EPT![[image loading]](http://img298.echo.cx/img298/2756/chojja27oe.png)
-When will you ever be a winner?
So far overall I have been in about 5 individual and teamleague finals. I have always been the runner up. Of course I dream of being a champion in the near future, but honestly I can’t say what will exactly happen. The best opportunity I had to become a winner was the 3rd KPGA Tour final with Lee Yoon Yeol (NaDa) which was also my first ever final. I practiced more for those games than I ever had before during my entire career as a progamer. However because it was my first final, I was too nervous. When I was losing those games I was hopelessly defeated and when I did manage to win it was very difficult. The more I look back the more I am disappointed with my performance in those games.
-What do you think about your nickname ‘child’?
I consider it to be positive. I think of it as a good thing. At the beginning it was quite insulting but nowadays I’ve grown to like it. (laughs)
-Your slump has lasted longer than you’d like.
I’ve been consistent in broadcasted leagues. I’ve continuously made it to a few quarter finals. Though, I don’t think it was ever easy. I’ve always fell short of making it big. These days many people say I’m in a slump because I’ve always stuck in the middle. I personally agree with that opinion. On the other hand, disregarding the question of whether I can break out of my slump or not I am trying very hard to help my team in Proleague rather than for individual leagues. I’d prefer to win a Proleague before I win any individual competitions.
-It is well known that you haven’t had a girlfriend for some time.
I had one until I was 19. After turning 20, I haven’t been with anyone. Perhaps it’s because of my ‘child’-like image- what can I do about it (laughs)? Maybe it’s due to problems in my character. (laughs). Just kidding!
-There are many big names in KTF- are there any fierce rivalries?
First of all, despite that we all strongly believe in the unity of our team. I personally dislike competition with people I’m close with. I don’t really put any thought into it and just work hard in my given position within the team. If someone can be of help to me I’m always open for any advice. Similarly I always try to contribute to the team in the best way possible. To me it doesn’t matter; whether they are successful colleagues or young new comers. We all live as KTF players.
-The reason behind the handshakes after your match? When did you start doing this?
It’s been some time since I’ve started to do this. Around 1 year or so- I’m not too sure. Before, progaming teams used to celebrate with their own particular ceremonies. At the beginning we also thought we should make our own trademark action. However everyone’s stopped now so it’s only me who does it.
Personally, I think it’s a nice image to give for your audience. Isn’t it good to shake your opponent’s hand regardless of whether you win or lose? Even if I lose I feel I have put up a good game when I shake their hand. However it’s a little awkward to do it when I win. I often feel sorry for my opponent. I always think that I approach them when they’re feeling disappointed with themselves. Especially with players who I don’t know too well I simply say “thank you for the game” because it's hard for me to act too outwardly.
-You have an unusual facial expression during matches.
I can’t keep my eyes open for too long. When I concentrate very hard my facial expression seems very tense. It’s probably because I’m too nervous. I’m very embarrassed when I see myself make such expressions on TV (laughs)
Seriously though, my eyesight is poor. I can’t focus on one thing for too long. All my checkups show there is a problem with my eye sight. When I look into the distance for too long tears start to well up and sometimes it even hurts. I thought of wearing glasses but it doesn’t suit me. I tried wearing them before but I ended up leaving in my bag all the time.
-Have you completely fused with Hong Jin Ho? (Yellow)
(Laughs) Both of us right now, erm... Let’s just say we’re not as good as we used to be (laughs). I’d prefer to hear such things when we’re doing well. Later if I become successful it will be thanks to Hong Jin Ho. I’ve copied his playing style on several occasions. Right now, we’re both a little shabby. (laughs)
-What do you think after seeing so many rising stars in the game?
In many ways quite sad. Firstly, I feel a lot of regret. I should have played much better before as it was easier back then. When I see them play I think “wow they’re good!”. A while ago it was hard to find anyone that I really thought were very good, but these days everyone seems to be of high skill. It shows that I have a lot to learn.
-What’s your secret in being so good against Protoss?
Strangely from the very beginning when I started to play Starcraft I was very strong against Protoss (laughs). I think I kept up that assurance and instinctive play from back then. There’s no secret or anything. Personally I think that, although practice is very important, there isn’t necessarily an immediate improvement. It is not that I can immediately think of a good reaction to a Protoss user’s play. Somehow Protoss games work out better and I become very confident, which meant that I developped a mindset that it is likely to win against this particular race.
-It’s known that you don’t really practice as much as others.
It’s something that’s been a trait of mine from the beginning when I first started out. My strategies seem to work quite often without too much practice. So then I turn my attention to keeping up a good mental and physical condition for the games which is also very important.
However when a strategy doesn’t work out I seriously practice crazily to get things right. It’s not that my preparation is short, it just varies a lot depending on the circumstances. I remember when I was in a final and I only practiced a couple of games. Afterwards I concentrated on improving my condition and interview skills. I’ve had some success up until now with similar routines.
When I first joined KTF I emptied my mind of any other thoughts and aims and just set myself a target to practice a certain amount every day. However when I tried that I started slumping. So I decided to go back to what I was used to before. On the other hand though I practice a lot for Proleague. It is mostly because I personally feel that I am still lacking too much for the team.
-Which player do you respect the most?
It’s always been Lim Yo Hwan (Boxer, who else -_-;; ). I consider him to be a truly great player. He has definitely made progaming what it is now. He’s perhaps not the best player at the moment but certainly Yo Hwan is responsible for everything that is possible right now.
Some time ago I used to help him practice when he participated in the Coca Cola Starleague. Back then watching the final I was thinking whether I could manage to do something similar. That was when I decided to really try my best to become a successful progamer.
![[image loading]](http://img298.echo.cx/img298/835/chojja4ez.png)
<3 Chojja
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