EPT[Live Interview] 6 Keywords We Asked herO
herO(CJ) has spent the most hectic year of 2015 out of anyone. Not only did he shine as the ace during the 10 month Proleague seasons, he also participated in Starleague Seasons 1-3, GSL Seasons 1-3, 3 IEMs and even the Kespa Cup 2 times.
The obvious reason herO could take part in so many tournaments is that he playes extremely well. Contrary to his nickname 'Transparent", herO has played quite the stylish matches as he added 2 victories, 3 semi finals, and 3 quarter finals to his career. Now he aims for victory in the 2015 WCS Global Finals. We met herO to discuss him and 6 keywords often used in conjunction.
1. 5 Time Champion
"I think I won a lot, but I haven't earned as much as $O$ did that one time(laugh). So I don't know if this is a blessing or a curse(laugh). I think I get stronger as I ride the rhythm, so I am stronger in short events like the IEM. Also, when you play abroad, the crowd shouts really loud, so you get more excited and play better as time goes on. If you want to win a short term tourney, you have to get a good feel for the scene and maintain a steady mind. I used to have trouble with that, but I got better with experience."
"My hardest won victory? The finals at Starleague was the hardest for me. I had trouble with ByuL during practice as well and he didn't really have many holes in his build. I was choking hard on the day as well. I was more nervous than any foreign tourney I had ever went to. It was the first time playing in front of that big of a crowd in Korea. It was the most anxious day of my life. Starleague is a premier tournament and I was so happy that I finally achieved what I had striven for so long.
I talked about the importance of 'practice' during my interview. My motto is 'You only have to try'. Until now, I haven't really 'tried'.
But during my Starleague finals, I finally understood the true meaning of my motto. I had realized that if I kept strong and prepared diligently, I could pull through all the anxiety as well. I also learned how to properly prepare for matches. Until now, I just prepped like mad for sets I wanted to win, and just played standard on all others, but I learned that prepping for all the sets keeps me more focused and keeps my mind clear."
2. 2015 Proleague
It wasn't a season I was happy with. I felt we definitely should have gone to the finals at least. I went to receive the award for the most games won, and I was envious because there was a big crowd, and the stage looked amazing.
I think the reason we didn't make it was mostly my fault. I'm the Ace, and the Ace has to perform well for the team. I wasn't able to do that, and that's my regret even now. I performed well in the actual season but I was sorta in a slump during post season.
I actually get less stressed out for individual tournaments. However, Proleague is a group of people aiming towards a common goal, so I feel responsible, which is where all the stress comes from. This isn't just me, but for every player. I think everyone who is selected to participate feels the same way, and its the difference between the winner and the loser- who deals with that stress better. Proleague is a continuous challenge I look forward to overcoming."
3. Transparent Kim
Picture
<Observer Spots herO (Image: DCInside Starcraft Gallery)>
"(when we showed him the observer pic) Someone put a lot of work into this. It looks like it would have taken a long time. Thanks to whoever made it. Its funny and I hope you take a pathway that utilizes these mad skills.
'Transparent Kim' is a nickname I like and dislike at the same time, but I guess its a good thing in the end. It shows that a lot of people care for me. (Everyone said that the blimp at the Starleague finals was an observer for herO) I know! I wanted to make a joke about the blimp being an observer at the winners interview as well (laughs).
I think its a good thing those funny things come up. I'm pretty sure I'm not transparent anymore but people just call me that since its so funny. I think it all depends on my future performance. If I dominate so hard that my name is on everything, nobody can call me transparent even if they want, right?(laughs) I've let go of it now, so I just find the whole thing funny."
4. 2015
"It was the best year for me as a progamer. I won a premier tournament, and I also received the most games won award for Proleauge. As 24 year-old herO, I just feel myself growing older. My eyes aren't what they were like before and my body in general just tires faster. I want to get better before I grow any older(laugh) its gonna be motivation(laugh)
The biggest regret I have for this year is not making it to Proleague finals. We really had to go the finals and its gonna haunt me forever. I don't feel as bad about not winning individual leagues, but Proleague just keeps nagging you. I still remember the last PO 2nd round vs sOs and think I should have played standard.The Game
Something I regret as 24 year-old herO is not being able to help close friends and stay healthy.
5. Legacy of the Void
"At first, I was like "Protoss OP", but now, Protoss has been steadily nerfed so that Zerg beats everything. Changing my race? I've considered it but I probably won't. It's way too risky and it will be a blow both personally and teamwise. When I changed to protoss when I started SC2, it was transitioning from SCBW. Now, its hard.
I think I can continue playing well in LOTV. I liked the game, and I think I am up to the intense multitasking the game currently requires. Right now, Zerg's Ravager and Lurker is too strong. Zerg can just drone up while easily deflecting early and midgame attacks, and is just really strong in general. I think the Lurker and Ravager needs to be nerfed. The Lurker has long range, but its attack is strong as well, and the Ravager's skill is scary.
6. WCS
Last time, I was kinda disappointed because there were a lot of technical difficulties. It kept on turning off in the middle of a match and I had to stay in the booth for around 30 minutes before we could start again. It was so uncomfortable and I was eliminated pretty quickly so it was a real pity. I wish these things are fixed so I can show everyone all I got.
After my win at Starleague, WCS is my new motivation. I want to go far this time. Its a constant stick to my back, and I want it to be a carrot later on. My goal is winning the entire thing. I know its not really a realistic goal to say when I don't believe it 100%, but its good to dream big.
I think everybody in the lineup will be tough opponents. Maybe its because I feel less confident these days. And its really hard to get practice since ladder is empty because of LOTV practice. I think its just up to me to try my best at the actual event."
He had definitely grown. Although his face looked young as ever, he definitely gave off the impression that he has grown another level as a progamer. We eagerly await the grown herO to show his mettle at the Global Finals.
"I could perform this well thanks to all the fans who cheered me on. You guys are extremely important to me so I wish you will continue to support me in 2016 as well(laugh). When I lose, I look at my fans for consolation, and I can be twice as happy with my fans when I win."
This is the last tournament done with Heart of the Swarm, but I am tentative to ask for expectations. I will try my best for a good result!
