• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EST 20:06
CET 02:06
KST 10:06
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book15Clem wins HomeStory Cup 289HomeStory Cup 28 - Info & Preview13Rongyi Cup S3 - Preview & Info8herO wins SC2 All-Star Invitational14
Community News
LiuLi Cup: 2025 Grand Finals (Feb 10-16)4Weekly Cups (Feb 2-8): Classic, Solar, MaxPax win2Nexon's StarCraft game could be FPS, led by UMS maker7PIG STY FESTIVAL 7.0! (19 Feb - 1 Mar)11Weekly Cups (Jan 26-Feb 1): herO, Clem, ByuN, Classic win2
StarCraft 2
General
Behind the Blue - Team Liquid History Book Weekly Cups (Jan 12-18): herO, MaxPax, Solar win How do you think the 5.0.15 balance patch (Oct 2025) for StarCraft II has affected the game? Rongyi Cup S3 - Preview & Info Nexon's StarCraft game could be FPS, led by UMS maker
Tourneys
LiuLi Cup: 2025 Grand Finals (Feb 10-16) Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament PIG STY FESTIVAL 7.0! (19 Feb - 1 Mar) RSL Season 4 announced for March-April WardiTV Mondays
Strategy
Custom Maps
Modalert 200 for Focus and Alertness Map Editor closed ? [A] Starcraft Sound Mod
External Content
Mutation # 512 Overclocked The PondCast: SC2 News & Results Mutation # 511 Temple of Rebirth Mutation # 510 Safety Violation
Brood War
General
[ASL21] Potential Map Candidates BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ BW General Discussion StarCraft player reflex TE scores Gypsy to Korea
Tourneys
Escore Tournament StarCraft Season 1 [Megathread] Daily Proleagues Small VOD Thread 2.0 KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 1
Strategy
Fighting Spirit mining rates Zealot bombing is no longer popular? Simple Questions, Simple Answers Current Meta
Other Games
General Games
Diablo 2 thread Battle Aces/David Kim RTS Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread ZeroSpace Megathread EVE Corporation
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Deck construction bug Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
Mafia Game Mode Feedback/Ideas Vanilla Mini Mafia TL Mafia Community Thread
Community
General
Russo-Ukrainian War Thread US Politics Mega-thread Ask and answer stupid questions here! Sex and weight loss YouTube Thread
Fan Clubs
The herO Fan Club! The IdrA Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread [Manga] One Piece
Sports
2024 - 2026 Football Thread
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Play, Watch, Drink: Esports …
TrAiDoS
My 2025 Magic: The Gathering…
DARKING
Life Update and thoughts.
FuDDx
How do archons sleep?
8882
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 2109 users

[Interview] Perfectman Joins KT

Forum Index > BW General
Post a Reply
1 2 3 4 Next All
rotinegg
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States1719 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-16 23:57:08
January 16 2012 18:45 GMT
#1
* There is already a thread created by Pro7ecT that has a picture of Perfectman in a KT uniform and a link to a Fomos article that's in Korean; this is a translation of DES's interview for English users. I wanted to translate this article in particular because it sheds light on the sad reality that is the life of a progamer, and what his future beholds.

(P)PerfectMan upon joining KT: "I ran my ass up in the middle of doing manual labor"

[image loading]


"When KT gave me the call I ran my ass up without giving it a second thought. I was desperate. I feel like I just won the lottery."

Perfectman was lost when Hwaseung Oz disbanded abruptly. He wasn't drafted during the posting process, so 22-year-old perfectman had to give up his dream as a progamer, and enlist himself in the labor forces for manual labor jobs. Perhaps that explains why perfectman looked much thinner than when we had met him five months ago.

"It wasn't because our house is poor (laughs). After ending my career as a progamer I had nothing to do. I didn't want to sit at home and do nothing. I didn't want to waste my time as a twenty two-year-old. The best option for me was manual labor." [T/N: My cousin did manual labor on weekends to buy a present for his girlfriend. Think illegal alien labor markets if you are American: you enlist yourself and gather at 6:30am where employers will pick their workers for the day and you do whatever they tell you. You get decent pay but it is physically demanding, and you can't stop because the next worker in line is always waiting to replace you tomorrow.]

Perfectman felt a sense of appreciation for the game, one that he hadn't felt while he still had his career. He regretted not giving it his best shot while he still had the chance. He had a hard time resisting the urge to go back to playing BW for a career.

"I finally realized what it feels to be unable to play [as a career] even if you want. All these memories of PL made me melancholy. I felt like that was where I belonged but in reality I was here and I questioned why. Watching my ex-teammates win games made me crave playing BW even more strongly. But I couldn't play."

Perfectman was forced to give it all up. He had to report to the labor forces facilities by 5am [Ok I guess it's even earlier than I remember] and perform manual labor daily, putting away his dreams as a progamer, until one day out of the blue, he received a call from KT. They asked if he would like to play again.

"I didn't even listen to their suggested salary, benefits, terms or conditions. I literally bowed on the phone and said thank you. Even though they couldn't see it I bowed. I packed my stuff immediately and went up to Seoul that day. Somebody up there must have heard my prayers and decided to give me a second chance."

Even when news broke of Wemade Fox and MBC Game disbanding, Perfectman felt it was a non-concern. But after Hwaseung Oz announced their disbandment after the 10-11 season in August, Perfectman's days were spent in misery. Even the posting process did little to lift up his mood.

"I didn't believe it. Hwaseung isn't some small, local company; it's a big company, so disbanding didn't even cross my mind. I didn't feel anything when I heard the news of posting. I felt like I had lost everything overnight."

When Perfectman's hopes of continuing his career through the posting process were smothered, he was at a loss. He realized his days of progaming were over, but he couldn't just sit at home and do nothing. He felt ashamed to mooch off of his parents at the age of twenty-two, so he entered the workforce.

"Doing manual labor taught me that money doesn't come easy. Of course I'm not saying that progaming is an easy job, but at least I enjoyed it, and I was building a career towards my dream. Other jobs, you just work for pay, day in and day out. It was stifling."

This period has taught Perfectman many lessons. He realized the value behind every one of his games. After joining KT a week ago, he has played every game with a thankful mindset. He has been practicing harder than anybody and doing his best to return to form.

"There is no desperation as great as mine. I hit rock bottom so I can only go up from here. I will not waste my second chance that almost never came. I am not the Perfectman of the past. I will absolutely play to the best of my abilities."

Even though he took a break for five months, he says his skill has not deteriorated that much. He has been learning a thing or two from KT's (P)Stats and developing as a player. Perfectman is determined to pay back his savior, KT, with good results.

"I will do my best. I never want to have the regrets that I had when I was doing manual labor. If I give every moment my best, regardless of what happens, at least I won't have any regrets. I hope KT doesn't have any plans of disbanding anytime soon (laughs)? My life is on the line so please give me support and be on the lookout for me."

Source: Daily E-sports
Translator
Fionn
Profile Blog Joined October 2009
United States23455 Posts
January 16 2012 18:50 GMT
#2
Wow, one of the best interviews I've ever read. Perfectman is a boss.
Writerhttps://twitter.com/FionnOnFire
prplhz
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
Denmark8045 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-16 18:51:20
January 16 2012 18:51 GMT
#3
Nice translation, thanks a lot.

5 months of hard manual labor, I fear for what has happened to the other ex-progamers who haven't found a new team
http://i.imgur.com/M7t7egx.png
Taekwon
Profile Joined May 2010
United States8155 Posts
January 16 2012 18:52 GMT
#4
Wow. Really makes you appreciate Brood War on a whole new level. Happiness just exudes from his pores!

I really hope perfectman does well!
▲ ▲ ▲
Xpeijz
Profile Joined January 2011
Finland400 Posts
January 16 2012 18:58 GMT
#5
That was pretty touching. Perfectman really pouring his heart out, gotta appreciate it. Hope that he will reach satisfying results.
amazingxkcd
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
GRAND OLD AMERICA16375 Posts
January 16 2012 18:58 GMT
#6
What about his dreams as a girls' high school teacher?
The world is burning and you rather be on this terrible website discussing video games and your shallow feelings
Iplaythings
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
Denmark9110 Posts
January 16 2012 19:00 GMT
#7
+1 perfectman fan

Now thats passion for you
In the woods, there lurks..
Condor Hero
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
United States2931 Posts
January 16 2012 19:10 GMT
#8
Wait so his family isn't poor and he did manual labor just to keep busy?
I guess that's cool, at least it's great exercise.
Lebesgue
Profile Joined October 2008
4542 Posts
January 16 2012 19:10 GMT
#9
I found the story very touching. How can one root against him from now on? I will keep my fingers crossed for him. Even though I wasn't his fan I'm really thankful that KT signed him... The kid sounds so happy about it
Kieofire
Profile Joined June 2011
United States1809 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-16 19:16:59
January 16 2012 19:11 GMT
#10
That was a very touching interview, thanks for translating it.

Wish him the best on getting back into form and playing for KT.
FlaShFTW
Profile Blog Joined February 2010
United States10301 Posts
January 16 2012 19:12 GMT
#11
I LOVE YOU PERFECTMAN!!!!

touching. i hope he returns to form to fit in that hole where violet's soul still belongs. Then we'll have a lineup of FlaSh, Stats, Perfectman, Violet, and REACH. (Sorry Hoejja, but SS2 isn't as cool as being the most manly man on earth)
Writer#1 KT and FlaSh Fanboy || Woo Jung Ho Never Forget || Teamliquid Political Decision Desk
TL+ Member
rotinegg
Profile Blog Joined April 2009
United States1719 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-16 19:14:20
January 16 2012 19:12 GMT
#12
On January 17 2012 04:10 Condor Hero wrote:
Wait so his family isn't poor and he did manual labor just to keep busy?
I guess that's cool, at least it's great exercise.

He wanted to work but he had no college degree nor any desirable skills - leaves you with manual labor or working part time at starbucks as your only options.
Translator
KristianJS
Profile Joined October 2009
2107 Posts
January 16 2012 19:15 GMT
#13
Moving interview. Hope he does well!
You need to be 100% behind someone before you can stab them in the back
Essbee
Profile Blog Joined August 2008
Canada2371 Posts
January 16 2012 19:16 GMT
#14
Wow I wish him the best of luck. Brood war need to live forever for all our beloved progamers.

It's sad tho if you think about all the other progamers who didn't find a team
Condor Hero
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
United States2931 Posts
January 16 2012 19:17 GMT
#15
On January 17 2012 04:12 rotinegg wrote:
Show nested quote +
On January 17 2012 04:10 Condor Hero wrote:
Wait so his family isn't poor and he did manual labor just to keep busy?
I guess that's cool, at least it's great exercise.

He wanted to work but he had no college degree nor any desirable skills - leaves you with manual labor or working part time at starbucks as your only options.

Did he finish high school at least?
I know he's been around for a long time.
moopie
Profile Joined July 2009
12605 Posts
January 16 2012 19:21 GMT
#16
Not a perfectman fan, but reading this made me very happy for him.

I'm glad he gets to continue following his dream
I'm going to sleep, let me get some of that carpet.
Weedk
Profile Blog Joined June 2010
United States507 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-01-18 15:45:35
January 16 2012 19:30 GMT
#17
Perfectman put the man in perfectman. Even if his family wasn't poor, he worked manual labor just to not be a drain on his family. I hope his renewed passion leads to better results.

Edit: Wow, how did I not see my typo for days =_=
[sc1f]eonzerg
Profile Blog Joined February 2010
Belgium6807 Posts
January 16 2012 19:52 GMT
#18
gogo perfectman
Muffinman53
Profile Joined November 2010
571 Posts
January 16 2012 20:30 GMT
#19
Wow, such dedication. So glad he's getting another chance <3
Thanks for the translation!
Kiett
Profile Blog Joined March 2011
United States7639 Posts
January 16 2012 20:38 GMT
#20
Man, that's rough. It is sad though that this career path pretty much forces you to have no choices outside of it. You don't have time to go to school because then you're falling behind all the people who are only practicing, but if you don't go to school, you have few skills to succeed outside of gaming :/

I'm glad Perfectman got his second chance.
Writer:o
1 2 3 4 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Replay Cast
00:00
HomeStory Cup 28 - Group A
CranKy Ducklings100
LiquipediaDiscussion
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RuFF_SC2 160
SteadfastSC 142
CosmosSc2 37
StarCraft: Brood War
Shuttle 1151
NaDa 46
Dota 2
syndereN835
monkeys_forever692
Counter-Strike
Foxcn366
taco 293
Super Smash Bros
hungrybox419
AZ_Axe130
Mew2King50
Other Games
summit1g8389
tarik_tv2867
Day[9].tv925
shahzam435
C9.Mang0240
Maynarde103
JuggernautJason53
ViBE40
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1486
BasetradeTV14
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 16 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 82
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Doublelift4555
• Stunt170
Other Games
• imaqtpie1546
• Day9tv925
• Shiphtur224
Upcoming Events
The PondCast
8h 54m
KCM Race Survival
8h 54m
LiuLi Cup
9h 54m
Scarlett vs TriGGeR
ByuN vs herO
Replay Cast
22h 54m
Online Event
1d 8h
LiuLi Cup
1d 9h
Serral vs Zoun
Cure vs Classic
Big Brain Bouts
1d 15h
Serral vs TBD
RSL Revival
2 days
RSL Revival
2 days
LiuLi Cup
2 days
[ Show More ]
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
2 days
RSL Revival
2 days
Replay Cast
2 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
3 days
LiuLi Cup
3 days
Replay Cast
3 days
Replay Cast
4 days
LiuLi Cup
4 days
Wardi Open
4 days
Monday Night Weeklies
4 days
OSC
4 days
WardiTV Winter Champion…
5 days
Replay Cast
6 days
WardiTV Winter Champion…
6 days
Replay Cast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2026-02-10
Rongyi Cup S3
Underdog Cup #3

Ongoing

KCM Race Survival 2026 Season 1
LiuLi Cup: 2025 Grand Finals
Nations Cup 2026
IEM Kraków 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter 2026
BLAST Bounty Winter Qual
eXTREMESLAND 2025
SL Budapest Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 8

Upcoming

Escore Tournament S1: W8
Acropolis #4
IPSL Spring 2026
HSC XXIX
uThermal 2v2 2026 Main Event
Bellum Gens Elite Stara Zagora 2026
RSL Revival: Season 4
WardiTV Winter 2026
CCT Season 3 Global Finals
FISSURE Playground #3
IEM Rio 2026
PGL Bucharest 2026
Stake Ranked Episode 1
BLAST Open Spring 2026
ESL Pro League Season 23
ESL Pro League Season 23
PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2026 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.