Team IM sponsored by LG - Translated Article

http://www.thisisgame.com/board/view.php?category=13439&id=1169430

IM is finally sponsored by LG. Any words?

I am very happy. Personally, this is really meaningful thing for us but we must not over-hype ourselves. I think this is the beginning of things yet to come. We want to make this departure more meaningful. This sponsership will provide not only to myself but also my players a great motivation to play and I am very glad about it.

You've been working on this sponsership for long time.

Since the beginning of IM, I contacted many different corporations. In 2011, I got so many buisness cards that my wife bought me 600page card holder. I never thought I would fill the entire book with buisness cards. That's how hard I worked on this. LG sponsership is a result of countless effort of many people, not just by myself.

Any details on financial contract? How long is the sponsorship

I can't tell you the exact financial details but the sponsorship will last 6 months. I believe it is appropriate amount of support considering our team name.

Why do you think LG decided to sponsor IM?

2011 was the happiest and the proudest moment for Team IM. Despite ridiculous schedule, our players showed outstanding performance regardless of the events and as a result IM is recognized as one of the top teams in SCII. I appealed to the corporations that winning games isn't everything to E-sports sponsorship. I gave some examples of foreign teams with excellent sponsorship programs and I guess this helped a lot.

LG sponsorship is a great asset to Team IM. Any thoughts?

Through this sponsorship, we are now capable of maintaining a stable team and invest even more aggressively. Not only that, we can now invest more into training our players. For the past year, I wasn't able to sleep comfortably. For now, I am going to sleep all day without any doubts and problems in my head.


What are the benefits to the players?

First of all, we will now pay players every year. This is a little "gift" to all the players who stayed and played with IM. Especially, NesTea and MVP will receive top-tier salary. In addition to this, all traveling fees as well as basic fundamental fees will be covered.


Any other sponsorships you have in mind?

Yes. Although I can't tell you in details right now, please be patient with us.


This sponsorship will surely effect other SCII teams. Any thoughts?

This event will surely benefit other teams. I have a feeling that this event marks the beginning of the full potential of SC2 teams. Also I hope this sponsorship could deliver the message to public. We still have so many things to show and we put a lot of effort in to it. I hope all our efforts are paid off in the future starting with this sponsorship.


In addition, IM is preparing LoL team. Can you tell us more about that?

We started to build IM LoL team since last summer. At the same time, Team Startale created their first LoL team. I was amazed with Jong wook's (ST coach) progress. However, I am having hard time gathering LoL players. It was very hard for me to scout great players from great teams and I was disappointed with the players' mindset and attitudes. I met many foreign players as well. Now we completed our LoL team with solid players and we will announce the details very soon. Please support us!


I'm pretty sure SC2 fans are happy as well. Any words to the fans?

Thank you for keeping up with us- I am very grateful of it. We will do our best as a brand new team. I think the development of E-sports depends on the fans. Please keep supporting those who put so much effort into E-sports.


Recently you were assigned as Esports Federation management leader. Recently SC1 teams are switching over SC2 teams. How do you feel about this?

The transition of SC1 teams to SC2 is really great for E sports in Korea in general. It will provide great momentum to the growing E-sports. However, I think it is really important to listen to the BW players as well as their fans. Also I think current SC2 teams should be acknowledged and respected. We really need to work together on developing korean E-sports and not fight over it. It is important to look from the perspective of our fans. I hope the day where all our fans can enjoy to come in the near future.

In competition with BW teams, what do you think SC2 teams need in order to survive?

I don't understand why we have to be the "survivor". Purely based on skills, I think BW teams are the ones who have to try very hard to "survive". Also in respect to current E-sports, I think SC2 teams are already a step ahead. However, we are no match to Corporation based BW teams. In the worst case scenario, if they recruit some of our valuable players, then we may have problem. As a result, I think it is really important for us to stay hopeful and be proud of what we do and I can only expect bright future for us.


Any last words?

First of all, I give my thanks to LG for sponsoring us. We will make sure that you made a great decision. Also, I hope the efforts of many people are recognized through this sponsorship. I hope this sponsorship would provide IM with motivation for success. Lastly, I give my thanks to all the players who never complained despite the poor condition. Also to my wife, who has been a great support to IM players, thank you. Thank you for all other people who supported us. In return, I will work my best to make IM a better team.