[Interview] 2012 GSL Season 2 Code S ro32 Group D

This is your Code S debut and you’re already in the round of 16. How do you feel?

(Laugh) I can’t believe it

Were you not confident about advancing to ro16 today?

Yes. The opponents were too strong. Not a single one was a pushover.

It felt like you’ve changed since the last Up and Down and your skill level has gone up. Despite this, were you feeling unconfident?

I did have a bit of confidence. I’ve been playing somewhat well lately so I thought maybe I’d at least put on a bit of a show.

In both of your matches, you came back after a loss.

Losing the first set woke me right up. Losing actually got rid of some of the tension.

Which match was more difficult?

Gumiho. I thought I was going to lose in the second set. Out of all the games today, that game was the most difficult.

You won against Hero in the winner’s match. Playing against a Protoss must’ve felt difficult.

I didn’t prepare anything special. I played as I normally do. Protoss is a race that is difficult to prepare a specific strategy for.

People’s expectation of you as the youngest winner will increase even more. What do you think?

I don’t really think much about being the youngest. It’s not age but skill that matters.

Your goal this season?

I want to advance as far as I can. Realistically, I think I can make the round of 8.

You will nominate your group in ro16.

I think DRG will choose me. He’s a great player and thinks of me as an easy player. I’m not too confident about my TvZ so it will be annoying if DRG chooses me (chuckle). But if I do have to face him, I will win by any means.

What kind of progamer do you want to become in the future?

I want to be the best progamer. Skill is my first priority.

You seem to be more popular lately, have you noticed?

It seems better than before. Community reaction suggests that it is. They talk about me now.

Anything to add?

I want to thank my sponsers OCZ, tT-e Sports. I want to thank my coach and teammates who helped me prepare for today’s matches.

How do you feel getting to ro16 in such a difficult fashion for your first time in Code S?

Since it's my first time, I had certain expectations for myself, and wanted to see exactly how far I could get. Because it's my first time, it made feel nervous and elated. I did feel pressured to show good games since it's Code S. I practised hard to make this possible.

Your start was good but you got overtaken by Maru in the winner's match.

I think I relaxed too much once I took the first set in winner's match. Starting in set 2, I did impromptu play instead of the builds I prepared so my builds weren't up to par. The thought that I was only 1 win away from ro16 got ahead of me.

You met Curious once again in the final match.

Since there were more mutas than expected in set 1, losing the phoenixes really worried me. Somehow, I cam back and also took an easy set 2.

Your forcefields were amazing in set 2.

Curious didn't play as I expected. But since I already had the sentries made, I was able to hold him off.

Are you proud of your forcefields?

Not to say I'm the best but I think I'm definitely above average. When I first started starcraft 2, people gave me a lot of flack for being terrible at forcefield but nowadays they are easy. I even seem to have developed my own way of laying them down.

You gave up MLG this time to attend GSL. Are you set on doing well in GSL?

I made this decision after a discussion with the team scheduling manager. The team agreed with me too. I decided it would be prudent to focus on Code S. Attending MLG would've made me tired so at the moment, I have more to lose by attending.

Anyone you wish would pick you in group nominations? Or someone you want to be in the same group as?

No one in particular. In the end, I'll have to face them all. I just don't want to meet oGs or TL members in ro16.

ro16 in your first Code S run. Is ro8 possible?

I think about this a lot. How awesome it would be if I won in my first run. I will keep working hard with that thought in mind.

Anything to add?

I want to thank my sponsers: littleappfactory, twitchTV, Razor. Despite my games ending so late, I'm grateful to those who stayed: TheWind, Gon (who's in the army atm) and those who helped with practice: Jookto, Illusion, Supernova, ZenexLife. I also want to thank my parents who always take great care of me and always text me so I don't get nervous. I am really thankful to all my fans in Korea and overseas.