[Interview] 2012 GSL S2 CodeS RO32 Group E Winners

Your thoughts on getting into ro16?

I was confident in my games against MC. My winrate in practice was good. However, I regret showing shaky play in Set 1 because of nerves. Still, advancing into the round of 16 feels great.

What did you think after seeing your group?

Others told me that it would be difficult but I was confident. Lately, winning a lot in practice gave me a boost in confidence.

Weren’t you nervous against Nestea?

I was in Set 1 against Nestea.

You’ve lost 1:2 to Nestea before in Code S.

I’ve changed a lot since then. I will no longer show games where I lose helplessly.

Any difficulties in today’s games?

It was hard to stay in good condition for today’s games. I was worried because I didn’t get much sleep but it wasn't as bad as I expected.

Your macro abilities have gotten stronger since Up and Downs.

I think it’s because I’m getting used to being on stage. Compared to before, my image as someone reliant on build order wins is disappearing but I will try to utilise it a bit more. If I meet a Zerg, I will mix in a cheese.

What do you think about fans who are interested in your appearance?

I’m not sure. I’ve never thought that I’m good looking. Also, I don’t have many female fans. No, I don’t have many fans in general (laugh)

Any players you want to face in ro16?

No one in particular. I just don’t want to be in the same group as my teammates. However, July suggested that four Startale members form a group so that two people make it through no matter what. Parting is trying to force me as well (laugh). I think it’s a terrible idea.

Anything to add?

I want to thank Curious, Parting and Tiger who helped with practice. I also want to thank BenQ, Red bull and Zowie Gear for sponsoring my team.

You’ve advanced to the round 16 yet again this season. How do you feel?

I wasn’t expecting to lose against STVirus but he’s improved greatly. He’s got his fundamentals down solidly. I think I played bad games because I underestimated my opponent. Lately, Parting is drawing a lot of attention for his strong PvT so I want to show off my strong PvT as well.

You met Inca in the loser’s match. You can’t have been happy.

Even in the past, every time we meet, we meet in the loser’s match and I always in. I am sorry to have eliminated a close friend. I don’t want to be in the same groups as oGs members.

Inca is well known for his PvP, why did you win convincingly?

In the Ranking League (T/N: in-house tournie I think) in the past, I’ve played him often and know his style well. I seem to make use of the information we have on each other more. I excluded a lot of build orders in my play today.

You met Nestea in the final match. It’s been a long time since you two played, how did you feel?

I could have met him back in July Season but because I lost to Hongun, it couldn’t happen. Now, because I am confident in my PvZ, I looked forward to the matchup.

It’s your first time at the Mok Dong studio in a long time

It’s been such a long time that I couldn’t even remember where to catch a taxi. I don’t come to Mok Dong often but I am attending a lot of foreign tournaments. It’s taken a toll on my health so from now on, I plan to work out and control my tournament schedule a bit more.

Lately, Parting is threatening your position as the toss president.

If the fans think so, I can’t help it (laugh). However, Parting has never made it to ro4, hasn’t won a championship, and there’s a big difference in prize money won. So far, I don’t think there’s a player who can challenge my position. I did feel threatened by Genius but thankfully, he took second place (laugh). Also, Parting’s PvZ and PvP seem to be weaker than mine.

A Protoss hasn’t won the GSL in a long time.

Unlike the other races, Protoss hasn’t got various weapons. Even when the upgrade style became popular, the style only got used in GSTL and Protoss was weaker in GSL. Last season, I thought that Genius would win but he took second place after he took risks. I actually think the Protosses that are in the spotlight at the moment all have the capacity to take the championship. If these players can ride this momentum and luck is on their side, they can win.

Hasn’t practice been hard for you since joining SK Gaming?

There isn’t a big difference. My results in Korea are about the same. On the contrary, I made it back into ro8 after joining SK Gaming. Starcraft 2 System allows you to train easily at home. Of course, coming up with builds was easier in the training house.

Your interview with a newspaper was portrayed in a powerful way

At the time, I made those comments hoping that the practising players get to work in better conditions. I said those words because I know just how difficult it is in their situation. I didn’t have any malicious intentions. I did say those words, but they were reported in a way that made it seem like I was trying to misrepresent the scene, which disappointed me.

You get to nominate your group. How will you use this privilege?

It depends on who Genius picks but I won’t be picking a Protoss. I will reveal all tomorrow.

Anything to add?

oGstheStC and oGsJookto helped with practice. Also FnaticRCaLive helped. EGJYP helped with PvP three times. Lately after leaving oGs, I feel like I have become distant with my friends. I want to say sorry to Huk and Jinro for not contacting them often. I also want to thank my girlfriend who always cheers me and coach Go, Yeon Shik (T/N: reis?) who always takes care of me when I’m in foreign tournaments. I hope to have fun tomorrow at group nominations and I hope they install fans in the booths.