[Interview] 2012 GSL S4 CodeS RO32 Group B

You are back in ro16 of Code S after two seasons. How do you feel?

I wasn't expecting to win the group. I didn't have much time after my Up and Down matches. I worried about not having enough time for practice and was very anxious. I'm relieved that today's games went okay overall. I'm feeling good.

You say you didn't expect to win the group?

I actually thought there was a chance I could be eliminated. I didn't practise enough. Still, I tried my best to be confident about my chances.

Your match against Ryung was very close. Was it hard on you?

Taking Set 1 so easily made me think that a 2:0 was in the bag. I dropped my guard in Set 2 on Ohana thinking that the game was mine and was pushed back as a result.

You showed play centred around Dark Templar in Set 3. How did you come to decide on that strategy?

Using Dark Templar means that I get to have an easy time macroing even if I don't do damage. It's a personal opinion. I wasn't trying to do massive amounts of damage from the start and was ready to settle for a few scans and scvs.

Did you feel threatened at any point against Symbol in Set 2?

As I saw the Broodlord and Infestor count go up, I realised I could still lose. I paid the utmost attention knowing it could come down to a single battle.

Have you recovered from your elimination from ro32 last season?

At the time, I was greatly shocked. However, that is no longer the case. I'm back in Code S and in ro16 so I think the fans that I disappointed will be okay now. I'm relieved that I was able to redeem myself even if a little bit.

Players who do well in Up and Downs tend to go on a roll

Taking down three KeSPA players in WCS despite being under a lot of pressure really helped me in Up and Downs. I showed good play in Up and Downs and I think this is a continuation of that in Code S.

You will undertake group nominations in ro16. What kind of group do you want?

I have improved my PvP greatly so I hope I don't get any Zergs. I hope it's a group full of Terrans and Protosses.

Do you think you can make ro4 this time?

As long as I remain confident, work hard and with a little bit of luck of course, I think I can make ro4 once again. All that aside though, I want to get to ro8 (laugh). Up and Downs and Code A are just so difficult. I think once I make ro8, I can start thinking about winning the whole tournament.

Anything to add?

I want to thank the sponsors: theLittleAppFactory, TwitchTV and Razer. I want to thank TLO and Jinro for coming to watch me tonight. I want to thank my parents who always care for me. I want to thank Taeja, DongRaeGu and Hello for helping me with practice. Last but not least, I am always thankful to my fans.

How does it feel to advance to ro16 of Code S two seasons in a row?

First and foremost, I feel great. I haven't had much to do for a while. During busier times, I never realised how much I should appreciate playing in matches. It's a great feeling.

Is it true you have been in a slump?

Initially, no. However, as I read about the reaction from the community, it made me think that I was. At any rate, it's true I took a step back in my games. I practised a lot during my break but I'm not happy with how I played today despite that.

Some say that Symbol has been figured out by many players

Well, of course. I don't vary my builds for ZvT and ZvP. My late game is diverse but I always start out the same. Keeping up that trend must have made me an easy target. That's why I reinforced my early game during my break.

Your loss against Reality in WCS qualifiers was a great shock to your fans

If am to be honest, I felt no sense of seriousness against KeSPA players. I knew that they were professional players the same as I but I became too arrogant. The loss was a long way coming. Since then, I have fixed my mindset.

You must have prepared extensively for today's matches

I tend to practise once I know my group so until then I did a lot of general practice. I didn't have much time but I started preparing early so it wasn't too bad.

The loss against Hero in the winner's match must have been painful

I've used Ultralisks against Protoss many times before but lately, I decided to never make another one again. Then, I fell to my old habits. I was making Ultralisks before I knew it.

Your ZvT looks strong as ever

I've always been confident about the match up but I had a hard time coming up with builds lately. Even for today, I gave up making up my own build and borrowed one from Hyun. He gave it up because of my being in Code S. I am so grateful. In the end though, I'm still confident about the match up in general.

Will you return to your old powerful self?

I think that'll be a bit difficult. ZvP is so hard these days. I fear Protosses on ladder. Maybe, once I figure out ZvP, I can do it.

GSTL is set to begin soon. We have high expectations for you

I've had so much free time that I can't wait for GSTL to start. I will work even harder than last season and be an even bigger force in the league.

Anything to add?

My ZvT build today came from Hyun. I am really grateful to him for allowing me to use the build. I want to thank Center and Punisher for practising with me. I want to thank the coach and Shine for coming along today. I promise that I will work harder to return to my old self so I ask that you give me lots of support.