[Interview] GSL 2013 Season 1 Up and Downs Group A

You have successfully returned to Code S via the Up and Downs. Tell us how you feel about that

Since this is the last season for Wings of Liberty, I worked harder than ever. However, I never expected to come first in my group.

How did you feel when you found out about your group?

I practised mostly on the ladder. I didn't care much about who made up the group. The only thought I had was that I was lucky to finally get to play Flash and Jaedong whom I wanted to play in Starcraft 1.

Your TvP was slick today. You took down observers like they had been decloaked

I have a good TvP win rate even in practice. Mind games were important for these matches so I worked a lot on figuring out a good build. Against Flash, I relied on my fundamentals and I tried to trick Jaedong but got found out too early. However, all in all, things went well for me today.

Even against Flash, you took a big lead early on but lost the game eventually

It was a matter of bad judgment. I should have gone 3cc instead of cloaked banshee. I fell behind after choosing the banshee route.

As this is the last season for Wings of Liberty, many players are renewing their determination to do well. Tell us your own determination

When I first got into Code S, I fell in round of 32 and next time, I fell in round of 16. This time, I should make round of 8. I feel like I'm improving every season.

Next season will be the beginning of Heart of the Swarm. Are you preparing for it?

I was planning to if I failed to get into Code S. However, now that I have made it, I think it should be okay to delay it until after the season.

Have you tried it at all?

I have but I fail to see any big differences.

Tell us your plans for Code S

I hadn't realised until now but many people have this view that I am an under performing player. I have no idea why but that's the first thing I want to change. I will answer their criticisms with great results.

Anything to add?

I want to thank our sponsors LG-IM, SteelSeries, Nvidia, Coca Cola and Googims. I think I got a boost from my parents watching my games tonight. Also, I wish Yonghwa the best. Happy new year to all!

You are back in Code S after two seasons. Tell us your thoughts

I never realised how precious Code S really was. Up and Downs is hell. Yoda played so well but I'm not sure how to console Yonghwa after his play tonight. I think I should treat him to something nice in the US.

How did you prepare for today's matches?

I didn't get to practise with Yoda or Yonghwa. Since we stay at the same training house, I couldn't practise a single game with them. On the other hand, I was fully prepared for Flash and Jaedong. I think I made the right choices and they were backed up by good concentration. That's why I was able to come second.

You haven't done anything in the Korean scene for quite a while. How have you been?

After living alone, I joined the LG-IM house towards the end of December. Joining a team house has definitely increased the amount of practice and it's great to have company. The GSL system doesn't make it easy for you to get to see people when you're in Code A.

Is there a particular reason you joined a team house?

Everyone knows how I have been slumping lately and I joined a team house to rectify that. I think I'm climbing back up slowly. This is the last season for Wings of Liberty so to finish on a good note, I'll work harder than ever.

Like you said, this is the last Wings of Liberty season. What special meaning does it hold for you?

I always look back at Season 3 of 2012 with regret. If I had won then, I could have matched Nestea's championship count. However, that wasn't the case so if I win this season, it will mean all that much more. At the same time as being the last season for Wings of Liberty, this is a chance for me to take second place in the championship count and show the might of Protoss as their president when so few are present.

Of course the championship is your goal. Is there anyone you want to avoid to make that as easy as possible?

That would be MarineKing. Also LG-IM players. MarineKing is a god in TvP recently. If I have to face him, I hope it's far into the tournament so neither of us has any regrets. On the other hand, I want to face all the Zergs in the world. Bring on Life and Leenock and I'll show them a good time (laugh)

You have much time until Code S. In that time, you are attending HyperX Cup held in the US

Yonghwa, Jaedong and Puma are also going. I'm not expecting much. I'm going to take it easy and have fun. and treat Yonghwa of course (laugh).

Anything to add?

I said that all three of us should do our best to get into Code S tonight. I am saddened by the fact that Yonghwa fell down to Code A. I hope people don't misunderstand him. We both tried our very best. I wonder what would have happened if GomTV did us a favour by having our match earlier on.
On a separate note, I want to thank all my foreign fans who always cheer me on via twitter. Inside Korea, I seem to have more haters than fans but I appreciate their interest regardless. Also, I want to thank all my fans who came to watch my games tonight. I failed to keep my promise to win a championship but I won't repeat that this year. I also want to thank my mother and my girlfriend.
After joining the LG-IM house, the coach's wife always gives me nice food and the coach also takes care of me like his own brother. I want to express my gratitude.
I have a fan called Comedian. He came by earlier tonight. He came to see me before going to the army so I want to tell him that I will be waiting for him as dominant as ever in 2 years time.
Happy new year to all!