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

How do you feel about getting through such a difficult group to get into the round of 16?

You could say that I've been lucky with the draw so far but not today. Today's results are worth some recognition by the public.

Last season's winner DRG picked you out

Actually, I knew he would choose me. It made me angry and frustrated (chuckle). Then going to MLG, I hung out with MarineKing and MC and regained my confidence.

You played against a former GSL champion Jjakji in the winner's match

I didn't practise much TvT. Everyone told me that my TvT was already strong. I prepared strategies and builds for the match.

This is your first time in Code S. You must've been itching to show off

I wanted to prove something to the public. If you get eliminated immediately, people just forget you. I was tired after MLG but my coach believed in me 100%. This gave me a boost.

How was MLG?

I didn't do well but I learned a lot. Staying with other players taught me things both inside and outside the game. Losing to foreigners also made me feel that I was lacking in my fundamentals. I think I need to improve my foundations.

How do you think the ro16 group nominations will be?

Having experienced such a hard group today, I feel that it's better to play in a difficult group even if I end up losing. I hope MC chooses me. MC is difficult to play against. I have a feeling he wants to play against me too.

DRG could choose you once again

I really don't want to meet DRG again. If do though, I will win. Anyhow, I just want to play against strong opponents. I want to train myself. It's because if you become satisfied with yourself, you become stagnant.

What is your goal this season?

Realistically, I want to get to the round of 8. Winning is always the final goal.

MC said on twitter that you practised against his Zerg

It's true. MC's Zerg is very strong. Other Terran players lose to MC's Zerg frequently. We practised a lot and my win rate was about half. He told me to beat DRG no matter what.

is theSTC no longer an invisible gosu?

That's right. I am finally someone to watch out for. Still, it's a long road ahead.

Anything to add?

I want to thank Kim, Sung Hwan manager how helped me a lot at this MLG. Also, theWind helped me transition to Starcraft 2 and has taken great care of me so I'm very grateful. I was involved in an incident involving the chat on an online tournament and I wanted to apologize after actually achieving something so I've been keeping quiet. I am once again sorry. I want to thank my girlfriend and her friends who have cheered me on since my Starcraft 1 days.

How does it feel to be in ro16 Code S for the first time?

I didn't get to practise much and after losing to Jjakji in the second match, I had a mental crisis. I really thought I would be eliminated but somehow made it. I am ecstatic.

You've posted a great result as soon as you joined TeamLiquid

I am proud. In the team, Nazgul told me to focus on doing my best. So I tried to play without being affected by pressure.

How do you come to join TeamLiquid?

ESV tournament organiser (T/N: diamond?) introduced me. We hit it off.

You've found a new team which is based outside of Korea so we expect you will attend more foreign tournaments.

I think so too. TL has said that they will support me. First, it will be IPL 4 and MLG should be possible too.

Will be you be playing on oGs-TL in the next GSTL?

I think so. I will first play at home and once the next season of GSTL starts, I plan to move into the oGs house.

Mod edit: This isn't true, TaeJa plans to visit to oGs-TL house for practice now and then, but he will still live at home.

Match 2 against Jjakji was long and you weren't playing well.

I was under pressure that I had to win no matter what. My team told me to feel at ease but I think I was in a hurry to post some results.

You met DRG in the loser's match. What did you think before you started the match?

I was happy to play against a Zerg but the opponent being DRG was a bit concerning. However, losing his first game seemed to have shaken him so I thought that I stood a good chance of winning. After a comeback win in the first set, I was certain that I would win.

You met Jjakji again in the final match

I was relaxed compared to the second match. Since I won, I think I did well enough. Forgetting to research Stim did pose a big danger though.

As result, you tore through two recent champions

I am happy that oGs and TL both won side by side. oGs-TL's Terran line up was already strong but since I joined, I think it's become a little bit stronger (laugh).

Is it not your first time with ro16 group nominations?

I hope Zergs choose me. I don't like terran. I'd rather a Protoss choose me than terran. TvT takes too long. Not very fun either (chuckle).

You must expect a lot out of this season.

I feel like I am going to win. Park, Dae Man commentator said that he felt something from my play during the broadcast. And he says those players always go on to win. I think I've realised something myself lately.

Anything to add?

I want to thank ZenexLife who helped with practice. I want to thank my brother who accompanied me today and also thank Nazgul and Robin/LiquidBumblebee. I want to thank my sponsors: theLittleappfactory, Razor and TwitchTV