spending more time with his family, and some hope for the future. He seems to be taking things quite well, for the circumstances.
This is very sad. While I am sure many people would like to see this man continue to be a programer, whether in BW or SC2, I realize that this decision is probably for the best.
His answer about how little time he got to spend with his father is very sad and heartbreaking, and I wish the best for him and his family.
Really sad interview as everyone has noticed. The death in the family obviously sets the tone there. Still, it seems like he is taking a positive outlook on the retirement rather than being discouraged that he hadn't found a team. I wish him the best of luck in the future.
But he's so honest and realistic and open hearted i feel... Hiya you were always awesome in my book and you still are now!!!!!
That last picture... when you read the whole thing, it really is an amazing picture, i can easily imagine hiya looking exactly like that when he talks about those kinds of things.... sad but true.
On November 18 2011 04:19 HopLight wrote: Sad, but I have to ask, was anyone else wondering why Hiya looks so much like Fantasy in these pictures? (Especially 2 and 4)
You are probably just a white dude who (like many others) have problem telling Asians apart. They look nothing alike, even in those pictures, to me :D
In any case, i guess that clarify Hiya's future status, as well as his reasons to retire.. Tbh i think the timing could have been better, but if that's what he wants to do then there's no helping it. Sounds like pretty valid reasons too, spending time w family after a big hit (his dad) and all.
I personally think, that he made good decision. BW progaming and winning is about having a proper mindset and don't worry about anything else. I think he realizes, that keeping game-oriented mindset is most likely impossible after draft failure and father loss. As he had found that an important "family" part of his life is missed, he would rather have prioritized it over gaming and other less relevant stuff. Now he is streaming for fun and reassurance. He will still give us - fans - a lot of joy, we only have to follow different broadcasting source.
This interview brings interesting question though. Progamers are professional competitors of e-sports just like basketball players, footballers or athletes are for casual sports. Retiring sportsman (at perhaps age 33+ depending on the discipline, and perhaps financially established), can move to business or become a coach unless discipline ceases to exist. What in the case of progamer retiring at the age of 23 (probably did not manage to earn enough), with little or no progaming training exist, and shrinking (or collapsing as you will) Brood War scene? How will he earn his living? He admitted that Starcraft is the only thing he knows.
Perhaps it's the time to grow progaming scene towards courses, training classes, paid lectures, e-gaming clubs ans so on. Then participants would then be able to support (retired) progamers financially (with much more $, than revenues from streaming), and encourage field developement and attention from sponsors.
Thank you for the translation. This was really sad But I am glad to know what has been happening with Hiya and I hope he will be satisfied with his decisions.
I don't wanna be "that guy" but he says money isn't important for him to continue, yet it seems he wanted a high salary which is why no one picked him up?
On November 18 2011 08:45 DwD wrote: I don't wanna be "that guy" but he says money isn't important for him to continue, yet it seems he wanted a high salary which is why no one picked him up?
I thought that it meant that his current salary was too high for most other teams. Besides, he might've been alright but he probably felt that he wasn't worth it as a player after he got rejected.
Really great interview. I actually didn't like him when I first started watching BW but I liked him more and more over the years, maybe because he became the Terran guy on Oz. Plus he put up some really interesting games like vs Free haha. Wonder why he just simply decided that SC2 wasn't for him just by playing fOrGG.
On November 18 2011 09:07 ConSenT wrote: NOOO HiyA!! Don't retire! Why don't you just lower your desired salary damnit ^^
Its never been about money for HiyA. I think thats one of the reasons people really liked him and admired his play. You could see it in his play, he was playing BW for purely the LOVE of BW. He would do things that you'd see and say, "WHAT IS HE THINKING? MADNESS!!" but then he'd somehow make it work. He was having fun playing the game.
I think the passing of his father and disbandment of Hwaeseung was a reality-check for HiyA and made him put things in perspective. He realizes, hes not a kid anymore and that he can't just do things for "fun" anymore. He realizes the importance of family and I feel like the recent course of events has really matured and put things in perspective for HiyA.
HiyA, you will be missed. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
I posted on reddit earlier, but the translation is a little misleading cause it leaves out an important part. He didn't rule out becoming an SC2 progamer entirely. He just said he stopped playing for now and is thinking about military instead.
This is more like what he said: "I'd be lying if I said I don't think about it. After Oz disbanded, I played SC2 for a week at home. I made it to Diamond easily. I thought I had a chance, but when I played fOrGG for fun, I got completely destroyed. After I lost to fOrGG's Zerg, I stopped playing. At least for now, I think BW is right for me. Currently, I'm thinking of joining the military more than becoming an SC2 progamer."
On November 18 2011 09:07 ConSenT wrote: NOOO HiyA!! Don't retire! Why don't you just lower your desired salary damnit ^^
Its never been about money for HiyA. I think thats one of the reasons people really liked him and admired his play. You could see it in his play, he was playing BW for purely the LOVE of BW. He would do things that you'd see and say, "WHAT IS HE THINKING? MADNESS!!" but then he'd somehow make it work. He was having fun playing the game.
I think the passing of his father and disbandment of Hwaeseung was a reality-check for HiyA and made him put things in perspective. He realizes, hes not a kid anymore and that he can't just do things for "fun" anymore. He realizes the importance of family and I feel like the recent course of events has really matured and put things in perspective for HiyA.
HiyA, you will be missed. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
I agree with all this, but if you read his interview, he clearly says that his "desired salary was too high" so he couldn't get on a team? He then states at the end of his interview that it was "never about the money" for him.
So why not just lower his desired salary to get on a team?
My father worked in Japan to earn our family money since I was very young. I never saw my father in elementary and middle school. When he came back, I was already part of a team and living in a dormitory, so I never saw him.
Anyone else think this is rather fu--ed up on Oz's side ? The guy hasnt seen his fathers for years and years and they wont give him a week off so the family can meet together ? I cannot be sad of Oz anymore. Not after this.
sorry to hear about everything that's happened to him in the past year. hope everything works out for him, and glad that he is spending time with his family more.
My father worked in Japan to earn our family money since I was very young. I never saw my father in elementary and middle school. When he came back, I was already part of a team and living in a dormitory, so I never saw him.
Anyone else think this is rather fu--ed up on Oz's side ? The guy hasnt seen his fathers for years and years and they wont give him a week off so the family can meet together ? I cannot be sad of Oz anymore. Not after this.
It's a translation so I'm not sure but I don't think it meant that he literally never saw his father. It's like when students go off to a university and don't spend much time at home because they live somewhere else.
My father worked in Japan to earn our family money since I was very young. I never saw my father in elementary and middle school. When he came back, I was already part of a team and living in a dormitory, so I never saw him.
Anyone else think this is rather fu--ed up on Oz's side ? The guy hasnt seen his fathers for years and years and they wont give him a week off so the family can meet together ? I cannot be sad of Oz anymore. Not after this.
It's a translation so I'm not sure but I don't think it meant that he literally never saw his father. It's like when students go off to a university and don't spend much time at home because they live somewhere else.
Hiya also did say something like this in his stream chat:
""Our team was sort of like a military atmosphere, we didn't know the names of our trainees. We only knew the A-teamers and B-teamers."
"On Hwaseung we used to get no vacations. Samsung KHAN gets at least one break a week. They have so many rest days that they would end up practicing on break days."
"Jaedong, I've lived with him for 5 years,but I know nothing about him.We're unacquainted,don't ask me anything about him."
"When I look at trainees I think it would be really sad.They're not even treated like people.""
On November 18 2011 04:19 HopLight wrote: Sad, but I have to ask, was anyone else wondering why Hiya looks so much like Fantasy in these pictures? (Especially 2 and 4)
They don't look remotely alike, minus the glasses. Besides, Hiya is way more handsome, he carries himself better somehow.
Thanks for the translation, definitely worth the effort for such a sad retirement. Good luck in the future Hollywood Fishiking.
Man my respect for Hiya has gone up a thousand-fold. I can understand what he is going through and why he made those decisions, which I do believe is for the best for his life
While I would have liked to see a big name like him continue, given the circumstances and his choice to spend more time with his family he picked the better choice. It's heartbreaking when he talks about his father
Not that I wanted to say it however I laughed when he said that he stopped because he lost to an off-racing forGG. While it was a small hope that he would switch over because I don't doubt that he can start tearing up the scene like MVP and soon forGG, he did prioritise his family which is best thing to do. It's a bit sad when he says he only knows Starcraft, I do believe that after the military he could go to either games and still be successful, he deserves that at least
Farewell Magikarp! I wasn't into the pro-scene when you were at your best however I do remember fondly of your game against Bisu last season where you gave Taek Shin a chance to shine superbly.
Fuck, life is strange sometimes. You're doing your thing in life, it's going ok, maybe not great but good at least. Suddenly a shitton of stuff hits you from every angle and everything turns upside down. It usually ends being a positive change though.
It's funny how we take things for granted and miss them dearly when we're gone. I'm not saying anyone else did this, but I definitely took HiyA for granted.
Good luck in your future HiyA. I'll miss your strategic plays and hilarious ceremonies.
Really feeling sad for Hiya and his dad now... but props to him for making the right decision in spending more time with family. Hollywood Fishking fighting!
What a sad interview. I will miss his BW antics and I hope his next undertaking will allow him both to do something he loves and allow him to spend time with his family. HiyA fighting!
Touching story. Good call to take some time off. Not sure if he will come back or move on to another occupation after, but wish him the best anywhere. Great memories and entertainment. Thanks Hiya!
On November 18 2011 09:07 ConSenT wrote: NOOO HiyA!! Don't retire! Why don't you just lower your desired salary damnit ^^
Its never been about money for HiyA. I think thats one of the reasons people really liked him and admired his play. You could see it in his play, he was playing BW for purely the LOVE of BW. He would do things that you'd see and say, "WHAT IS HE THINKING? MADNESS!!" but then he'd somehow make it work. He was having fun playing the game.
I think the passing of his father and disbandment of Hwaeseung was a reality-check for HiyA and made him put things in perspective. He realizes, hes not a kid anymore and that he can't just do things for "fun" anymore. He realizes the importance of family and I feel like the recent course of events has really matured and put things in perspective for HiyA.
HiyA, you will be missed. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
I agree with all this, but if you read his interview, he clearly says that his "desired salary was too high" so he couldn't get on a team? He then states at the end of his interview that it was "never about the money" for him.
So why not just lower his desired salary to get on a team?
He probably could have found a team if he really really wanted to; as he said, the coaches were saying they'd help him find a team but he just decided that he no longer wanted to be a progamer. Probably doesn't have the motivation anymore
he actually wasn't that bad a player at all... his 2010-11 performance was mediocre (but not terrible), and his tvp was still a pleasure to watch. loved his aggressive 2 fac pushes.
This was very sad to read T_T He's been through quite a bit He actually looks better in these pictures than I remembered him in a booth, even though there isn't a smile.
While I understand where he's coming from, it still sad to see him go. It's always sad to see someone retire, and I will miss Hiya, and I can't believe I never got a chance to yell out Hollywood Fishking in a LR thread.
I sincerely wish him and his family all the best, and I truly hope he's successful in the future. Thanks for all the entertainment you fun moments you provided, Hiya.
Thanks for the translation rotinegg, these interviews, even though they may be sad, really do show us the other side of a progamer.
wtf this is like korean drama level sadness man T___T really hope hiya enjoys his life to the fullest then no matter what he does i'm so happy he's so happy simply playing starcraft for 'free' (well i don't know how much he earns from afreeca but i'm sure its not much..) and at the same time so sad for all the things that have happened to him recnetly
Wow, that was an extremely personal interview. When I read stuff like this I feel sad for all the history that is being thrown away in SCBW now that SC2 is taking over with all that money.
I wish we could have a healthy SCBW scene side by side with the SC2 scene.
Damn. I hope he gets some peace of mind, and goes to where he desires to be. I'll be happy for him, because ultimately, it's about your own happiness. Magikarp hwaiting!
Players I liked retired, the team I cheered for disbanded, MBCgame shut down... things were so bleak. The hopeful story of JangBi made things okay, bearable at least. But now this... ... I've lost my favorite player, along with all the other things that are gone. I don't know how to feel happy about the season, when there's so little to look forward to...
there's always cases of progamers returning ... though bw is getting long in the teeth, and the upcoming proleague will really determine its future ... i hope one day hiya will return when things stabilize
I wish hiya all the best in life , I don't think I would have reacted the same way like him If I was in his shoe , Hence my respect for hiya , Hiya is really something , I hope he becomes a successful business man or excel in any field he explores in.
What a heartbreaking interview. Good luck to Hiya in his future endeavors, whether they revolve around pro-gaming or not. I hope he can enjoy the time with his family. Thank you for translating.
I think Hiya doesn't care about e-sport anymore. The key part is about him getting obliterated by ForGG and decided to screw it. It's obvious that he figured he'd switch if all the SC2 players suck. But since he can't exactly dominate the scene, he figured it's not worth the hassle.
Here's hoping he live a good life. I'm sad that he made FBH cry, but overall he was an entertaining progamer.
Seems like a great dude, shame about his father passing in those circumstances, i always fear the same with my father. I had actually been watching him play a little bit recently and if i see his stream i will be sure to watch him in the future!
Would he get more viewers if he streamed on TL? I mean, if all his Afreeca fans knew about it, he could add the foreign scene to those numbers. 1000 seems kind of low for big shot BW pro.
I am not the most aware of BW gaming, so it was a really interesting read. His father's situation sounds absolutely devastating, so I hope only the best for him.
it's really sad to see him go. I was holding out that hopefully some team would pick him up, but unfortunately that is not happening. goodbye hiya, thanks for everything.
I wish him the best into his endeavors into others area of his life, that once was dominated by starcraft. Also I'm glad that his experiences as a progamer is remembered upon fondly, instead of something that diverted his time from things important in his life.
My father worked in Japan to earn our family money since I was very young. I never saw my father in elementary and middle school. When he came back, I was already part of a team and living in a dormitory, so I never saw him.
Anyone else think this is rather fu--ed up on Oz's side ? The guy hasnt seen his fathers for years and years and they wont give him a week off so the family can meet together ? I cannot be sad of Oz anymore. Not after this.
The Korean article actually says: "When I was little, he worked in Japan to earn a living for our family. I never saw him from the elementary school to middle school. by the time he came back, I started living a dorm life to become a progamer and I rarely saw him/met him"
My father worked in Japan to earn our family money since I was very young. I never saw my father in elementary and middle school. When he came back, I was already part of a team and living in a dormitory, so I never saw him.
Anyone else think this is rather fu--ed up on Oz's side ? The guy hasnt seen his fathers for years and years and they wont give him a week off so the family can meet together ? I cannot be sad of Oz anymore. Not after this.
The Korean article actually says: "When I was little, he worked in Japan to earn a living for our family. I never saw him from the elementary school to middle school. by the time he came back, I started living a dorm life to become a progamer and I rarely saw him/met him"
yea it was a colloquial 'I never see my father' rather than a literal 'I've never seen my father'... might go back and change it if more people get confused xD
Damn, I love Hiya, this was a really sad interview to read. Thanks for the translation. Hopefully he'll change his mind. It would be so weird for Hiya to disappear from progaming so suddenly.
I finally got a chance to read the entire thing and ugh. It pains me to see HiyA go through such hard times. I'm sure things will get better soon. Really enjoy watching the re-stream Kiante provides us with. ^-^
On November 18 2011 13:23 Torpedo.Vegas wrote: Would he get more viewers if he streamed on TL? I mean, if all his Afreeca fans knew about it, he could add the foreign scene to those numbers. 1000 seems kind of low for big shot BW pro.
Dont think he would get more views, restreams of his stream are already featured and all those who know about it already watch it. When you consider that lot of current top level SC2 koreans barely get 1000, I dont think TL would add a significant number of viewers to a BW stream.
On November 18 2011 13:23 Torpedo.Vegas wrote: Would he get more viewers if he streamed on TL? I mean, if all his Afreeca fans knew about it, he could add the foreign scene to those numbers. 1000 seems kind of low for big shot BW pro.
Dont think he would get more views, restreams of his stream are already featured and all those who know about it already watch it. When you consider that lot of current top level SC2 koreans barely get 1000, I dont think TL would add a significant number of viewers to a BW stream.
Perhaps not thousands, but I suspect a lot of SC2 fans know a lot of BW names from discussions and articles, but never really watch a tournament or anything. So if his stream was on like Twitch or something, he could make it easier for foreign fans to watch and possibly snag a lot of casual viewers interested in watching high level BW play. If he just hits 1000 on good days, I don't think 1200-1500 is out of the question given enough time to soak in the stream section.
So sad. I have always liked HiyA. He had pretty tight play, but wasn't afraid of doing crazy things in game. He also had a lot of personality at a time when most players seemed to have none. I hope he keeps streaming.
Poor HiyA...I rarely saw my dad either...and he passed away from the same thing. It's like watching my past over again. I feel you HiyA. You made the right choice. Enjoy all the time you can with your family.
This is so sad Father passing away, no teams to pick him up. I'm actually glad for him for retiring. Ofcourse its sad as a viewer but as a person I think its the right choice for Hiya atm. Good luck in all your future endevours hiya! We are all going to miss you! Edit: Oh and thanks for translating OP!
sad to see you retire Hiya, but after so much has happened and your father passing away, I fully understand. Go spend more time with your family and good luck in the future!!
Kinda offtopicish, but I've noted a lot of korean interviews don't have question marks in questions but points instead. Is this just due to translation or differences with letters from korean to english? Or some actual cultural thing? I've noted myself often not using '?' in chat-situations, feeling it sometimes looks more aggressive. Like clearly in this interview it fits: you want to give more freedom to player on answering as he wants, not to be too exact on what specific interviewer wants.
On November 18 2011 18:00 Ouga wrote: Kinda offtopicish, but I've noted a lot of korean interviews don't have question marks in questions but points instead. Is this just due to translation or differences with letters from korean to english? Or some actual cultural thing? I've noted myself often not using '?' in chat-situations, feeling it sometimes looks more aggressive. Like clearly in this interview it fits: you want to give more freedom to player on answering as he wants, not to be too exact on what specific interviewer wants.
On November 18 2011 19:54 sinistral wrote: Alas, Magikarp fails to evolve.. good luck in your future endeavours, HiyA!
I don't think this is an accurate, nor very mature and sympathetic way to put it... In my mind, Hiya chose to take a route after the realization of his true values and what family means to him...
For someone who hasn't had a family vacation in 20 years, especially considering his age, I think he's evolved in a gyarados with flying colors.
HiyA, so long. I'll miss the headscratching moments from SPL where your coach pushed you into the ace match over Jaedong, much to the confusion of us all. I'll miss trap cards.
hollywood fishiking... i have mad respects for this guy
excellent interview <3
i really hope he knows that he has the whole of TL BW community behind him ;___; it would mean a lot to him (not just that hiya discovers TL afreeca stream VOD, but actually sees this thread and all)
That lockdown was so awesome, such great play. And he was part in one of my favorite TvT's ever against Boxer @ Blue Storm... that was soooo~ good (^_^). Best of luck to whatever he does in the future.
I can only selfishly hope that - since he definitely won't go back to BW - he gives SC2 another chance once everything has settled down a bit. I want, bleh! I need my Hiya! :'(
Such sad news... I will definitely miss Hiya as he is one of my favorite Terrans to watch, for both his off-beat strategies and his personality. I always thought that he seemed like a genuine person, like 'what you see is what you get', and I believe this interview is evidence of that. Like others have said, I really hope that he sees this so that he realizes that how much support he has.
On November 18 2011 19:54 sinistral wrote: Alas, Magikarp fails to evolve.. good luck in your future endeavours, HiyA!
I don't think this is an accurate, nor very mature and sympathetic way to put it... In my mind, Hiya chose to take a route after the realization of his true values and what family means to him...
For someone who hasn't had a family vacation in 20 years, especially considering his age, I think he's evolved in a gyarados with flying colors.
He's the shiny Gyarados from Gold/Silver version. =D
On November 18 2011 04:13 rotinegg wrote:DE=There is speculation that you may transfer to Starcraft 2. Hiya=It would be a lie if I said I hadn't thought about it. After Hwaseung disbanded, I tried SC2 at home for a week. I hit diamond very easily. I thought it might be possible, but then I played against fOrGG who recently switched to SC2, and I got absolutely demolished. He was off-racing as Zerg at that, so I gave up right then and there. I am planning to join the military rather than to play SC2. [NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO]
I hope he knowa that fOrGG has been high GM for nine months or so.
On November 18 2011 04:13 rotinegg wrote:DE=There is speculation that you may transfer to Starcraft 2. Hiya=It would be a lie if I said I hadn't thought about it. After Hwaseung disbanded, I tried SC2 at home for a week. I hit diamond very easily. I thought it might be possible, but then I played against fOrGG who recently switched to SC2, and I got absolutely demolished. He was off-racing as Zerg at that, so I gave up right then and there. I am planning to join the military rather than to play SC2. [NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO]
I hope he knowa that fOrGG has been high GM for nine months or so.
I bolded the important part of Hiya's answer for you.
ill never forget you hiya, i hope maybe you could give sc2 another chance later on. id like to see you playing any game again, bw or sc2. good luck hiya!
Looks Like his head saying that he must retire but his Heart wants to come back to his destiny as a progamer. heartbreakin situation. I think that this guy just need major support from his fans or he will regret his decision. :|
On November 18 2011 04:19 HopLight wrote: Sad, but I have to ask, was anyone else wondering why Hiya looks so much like Fantasy in these pictures? (Especially 2 and 4)
On November 20 2011 08:57 ShootingStars wrote: He only tried SC2 for A WEEK... some perseverance he has. Sigh. Nonetheless, good luck in the future.
You can't expect to switch to SC2 and be OMG GM 1 week... it's a different game.
That's the WHOLE POINT. It's because he realized that he can't just switch over and be #1 in a week. So he decided not to pursue it because of how much time it would take, and he decided he'd rather spend that time with his family.
He didn't give up because he didn't think he could it. His father's death made his priorities shift. Don't disrespect Hiya because his loss has caused him to value his family more than some video game.
On November 20 2011 08:57 ShootingStars wrote: He only tried SC2 for A WEEK... some perseverance he has. Sigh. Nonetheless, good luck in the future.
You can't expect to switch to SC2 and be OMG GM 1 week... it's a different game.
That's the WHOLE POINT. It's because he realized that he can't just switch over and be #1 in a week. So he decided not to pursue it because of how much time it would take, and he decided he'd rather spend that time with his family.
He didn't give up because he didn't think he could it. His father's death made his priorities shift. Don't disrespect Hiya because his loss has caused him to value his family more than some video game.
Well said.
I wish people would realize that the time they waste achieving nothing but a ladder ranking on a game - then they get to their early - mid twenties and have no prospects of the real world... and end up stuck in some dead end job with no future because they wasted all their time playing games.
On November 18 2011 12:04 Scarecrow wrote: His game vs Free on Triathlon is probably my favourite BW game of all time. So sad to see him go, such a champ
*sigh* Hiya. You will be missed as a progamer, you gave us entertaining ceremonies in the beginning of group selection ceremonies and entertaining games by the dozens. D= Good luck with your future endeavors. T_T
Really good interview, thanks. Wax has always said he gets the impression HiyA plays for fun, just based on the kinds of builds he uses and how he plays, and that seems to be the case given how some of the questions are answered here. Very cool, wish him the best.
I dont know why he didnt get picked. He is an amazing player. If I was going to talk for me I would say Hiya comeback to broodwar but I rather give him a better advice. Study something bro so you will have a future and you wont find your self again in this situation.Good luck
It was always clear that HiyA, like ZerO, plays the game with a joy that other gamers lack. I always hoped that Woongjin would pick him up one day, as a HiyA/ZerO/Soulkey team would be the most incredible lineup of shittalking, creative players with lighthearted personalities
I dont see why because he got demolished on a game he is new to by a really good player he quit SC2. Like im sure if he gave it a go and really practiced and worked out all the different mechanics he would be a very good SC2 player. Like if you can macro in SC1 you can really really really macro in SC2 when you get used to the differences between the games.
On November 23 2011 01:58 FlukyS wrote: I dont see why because he got demolished on a game he is new to by a really good player he quit SC2. Like im sure if he gave it a go and really practiced and worked out all the different mechanics he would be a very good SC2 player. Like if you can macro in SC1 you can really really really macro in SC2 when you get used to the differences between the games.
it's like he said...he's just really burnt out on the progaming lifestyle
why would you go back to that when he's in for another grind? He said he's so happy to be home.
On November 22 2011 13:26 tedster wrote: It was always clear that HiyA, like ZerO, plays the game with a joy that other gamers lack. I always hoped that Woongjin would pick him up one day, as a HiyA/ZerO/Soulkey team would be the most incredible lineup of shittalking, creative players with lighthearted personalities
Good lord, that Winner's interview...
I hope HiyA will return after the trauma of recent events has abated somewhat, but best of luck to him in whatever he does. You will always be the BW FishiKing HiyA
I'm sorry for necroposting, but this was posted just before I went overseas and I had NO IDEA until just then, when I ended up on HiyA's page on liquidpedia and found out.
I'll truly miss watching your games.... this interview was really saddening for me. All the best in the future.
EPT
HiyA: "I want my days as a progamer to remain as good memories"![[image loading]](http://img.dailygame.co.kr/news/201111/attachments/20111116_b919f37d6c4826f69d61179b416cc258.jpg)
Shine, who was a big fish among those who failed to post initially, was later picked up by Samsung KHAN, we were curious of Hiya's status. Daily E-sports visited Hiya on the 16th at his house and conducted an interview.![[image loading]](http://img.dailygame.co.kr/news/201111/attachments/20111116_50d702f2b5a772881b5f07e572d1e83b.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img.dailygame.co.kr/news/201111/attachments/20111116_475bef666419bc36820942a684fc868d.jpg)
Sky, ![[image loading]](http://img.dailygame.co.kr/news/201111/attachments/20111116_616c081851ad1a26d2d5f29cf3ebdd77.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img.dailygame.co.kr/news/201111/attachments/20111116_6b87eb5097142c147f0ea93cc3ac0858.jpg)
.
You were one of the best personalities in the scene, you will be missed
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/wHJEq.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i55.tinypic.com/2lmopqx.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu321/hyperparfait/Anime/fma/EclipseFullmetalAlchemistBrother-2.jpg)
