Obviously I can't possibly translate 36 interviews. I'll probably shoot my brains out. So I'm going to ask you guys to make demands for which players' interviews you want to read. Depending on how high the demands are will result in which players' interviews get translated. DEMAND AWAY!
How does it feel to play in the qualifiers for the first time in a while? You even made it through.
Not having played in the qualifiers for a while did throw me off. During that time, I rested a lot because of the lack of matches, but it's good that I don't have to anymore. If I'd fallen out this time, I'd have had to take another three-month break. To be honest, I really don't want to play around anymore.
What are your thoughts on StarTale's downsizing announcement today? You must not be feeling good about this.
Things are just as they were written in the article. It's a shame that the situation is like this, but this means that I'll just have to work harder.
You must be unsatisfied with your 2013 WCS performance.
Personally, I still feel a lot of regret about last year. I really felt confident during the last WoL season, but I made a semifinal finish and couldn't win the tournament. It didn't feel like a big blow at the time, but thinking about it now, I think it shook me greatly. HotS came out in the midst of all this, and I wasn't able to adapt well.
It seems that your lack of a match schedule would have hurt your game sense.
I was very aware of this, so this qualifier was very important to me. From my point of view, it feels like the number of tournaments has shrunk a lot. This situation doesn't look very good from the players' perspectives. However, I feel that I still have to work hard and rise up the tournaments that we have. If I fell out this time, too, wouldn't this seriously make me unemployed? (laugh) I was able to take a vacation, but as soon it ended, I practiced hard without resting a single day to prepare for today's qualifiers.
Proleague has been active recently. It seems that you could be having complicated feelings about this.
If there are a lot of matches, the motivation that it gives you is good for practicing. I do envy the players that are actively participating in Proleague because of that.
What are your goals for this season?
I did fall down to the qualifiers, but I came right back up. If I dropped out of Code A right away, I would have to rest for two months, if not three. My first goal is to stay alive at any cost to reach Code S. After that, I want to achieve my goals step by step. My second objective is to get a seed, and my third is to take the tournament victory that I was not able to achieve during WoL.
How does it feel to break up the qualifiers and make it into the tournament?
I fell out last season after being beaten by Leenock, so I'm happy that I was able to beat him during the finals.
You'd only been able to play in non-broadcasted matches during that time, but it's nothing but broadcasted matches from here on. Are you confident that you will do well?
I want to build up a lot of experience by playing in broadcasted matches. Outside of qualifiers, I can't perform at 100% during individual or team leagues.
What do you think is the reason for that?
I especially feel pressured during team leagues because I feel like I have to be a help to my team.
This is your first time making it through a qualifier in your career. How does it feel?
I always ended up dropping out during the RO4 or finals. I'm very happy that I was able to advance like this. Now that I'm up here, I want to climb up even higher.
When did you start playing Starcraft 2?
I started playing about 1 1/2 years ago. I was originally a BW pro gamer for SK Telecom, so my process of transitioning to SC2 was somewhat late. I wanted to become an SC2 pro, too, so I faced the challenge.
It must have been difficult to not have performed well for 1 1/2 years.
To tell the truth, I had a lot of thoughts about giving up gaming, but I had a feeling that I shouldn't quit. Now that I've advanced through the qualifiers, I feel like not giving up was a good idea.
Could you introduce yourself to the fans?
My race is Protoss, and I am 20 years old. I haven't been able to accomplish much yet on StarTale, but I will work to raise my name from up high.
You could feel very tense when playing on the broadcasted Code A stage.
I'm not very worried. I think I'll manage by doing things the same way as I am right now. I feel like my accumulated GSTL experience will be of help to me.
Do you have anything more that you would like to say?
I'm thankful to my parents, who have always believed in me and have cheered for me a lot.
What are your feelings on coming back to WCS Korea after three seasons?
I'd been planning to play in North America just like last year, but I decided to participate in WCS Korea again. I'm incredibly happy that I was able to break through the qualifiers on my first try.
You're playing in your home country again. How confident do you feel?
I made it up to the quarterfinals in North America, and I feel that this year's dual tournament format gives me an extra chance, so I'm confident.
At the qualifier finals, you beat CJ's Sora, who has been rising up lately. Didn't you feel pressured?
I did feel pressured because of his good performance recently, but I've always played often against strong opponents, so I had confidence.
Do you have any goals for this season?
My #1 goal is to reach the Code S quarterfinals in order to stay there for next season.
I thought I would advance since three seasons ago. It is much overdue. It is very nice.
Were you nervous in the final round?
In one game I was caught with a half-mental strategic build-order loss. But I stuck to my usual fundamentals and played an economic style, while remaining calm and playing like myself.
What do you think of the new tournament format, with the chance to change code twice in one season?
I will proceed in the same way anyway, and do not think it is too bad. The chance enter Code S quickly, I think is a good opportunity.
How do you practice usually?
Mainly focusing on the race I play against in Professional Leagues. The team lacks Terran players so it is difficult to practice that matchup. I am grateful to the Terran players in my team.
The ultimate goal of this season?
Many have said, it is too late. I am going to win.
Any last words?
I will work really hard and show good results. Both in Professional and Private Leagues.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers two season in a row?
I’m not really feeling anything special because I advanced through much easier than expected. But the match where I lost against Hack helped me out a lot so I’m satisfied. Hack’s strategies hit me real hard but that match helped me realize how important mentality control is so I’m thankful.
You were eliminated much quicker than expected last season. Why was this so?
I don’t think I was very much motivated last season so I was lacking in preparation. But for this season, there’s Proleague and I have been practicing a lot so it’s fine for people to have expectations.
How did you feel about the switch to the Dual Tournament format for this season?
I think the new format allows for the superior players to advance rather than just relying on luck.
How do you feel about making through the qualifiers?
I thought that I was obviously going to make it through once I saw my bracket. I was confident.
How did you practice?
I practiced mainly for Proleague. I wanted to get through by relying on the basics since it was the qualifiers.
Are there any players that seem troublesome to handle?
Not really. Because all my teammates are amazing, practices are intense, so I am feeling confident.
Any particularly difficult players during the qualifiers?
I was disappointed about the final match vs herO. He did an all-in against me for game one. It was such a lame defeat. I was able to make a recovery for game two but game three didn’t go well. The next time I meet him, I will get revenge.
Recently, you’ve been a hot topic because of your rising rookie performances. What are your goals?
I think I can make it to Code S as long as I practice hard. I will also grab the most wins award for Proleague through my hard practice.
Anything else you would like to say?
Teammate Armani disappointingly failed to make it through the qualifiers. But I have a feeling that he will see the light soon because he is such a great player. Lastly, I hope that all my teammates can advance through the qualifiers.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
It felt good to get through the qualifiers last season because I was on a losing streak then too. But the atmosphere for all the players is different from then and now. I’m still at the starting line so the qualifiers were difficult, but I was able to get through it even though I am on a losing streak again so I feel good. Actually, I feel so good that I can’t even compare the two feelings from getting through last season’s qualifiers.
You are on a thirteen game losing streak in Proleauge. It must be very difficult for you.
If I had to place blame, I would say that this thirteen game losing streak is because I kept on getting matched up with all the respective teams’ aces and rising stars. So I can kind of justify my thirteen game losing streak (laughs). But the biggest reason is just that I didn’t do well. And then after that it’s because my opponents were just too strong.
It’s been known to us that you perform excellently during practice, so is it just that you’ve developed a phobia for televised matches?
I didn’t have this before. But I think this started right around the time I lost to Terminator on Bel’Shir after my tenth straight loss. My mind became all blank because I ended up losing a game that I thought I had won. Even in my game against herO, I just couldn’t do anything even though I knew I was at a disadvantage. And thanks to several games like that, now I feel all this pressure because I keep telling myself not to make those kinds of mistakes during televised matches.
Since you have a phobia as a well-recognized player, does this mean you’ve decided to revert your mind back to that of a rookie’s?
I thought really long and hard about why I’m not a good SC2 player. Rather than try to find problems with myself, I decided to just be rational about it. But nowadays I’m discovering all sorts of problems.
You received a lot of criticism last season because of your statement about not studying opponents’ VODs.
Similar to BW, WoL was all about being aggressive and going all out. But HotS is different. You have to have the proper unit composition and you have to engage properly too. I realized that I was lacking in those areas and I also got scolded by my team. So nowadays, in addition to watching LIVE matches, I also try to find my opponents’ VODs. The problem lies with me so in the end, the important thing is to change myself.
So when do you think you’ll be able to snap your losing streak?
I am also curious about that. Honestly it’s really difficult to go on a thirteen game losing streak for even ladder. It’s really embarrassing that I have this kind of record for a tournament. I’m working hard so that I can snap this streak as fast as possible, and I’m also receiving a lot of intellect from around me. I haven’t been able to completely fix my faults but I’m accommodating other players’ style, and I’m also thinking a lot about what I have to do in order to perfect myself. I wonder if I’ll snap my losing streak soon since I am working so hard.
Your desire to do well in the GSL must be stronger than others’.
All tournaments are important, but our team always prioritizes Proleague as first. So I plan on viewing the GSL stage as a test stage that will allow me to adapt to the Proleague stage through my experiences.
Anything else you would like to say?
I normally don’t get fazed by internet bullying, but one time I searched for my name after my twelfth straight loss. I thought people would be sympathetic and not curse at me since I was on a twelve game losing streak but that was not the case at all. One time, I came across this comment saying that supervisor Kim Ga Eul and JangBi both left because of me. I really hope I can snap my losing streak soon so that I don’t have to read any more of these bullying comments. Lastly, since SPOTV GAMES is featuring Proleague with such a different atmosphere than ever before, I hope a lot of people will tune in.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
It’s been a really long time since I participated in a qualifier. Honestly, I was so nervous that I couldn’t even sleep properly last night. But I was still able to get past the qualifiers despite that so I am really glad.
How come you couldn’t sleep properly last night?
There are no more individual tournaments available for another three to four months if you decide to play in Korea. So I think that’s why I got that kind of anxious feeling.
Were there any particularly difficult players today?
I faced CJ’s Bunny in the semi-finals and that match was very difficult. I was already down 0-1 as I was facing a disadvantage in game two, but I managed to pull off a comeback. From then on, my play started going well.
How do you feel about the Dual Tournament format for Code A?
You have to prepare for multiple opponents for a Dual Tournament format so I think it’s going to be difficult. But there’s nothing I can do about it so I will do my best.
What are your goals for this season?
My goal is to make sure I don’t fall to the qualifiers.
Anything else you would like to say?
I was feeling a lot of stress as I was preparing for the qualifiers, but my teammates helped me out a lot so I think that’s why I was able to establish a good result. I also want to thank HyuN and Revival for coming today to cheer me on, and I hope that my teammates in the afternoon qualifiers will make it through.
Also, I want to congratulate those Zerg players who have been able to defeat Protoss players a lot lately. I think that’s really impressive.
How do you feel about getting through the Code A qualifiers after returning to the Korean region?
I thought it was going to be difficult, but after playing through it I saw that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. But I did get to see that the players who I thought were good, were indeed really good. I was able to really feel the whole returning to Korea thing.
Why did you decide to return to the Korea region?
If the level of players is going to be similar, then I figured that I might as well just play in Korea. I couldn’t really establish good results for WCS AM last year anyways so I thought that it wouldn’t be all that different between Korean and America.
You must have been bored all this time since there was nothing really planned for you.
I always think that I have to play a lot of games on a constant basis, but it’s really difficult to do that when there is nothing scheduled. But I think I was able to see the light of sucking it up and practicing real hard through my results today. I think I did well.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format.
I think this format is better than the previous one. Even though my tournament performances are not as good as they once were, I feel that as long as I can revive my televised matches workmanship, then it won’t matter who I face.
But it’s not like you didn’t establish any results at all for last year’s WCS AM.
I went to the semi-finals once, but I didn’t go to America just so I could make somewhat of a good result. It was good that I made it to a semi-finals but I wasn’t satisfied. I probably would have stayed in America if I had won the whole thing but I didn’t, so I think that’s why the already familiar Korean scene is better for me.
You must have high goals for this season.
My first and foremost goal is to grab Code S. And then once I grab Code S, then of course I will aim for the championsip. Right now my skills have gone up a lot and I’ve also realized a lot of things about the game so I am confident.
A lot of players in the GSL will be players currently participating in Proleauge.
For a player like me who is not participating in Proleague, there are upsides and downsides. I do think though that the players participating in Proleague will have good performances and a good feel for the game. But all that matters is if I just do well.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank my team for coolly believing in me when I said that I would be region switching back to Korea. I want to establish good results for this season so that I can repay that kind of kindness.
How do you feel about getting through the first 2014 GSL qualifiers?
When I fell to the qualifiers last season, I didn’t know if I was going to get the NesTea award or not. But I found out that this will be my tenth time if I can make it to Code S this season.
Was it difficult for you to practice since you’re currently teamless?
Rather than say that I couldn’t practice, I should say that I didn’t practice. But I was feeling really good today so I think that’s why I won.
The tournament has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about that?
Personally, I think the road to Code S has gotten more comfortable. I want to start off the new year with a good feeling by grabbing the year’s first Code S opportunity.
This season’s goals?
I want to work real hard in individual leagues so that I can find a good team. Lastly, to all my fOu teammates that have been with me all this time, I hope they will make it as well.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers?
If I had failed to make it through for this qualifier, then I would not have had many chances left even if I did make it through next season’s qualifiers and made it into Code S. I’m sure that it would have been difficult to maintain my mentality had I failed to go through. I’m relieved that I was able to get through but I wasn’t satisfied in my performance. But if I want to participate in the GSL then there are a lot more things that I have focus on. Right now I have an anxious mindset.
How come you weren’t satisfied in your performance?
I was only able to perform about 60% of what I was capable of from practices. I also made a lot of mistakes.
Also, you recently took on a loss for Proleague.
After my game against PartinG, I kept thinking “what did I do?” I was also really nervous, but I really just didn’t play like myself.
But despite all that, many fans still have expectations for the name, DongRaeGu.
Well first off, I have a really good feeling since I was able to get through the first qualifiers for this year. Honestly, I don’t believe in horoscopes but my parents told me to just hang in there since my horoscope for 2013 was not looking good. That kind of advice sort of helped me out. I think things are going to be better than they were last year.
Recently, you’ve been getting sent out for Proleague too. There must be some good points there.
I can maintain my feel for the game thanks to Proleague preparations so that’s good. In the past, I didn’t have a lot of matches to participate in so I even started getting lazy, but nowadays I am always practicing while feeling nervous. The team atmosphere is great too and the players’ determination is also good.
The tournament format for Code A has changed. What do you think about it?
I think this format is actually better. For a Zerg player, it is really burdensome to have to keep playing against one person. It’s because there’s a lot of things that could go wrong. Rather than getting hit with a desperate strategy and be on the brink of death, I think it is better to just take on multiple people on the same day.
What are your goals for this season?
I want to go through Code A and make it to the quarter-finals of Code S where a seed is on the line. Many players these days are really strong so I don’t think I’m at a position where I can talk about winning the championship (laughs).
Anything else you would like to say?
I am always grateful to my fans. I also want to let my parents know that they shouldn’t worry about me too much because I think things are going to go well for this year. I hope that every single one of my teammates who made it through the qualifiers today can go to Code S, and even though I’m not sure if my words will console them in any way, I still hope that everyone else who didn’t make it through will stay strong. Lastly, I want to thank our supervisor, Lim Hyun Seok.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
For 2013, I got through every single qualifier. But I kept on getting eliminated in the very first round. So I will show a different form for 2014.
Ever since your championship win, your skills have yet to come back to their original form.
Since I kept on getting through each qualifier, I thought to myself that “huh, I’ve still somewhat got it.” But now I know that that was the wrong thing to think. So since from some time ago I’ve been practicing really hard and I’ve also grabbed the top ranking on ladder. I will work hard so that I can show a great form from here on out.
This season’s goals?
If I’m a man then shouldn't it obviously be the championship?
Anything else you would like to say?
First off, because the fOu team disbanded, there have been some articles stating that the team lacked operating skills. But that was not true at all. I really hate receiving comments that say things like we have no skill or comments that look down on us. That’s why the players practiced really hard, and the result of that was that all four former fOu members that participated in the daytime qualifiers, made it through. Lastly, I really want to thank supervisor Choya.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
This was my first qualifiers so I am glad that I was able to get through without much difficulty.
Samsung disappointingly lost yesterday. Were there any interferences from that?
There were no interferences to the team atmosphere. In fact, I actually think that that loss was a good medicine for us.
The Samsung Zerg players have all been doing really well lately. Is there a secret behind there?
Everyone really excels at the basics and you could not imagine how much practicing we do. I can’t help but feel that good results will come from all this blood spilling practice.
This season’s goals?
First off, I want to grab Code S that’s right in front of me.
Anything else you would like to say?
Recently my condition has been good and I’m also doing really well during practice so I have found confidence in myself. So I’m hoping people will anticipate a great form from me.
I saw GSL as a tournament where I had to be in no matter what, and I had a feeling that I would be able to make it through easily as long as I had confidence.
Today’s qualifier was overall easy for you.
That is correct. If I had to pick a difficult opponent then I would have to say it was Solar. As soon as I saw my bracket, Solar’s name was the only one that caught my eye. It’s because he is doing well in Proleague right now and he’s really good at the game. But I also played like I do for practices so I was able to advance without much trouble.
Do you normally pull through your performances for practice for televised matches?
Rather than say that my practice performances don’t come out, I think it’s more that I just didn’t prepare well for Proleague games. I don’t feel pressure or get nervous, but since Proleague depends on a single victory, the amount of preparation you do has a lot of influence on who wins or loses. I’ve gone out three times so far, but I think I lost twice already because I was lacking in my preparation than my opponents’.
The Code A format has changed for this season. How do you feel about it?
I am totally in favor of it.
You probably regained a lot of your confidence thanks to today’s results.
I started doubting my skills because I lost a lot in Proleauge, but I think my skills are actually just fine thanks to today’s results. I think I’ll be able to establish good results for individual leagues too as long as I work just a little harder. And the same goes for Proleague.
Anything else you would like to say?
I think the supervisor is having a hard time right now because CJ has lost three Proleague matches in a row. But I don’t think our players are lacking in anything right now because of how well we did today. So I hope he’ll be able to let up his mind a little. Also, recently I’ve been getting a lot of help with practice thanks to Ryung, MMA, and INnoVation, but I haven’t been able to properly thank them because we kept on losing in all our Proleague matches. So I want to take this opportunity to thank them for that.
inven for some reason did not publish their interview with TheBest. So I personally contacted him and conducted this interview myself. Believe me when I say I really tried to make the interview interesting and unique from all these other ones. But TheBest refused to give me long and thoughtful answers. So I just took what I could get. Hope you guys enjoy!
Tell us how you feel about getting through the qualifiers.
It’s been such a long time that I am still not feeling it yet~.
A lot of people were surprised when they saw your name for the Code A qualifiers. Didn’t you announce your retirement?
That is correct. I contemplated retirement because of the army, but an opportunity arose so I decided to participate with the thought that this would be my last attempt.
So does that mean you will have to enlist into the army eventually for next year?
I probably will have to if I’m unable to establish any results, but for now, my game is going really well and I’m making results so I’m working hard so that I won’t have to go to the army.
You’d been showing a very poor form for the longest time. How come?
I do pretty well during practices, but I just couldn’t bring that kind of performance forth for tournaments.
However, you got through this season’s qualifiers with much ease. What was different this time?
I am really confident in my TvZ right now so I think I was able to get through easily because I only faced Zergs.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents?
During the semi-finals, my hands got so cold that I couldn’t micro properly, and a critical situation arose.
How did you practice even though fOu had disbanded?
We still have the team house for now so I was able to practice there.
A lot of people are concerned about the future of fOu players ever since the disbandment announcement came out. Could you explain a little bit about that?
Everyone is a really hard worker so I don’t think there’s any need to worry there~.
Are you looking for a Korean team or a foreign team?
As of right now, I’m still just looking around~.
Do you want to join a KeSPA team and participate in Proleague? Do you want to join an eSF team? Or do you want to join a foreign team and participate in overseas tournaments? Which one do you desire the most?
I have no idea right now.
What are your goals for this season?
My first and foremost goal is to make it to Code S.
I’m not sure if you realize this, but you have quite the fan base on TeamLiquid.net. Could you say a few words for those fans who are eagerly lying in anticipation for your performance?
I want to thank all my fans who have cheered me on even though I haven’t really showed anything. I will work hard so that I can put on a performance that will repay my fans the favor of cheering me on.
Please say a few words to your fOu teammates who have been with you all this time and the fOu organization.
I want to thank them for making unforgettable memories for me, and I hope that no matter what happens from here on out, they will always live healthy and happily.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers for the first time ever?
My goal for last season was to establish a good record for Proleague. So now I have this greed for individual results. I really wanted to get through so I am glad that I was successful.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents for the qualifiers?
My first match vs Hush was the most difficult. I’m not sure if it’s because I prefer to pursue a standard style or what, but it’s is cumbersome to deal with Hush’s abnormal style of play.
The Code A tournament format has changed. What do you think about it?
I will work hard to make it to Code S just as long as the group selections go well. I feel confident.
How did you practice?
My teammates are all outstanding players. Even the players who aren’t participating in Proleague are really good. Pigbaby especially helped me out a lot. I want to take this moment to thank him.
Is Maru joining the team producing a synergy effect?
Our styles are different but I’m working hard to learn Maru’s style of play.
Anything else you would like to say?
Proleague is Proleague for this season as well, but we will work hard so that our entire team can establish good results for individually as well. I hope people will lie in eager anticipation.
Tell us how you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
Recently, I’ve been preparing strategic builds for Proleague, so I was worried since it felt like I was lacking in the basics, but the end result was that I was able to get through so I am glad.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about it?
Even in the past, I never really thought much about the format of the tournament. I just told myself that it would be fine as long as I won. But still, I’m rather weak when it comes to facing multiple opponents on the same day so I am worried about it. But I’m still going to overcome it.
Recently you’ve been participating in the Proleague schedule a lot. What do you personally think about Proleague?
The amount of practice I normally do is not really that much, but that amount has gotten much larger because of Proleague preparations.
So what are your goals for this season?
I will think about that after I’ve returned to Code S.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
I’m not really all that glad since getting through the qualifiers is an obvious thing in my opinion, but I am glad that I was able to pierce through the qualifiers.
You’re not showing a great form for Proleague. What do you think about it?
Proleague is a tournament that I really haven’t experienced before so I do need to adapt to it. I don’t think I’ve adapted enough to it yet.
If you had to evaluate your current skills?
I think I do well during practices, but I don’t think I’ve been able perform as well for tournaments yet.
MVP seems to be doing poorly in Proleague.
We secured our first victory several days ago, but I think everything will start from here on out. I hope people will keep watching us from now on.
What are your personal goals from here on out?
All leagues are important, but I want to establish good results for team leagues over individual leagues.
Go to the liquipedia page for that specific tournament and find this icon: If you click on that icon, it will take you to the interview for that group's match winners
Stork's interview is long... I blame his stupid inconsistency. The minute he makes it through, all these questions just come pouring out from interviewers...
On January 09 2014 03:53 DiMano wrote: PLZ ALL PLZ ALL PLZ ALL we do not ask to translate everyone at once you can translate 10 per week or something but PLZ PLZ PLZ translate them all.
On January 09 2014 03:53 DiMano wrote: PLZ ALL PLZ ALL PLZ ALL we do not ask to translate everyone at once you can translate 10 per week or something but PLZ PLZ PLZ translate them all.
I'm particularly interested in all the former fOu players (Leenock, GuMiho, Seed, TheBest), DRG (I'm curious if he says anything that might explain why MVP hasn't been sending him out for Proleague) and Hack (I'm REALLY curious why he gave up a guaranteed seed in WCS AM Premier to return to WCS KR, given he'd be almost certainly have been in the top 25% skill-wise in WCS AM).
On January 09 2014 03:36 ACrow wrote: The Return of the Seeker or Seeker Strikes Back
Legend of the Seeker?
I thought no one watched that besides me :O
I watched it and was deeply upset
Why? I remember I kinda enjoyed it, even though the final episodes were bad
1) I didn't think they did the books justice at all 2) They cheapened the atmosphere a lot I felt 3) They never got to the good part
On its own I might have liked it as cheap entertainment, but standing up to the Sword of Truth? Nah, I wasn't sold.
Back on-topic, I'll always jump on any oppurtunity to read a Stork interview. I want to live in that guy's brain (not literally) and I'd love to hear what he has to say about life recently.
Order of preference: Cure - Very underrated Terran player who just made his FIRST Code A!! :D Ryung - How does he feeling returning to the Korea now that GSL is back? Dream - One of my favorite up and coming Terrans! :D DongRaeGu - He showed some great results to close the year. Hoping he can get himself back in Code S. Seed - He's been knocked out of Code A in the first round for the past two seasons. Wondering where his mindset is for this year.
Thank you!! I'd honestly be happy just to read Cure's interview. I'm interested in the rest as well but just listed them to add to increase chances in case others are interested too.
On January 09 2014 04:34 SamuraiX- wrote: Cure - Very underrated Terran player who just made his FIRST Code A!! :D
indeed, I remember I saw that one TvP he played on Planet S in last proleague and I was like "hey, this guy actually played a straight up game". ended up buying him cheap for my FPL and getting some points.
also, obviously need the interview with a GSL champion + Show Spoiler +
My god Stork's attitude is among the best I've ever seen. No bullshit, no blaming others (well, a little) - just focusing on finding his own flaws and correcting them. I hope he does really well this season.
On January 09 2014 06:06 Zenbrez wrote: WCS season 1 - ro16 WCS season 2 - ro32 WCS season 3 - code A (admittedly he qualified for code S by the end of it)
As a fanboy I feel obligated to defend him in all of these. Season 1 - aforementioned imba evil PartinG game speed and hitting Innovation at peak of his TvZ Season 2 - Bo1's haha what is this so imba Season 3 - admittedly, he probably should've made it out of up and downs but he only lost to Byun (in one of his fluky good performances) and soOjwa in ZvZ. Then, as you say, he ran through his Code A bracket pretty well.
On January 09 2014 06:06 Zenbrez wrote: WCS season 1 - ro16 WCS season 2 - ro32 WCS season 3 - code A (admittedly he qualified for code S by the end of it)
As a fanboy I feel obligated to defend him in all of these. Season 1 - aforementioned imba evil PartinG game speed and hitting Innovation at peak of his TvZ Season 2 - Bo1's haha what is this so imba Season 3 - admittedly, he probably should've made it out of up and downs but he only lost to Byun (in one of his fluky good performances) and soOjwa in ZvZ. Then, as you say, he ran through his Code A bracket pretty well.
He's in denial. He'll come around like everyone else once Life wins another GSL and probably be one of the people who "never doubted" ^_^
I really feel for Stork though. I hope things work out with Samsung (maybe with Jangbi too) =/
Damn Stork, I really wish him the best. It must be really hard to read that kind of comments about him. Koreans fan must be harsher than the foreign community...
I always love to see his interviews, he always gives good and well-thought answers.
It would be an awesome storyline if Stork starts to win this year!
Damn, Stork sounds like he has it tough atm, hope he can break that losing streak. I also love the last line from Symbol, funny enough he is mostly congratulating RorO who is 2-0 against Protoss at the moment in Proleague.
On January 09 2014 08:18 Zealously wrote: Wow some of these interviews are pretty thin. Damnit Inven, ask about fOu tt
with this many players qualifying they might have had to shorten at least some of them for time reasons. Plus they usually don't ask hard hitting questions. at least none are painful to read like hongun's last interview was.
On another note I find these cool I just wish all the questions weren't so general and all the answers weren't so similar to each other although that's probably mostly due to cultural reasons.
(I have no idea what I'm talking about so I could be completely wrong )
Seeker now that you've done at least 10 or so interviews I think you should add "MAKE SURE THE INTERVIEWS YOU WANT AREN'T DONE BEFORE YOU REQUEST THEM!" to the OP.
Thanks for being awesome.
P.S. Dream's interview is only 5 questions long. ;o
Really sad that Creator wasn't able to make it back into Code A. Lots of others I am glad to see make it though. Really looking forward to this season. Thanks for the interviews
Looked through the qualifier brackets for notable players that were listed but did not qualify; here's what I noticed (putting them all in spoiler just in case)
* ByuN was listed in the bracket but forfeited his first match. There must be something wrong with him, either he has unofficially retired or is otherwise unable or unwilling to play. A few other notable players that I noticed did the same were JYP and Noblesse.
* Jila (Kal) played all Zerg--he beat a player named adios but then lost to CoCa and rare.
* SSanaEE played in the qualifer (though he lost his first match against Journey) so I guess he has left WCS AM too.
* NAKSEO (f/k/a Monster) won his first match against HoeJJa but then lost to Pet and TurN.
* hyvaa beat a Terran player named Miso, then lost to Squirtle, then beat Bunny then lost to Symbol
* KangHo beat a Zerg named Blast,then lost to ParalyzE, then beat Shine(KHAN), then lost to sKyHigh
* TY beat a Protoss named Hexia, then lost to YongHwa, then beat Sorry, then lost to YongHwa again
* Choya was knocked out in his first match by Remember.
* RagnaroK lost to CJ herO, then beat Lucky, then lost to Solar. I'm sad for him, he looked very strong in GSTL and drew such a tough bracket.
* Lucky played only ZvZ, beating someone named Marine and then losing to Solar and RagnaroK.
* Axiom's Impact beat a Zerg named LeeWonJu, then lost to Creator and Zest.
* Creator beat Legend (THE Legend? He is listed as Terran) and Impact, but lost to Cure and Zest.
* hitmaN beat SalvatioN, lost to Trust, beat a Protoss named Junbo then lost to MVP Shine.
* Pigbaby was knocked out in his first match by DeParture
* The American player State beat a Protoss named Booster but then lost to DRG and Harrier (though he took a game off DRG)
* TerrOr lost in his first match against Harrier. Guy just isn't having any luck.
* Sniper lost in his first match against BrAvO.
* MadBull lost in his first match against Center (nooooooooo.....)
* Center beat MadBull and SonGDuri only to lose to Dark and Ruin.
* BboongBboong beat PenguiN, then lost to Myungsik and TRUE
On January 09 2014 14:59 Yakikorosu wrote: Looked through the qualifier brackets for notable players that were listed but did not qualify; here's what I noticed (putting them all in spoiler just in case)
* ByuN was listed in the bracket but forfeited his first match. There must be something wrong with him, either he has unofficially retired or is otherwise unable or unwilling to play. A few other notable players that I noticed did the same were JYP and Noblesse.
* Jila (Kal) played all Zerg--he beat a player named adios but then lost to CoCa and rare.
* SSanaEE played in the qualifer (though he lost his first match against Journey) so I guess he has left WCS AM too.
* NAKSEO (f/k/a Monster) won his first match against HoeJJa but then lost to Pet and TurN.
* hyvaa beat a Terran player named Miso, then lost to Squirtle, then beat Bunny then lost to Symbol
* KangHo beat a Zerg named Blast,then lost to ParalyzE, then beat Shine(KHAN), then lost to sKyHigh
* TY beat a Protoss named Hexia, then lost to YongHwa, then beat Sorry, then lost to YongHwa again
* Choya was knocked out in his first match by Remember.
* RagnaroK lost to CJ herO, then beat Lucky, then lost to Solar. I'm sad for him, he looked very strong in GSTL and drew such a tough bracket.
* Lucky played only ZvZ, beating someone named Marine and then losing to Solar and RagnaroK.
* Axiom's Impact beat a Zerg named LeeWonJu, then lost to Creator and Zest.
* Creator beat Legend (THE Legend? He is listed as Terran) and Impact, but lost to Cure and Zest.
* hitmaN beat SalvatioN, lost to Trust, beat a Protoss named Junbo then lost to MVP Shine.
* Pigbaby was knocked out in his first match by DeParture
* The American player State beat a Protoss named Booster but then lost to DRG and Harrier (though he took a game off DRG)
* TerrOr lost in his first match against Harrier. Guy just isn't having any luck.
* Sniper lost in his first match against BrAvO.
* MadBull lost in his first match against Center (nooooooooo.....)
* Center beat MadBull and SonGDuri only to lose to Dark and Ruin.
* BboongBboong beat PenguiN, then lost to Myungsik and TRUE
probably was the legend. He played terran in the 6 episode webseries thing and posted something recently on twitter that suggested he was going to be a player. Harrier and Center are still around? wouldn't have thunk it, why do all the terrans I like retire while the ones I don't stay around for forever. Harrier was on zenex for a while I think but didnt really accomplish much if I remember, think this was like late 2011 early 2012 maybe. Kangho is weirdly inconsistent it seems, maybe being teamless is making a problem or maybe thats just his skill level now.
So here are the interviews for the StarTale players, just because. Staying up late to translate interviews is bad for my health so this is strictly a one-time thing
How does it feel to play in the qualifiers for the first time in a while? You even made it through.
Not having played in the qualifiers for a while did throw me off. During that time, I rested a lot because of the lack of matches, but it's good that I don't have to anymore. If I'd fallen out this time, I'd have had to take another three-month break. To be honest, I really don't want to play around anymore.
What are your thoughts on StarTale's downsizing announcement today? You must not be feeling good about this.
Things are just as they were written in the article. It's a shame that the situation is like this, but this means that I'll just have to work harder.
You must be unsatisfied with your 2013 WCS performance.
Personally, I still feel a lot of regret about last year. I really felt confident during the last WoL season, but I made a semifinal finish and couldn't win the tournament. It didn't feel like a big blow at the time, but thinking about it now, I think it shook me greatly. HotS came out in the midst of all this, and I wasn't able to adapt well.
It seems that your lack of a match schedule would have hurt your game sense.
I was very aware of this, so this qualifier was very important to me. From my point of view, it feels like the number of tournaments has shrunk a lot. This situation doesn't look very good from the players' perspectives. However, I feel that I still have to work hard and rise up the tournaments that we have. If I fell out this time, too, wouldn't this seriously make me unemployed? (laugh) I was able to take a vacation, but as soon it ended, I practiced hard without resting a single day to prepare for today's qualifiers.
Proleague has been active recently. It seems that you could be having complicated feelings about this.
If there are a lot of matches, the motivation that it gives you is good for practicing. I do envy the players that are actively participating in Proleague because of that.
What are your goals for this season?
I did fall down to the qualifiers, but I came right back up. If I dropped out of Code A right away, I would have to rest for two months, if not three. My first goal is to stay alive at any cost to reach Code S. After that, I want to achieve my goals step by step. My second objective is to get a seed, and my third is to take the tournament victory that I was not able to achieve during WoL.
How does it feel to break up the qualifiers and make it into the tournament?
I fell out last season after being beaten by Leenock, so I'm happy that I was able to beat him during the finals.
You'd only been able to play in non-broadcasted matches during that time, but it's nothing but broadcasted matches from here on. Are you confident that you will do well?
I want to build up a lot of experience by playing in broadcasted matches. Outside of qualifiers, I can't perform at 100% during individual or team leagues.
What do you think is the reason for that?
I especially feel pressured during team leagues because I feel like I have to be a help to my team.
This is your first time making it through a qualifier in your career. How does it feel?
I always ended up dropping out during the RO4 or finals. I'm very happy that I was able to advance like this. Now that I'm up here, I want to climb up even higher.
When did you start playing Starcraft 2?
I started playing about 1 1/2 years ago. I was originally a BW pro gamer for SK Telecom, so my process of transitioning to SC2 was somewhat late. I wanted to become an SC2 pro, too, so I faced the challenge.
It must have been difficult to not have performed well for 1 1/2 years.
To tell the truth, I had a lot of thoughts about giving up gaming, but I had a feeling that I shouldn't quit. Now that I've advanced through the qualifiers, I feel like not giving up was a good idea.
Could you introduce yourself to the fans?
My race is Protoss, and I am 20 years old. I haven't been able to accomplish much yet on StarTale, but I will work to raise my name from up high.
You could feel very tense when playing on the broadcasted Code A stage.
I'm not very worried. I think I'll manage by doing things the same way as I am right now. I feel like my accumulated GSTL experience will be of help to me.
Do you have anything more that you would like to say?
I'm thankful to my parents, who have always believed in me and have cheered for me a lot.
What are your feelings on coming back to WCS Korea after three seasons?
I'd been planning to play in North America just like last year, but I decided to participate in WCS Korea again. I'm incredibly happy that I was able to break through the qualifiers on my first try.
You're playing in your home country again. How confident do you feel?
I made it up to the quarterfinals in North America, and I feel that this year's dual tournament format gives me an extra chance, so I'm confident.
At the qualifier finals, you beat CJ's Sora, who has been rising up lately. Didn't you feel pressured?
I did feel pressured because of his good performance recently, but I've always played often against strong opponents, so I had confidence.
Do you have any goals for this season?
My #1 goal is to reach the Code S quarterfinals in order to stay there for next season.
On January 09 2014 18:32 kaby wrote: I'm up to sell my soul for the interview with sKyHigh
A bit sad that they didn't mention State in the DRG interview, even though he only lost by one map. I think it has been a while that a foreigner was that close to qualifying for Code A in Korea.
Q: It's the first time you advanced. A: I thought I would advance since three seasons ago. It is much overdue. It is very nice.
Q: Were you nervous in the final round? A: In one game I was caught with a half-mental strategic build-order loss. But I stuck to my usual fundamentals and played an economic style, while remaining calm and playing like myself.
Q: What do you think of the new tournament format, with the chance to change code twice in one season? A: I will proceed in the same way anyway, and do not think it is too bad. The chance enter Code S quickly, I think is a good opportunity.
Q: How do you practice usually? A: Mainly focusing on the race I play against in Professional Leagues. The team lacks Terran players so it is difficult to practice that matchup. I am grateful to the Terran players in my team.
Q: The ultimate goal of this season? A: Many have said, it is too late. I am going to win.
Q: Any last words? A: I will work really hard and show good results. Both in Professional and Private Leagues.
Interesting how KeSPA players still refer to KeSPA-sanctioned leagues as professional leagues and all other leagues (such as GSL) as private leagues.
On January 11 2014 09:43 Pangpootata wrote: Zest's interview since it's not done yet, and he's my favourite player (not a perfect translation, but managed to capture the gist)
Q: It's the first time you advanced. A: I thought I would advance since three seasons ago. It is much overdue. It is very nice.
Q: Were you nervous in the final round? A: In one game I was caught with a half-mental strategic build-order loss. But I stuck to my usual fundamentals and played an economic style, while remaining calm and playing like myself.
Q: What do you think of the new tournament format, with the chance to change code twice in one season? A: I will proceed in the same way anyway, and do not think it is too bad. The chance enter Code S quickly, I think is a good opportunity.
Q: How do you practice usually? A: Mainly focusing on the race I play against in Professional Leagues. The team lacks Terran players so it is difficult to practice that matchup. I am grateful to the Terran players in my team.
Q: The ultimate goal of this season? A: Many have said, it is too late. I am going to win.
Q: Any last words? A: I will work really hard and show good results. Both in Professional and Private Leagues.
Interesting how KeSPA players still refer to KeSPA-sanctioned leagues as professional leagues and all other leagues (such as GSL) as private leagues.
How does it feel to play in the qualifiers for the first time in a while? You even made it through.
Not having played in the qualifiers for a while did throw me off. During that time, I rested a lot because of the lack of matches, but it's good that I don't have to anymore. If I'd fallen out this time, I'd have had to take another three-month break. To be honest, I really don't want to play around anymore.
What are your thoughts on StarTale's downsizing announcement today? You must not be feeling good about this.
Things are just as they were written in the article. It's a shame that the situation is like this, but this means that I'll just have to work harder.
You must be unsatisfied with your 2013 WCS performance.
Personally, I still feel a lot of regret about last year. I really felt confident during the last WoL season, but I made a semifinal finish and couldn't win the tournament. It didn't feel like a big blow at the time, but thinking about it now, I think it shook me greatly. HotS came out in the midst of all this, and I wasn't able to adapt well.
It seems that your lack of a match schedule would have hurt your game sense.
I was very aware of this, so this qualifier was very important to me. From my point of view, it feels like the number of tournaments has shrunk a lot. This situation doesn't look very good from the players' perspectives. However, I feel that I still have to work hard and rise up the tournaments that we have. If I fell out this time, too, wouldn't this seriously make me unemployed? (laugh) I was able to take a vacation, but as soon it ended, I practiced hard without resting a single day to prepare for today's qualifiers.
Proleague has been active recently. It seems that you could be having complicated feelings about this.
If there are a lot of matches, the motivation that it gives you is good for practicing. I do envy the players that are actively participating in Proleague because of that.
What are your goals for this season?
I did fall down to the qualifiers, but I came right back up. If I dropped out of Code A right away, I would have to rest for two months, if not three. My first goal is to stay alive at any cost to reach Code S. After that, I want to achieve my goals step by step. My second objective is to get a seed, and my third is to take the tournament victory that I was not able to achieve during WoL.
How does it feel to break up the qualifiers and make it into the tournament?
I fell out last season after being beaten by Leenock, so I'm happy that I was able to beat him during the finals.
You'd only been able to play in non-broadcasted matches during that time, but it's nothing but broadcasted matches from here on. Are you confident that you will do well?
I want to build up a lot of experience by playing in broadcasted matches. Outside of qualifiers, I can't perform at 100% during individual or team leagues.
What do you think is the reason for that?
I especially feel pressured during team leagues because I feel like I have to be a help to my team.
This is your first time making it through a qualifier in your career. How does it feel?
I always ended up dropping out during the RO4 or finals. I'm very happy that I was able to advance like this. Now that I'm up here, I want to climb up even higher.
When did you start playing Starcraft 2?
I started playing about 1 1/2 years ago. I was originally a BW pro gamer for SK Telecom, so my process of transitioning to SC2 was somewhat late. I wanted to become an SC2 pro, too, so I faced the challenge.
It must have been difficult to not have performed well for 1 1/2 years.
To tell the truth, I had a lot of thoughts about giving up gaming, but I had a feeling that I shouldn't quit. Now that I've advanced through the qualifiers, I feel like not giving up was a good idea.
Could you introduce yourself to the fans?
My race is Protoss, and I am 20 years old. I haven't been able to accomplish much yet on StarTale, but I will work to raise my name from up high.
You could feel very tense when playing on the broadcasted Code A stage.
I'm not very worried. I think I'll manage by doing things the same way as I am right now. I feel like my accumulated GSTL experience will be of help to me.
Do you have anything more that you would like to say?
I'm thankful to my parents, who have always believed in me and have cheered for me a lot.
What are your feelings on coming back to WCS Korea after three seasons?
I'd been planning to play in North America just like last year, but I decided to participate in WCS Korea again. I'm incredibly happy that I was able to break through the qualifiers on my first try.
You're playing in your home country again. How confident do you feel?
I made it up to the quarterfinals in North America, and I feel that this year's dual tournament format gives me an extra chance, so I'm confident.
At the qualifier finals, you beat CJ's Sora, who has been rising up lately. Didn't you feel pressured?
I did feel pressured because of his good performance recently, but I've always played often against strong opponents, so I had confidence.
Do you have any goals for this season?
My #1 goal is to reach the Code S quarterfinals in order to stay there for next season.
I thought I would advance since three seasons ago. It is much overdue. It is very nice.
Were you nervous in the final round?
In one game I was caught with a half-mental strategic build-order loss. But I stuck to my usual fundamentals and played an economic style, while remaining calm and playing like myself.
What do you think of the new tournament format, with the chance to change code twice in one season?
I will proceed in the same way anyway, and do not think it is too bad. The chance enter Code S quickly, I think is a good opportunity.
How do you practice usually?
Mainly focusing on the race I play against in Professional Leagues. The team lacks Terran players so it is difficult to practice that matchup. I am grateful to the Terran players in my team.
The ultimate goal of this season?
Many have said, it is too late. I am going to win.
Any last words?
I will work really hard and show good results. Both in Professional and Private Leagues.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers two season in a row?
I’m not really feeling anything special because I advanced through much easier than expected. But the match where I lost against Hack helped me out a lot so I’m satisfied. Hack’s strategies hit me real hard but that match helped me realize how important mentality control is so I’m thankful.
You were eliminated much quicker than expected last season. Why was this so?
I don’t think I was very much motivated last season so I was lacking in preparation. But for this season, there’s Proleague and I have been practicing a lot so it’s fine for people to have expectations.
How did you feel about the switch to the Dual Tournament format for this season?
I think the new format allows for the superior players to advance rather than just relying on luck.
How do you feel about making through the qualifiers?
I thought that I was obviously going to make it through once I saw my bracket. I was confident.
How did you practice?
I practiced mainly for Proleague. I wanted to get through by relying on the basics since it was the qualifiers.
Are there any players that seem troublesome to handle?
Not really. Because all my teammates are amazing, practices are intense, so I am feeling confident.
Any particularly difficult players during the qualifiers?
I was disappointed about the final match vs herO. He did an all-in against me for game one. It was such a lame defeat. I was able to make a recovery for game two but game three didn’t go well. The next time I meet him, I will get revenge.
Recently, you’ve been a hot topic because of your rising rookie performances. What are your goals?
I think I can make it to Code S as long as I practice hard. I will also grab the most wins award for Proleague through my hard practice.
Anything else you would like to say?
Teammate Armani disappointingly failed to make it through the qualifiers. But I have a feeling that he will see the light soon because he is such a great player. Lastly, I hope that all my teammates can advance through the qualifiers.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
It felt good to get through the qualifiers last season because I was on a losing streak then too. But the atmosphere for all the players is different from then and now. I’m still at the starting line so the qualifiers were difficult, but I was able to get through it even though I am on a losing streak again so I feel good. Actually, I feel so good that I can’t even compare the two feelings from getting through last season’s qualifiers.
You are on a thirteen game losing streak in Proleauge. It must be very difficult for you.
If I had to place blame, I would say that this thirteen game losing streak is because I kept on getting matched up with all the respective teams’ aces and rising stars. So I can kind of justify my thirteen game losing streak (laughs). But the biggest reason is just that I didn’t do well. And then after that it’s because my opponents were just too strong.
It’s been known to us that you perform excellently during practice, so is it just that you’ve developed a phobia for televised matches?
I didn’t have this before. But I think this started right around the time I lost to Terminator on Bel’Shir after my tenth straight loss. My mind became all blank because I ended up losing a game that I thought I had won. Even in my game against herO, I just couldn’t do anything even though I knew I was at a disadvantage. And thanks to several games like that, now I feel all this pressure because I keep telling myself not to make those kinds of mistakes during televised matches.
Since you have a phobia as a well-recognized player, does this mean you’ve decided to revert your mind back to that of a rookie’s?
I thought really long and hard about why I’m not a good SC2 player. Rather than try to find problems with myself, I decided to just be rational about it. But nowadays I’m discovering all sorts of problems.
You received a lot of criticism last season because of your statement about not studying opponents’ VODs.
Similar to BW, WoL was all about being aggressive and going all out. But HotS is different. You have to have the proper unit composition and you have to engage properly too. I realized that I was lacking in those areas and I also got scolded by my team. So nowadays, in addition to watching LIVE matches, I also try to find my opponents’ VODs. The problem lies with me so in the end, the important thing is to change myself.
So when do you think you’ll be able to snap your losing streak?
I am also curious about that. Honestly it’s really difficult to go on a thirteen game losing streak for even ladder. It’s really embarrassing that I have this kind of record for a tournament. I’m working hard so that I can snap this streak as fast as possible, and I’m also receiving a lot of intellect from around me. I haven’t been able to completely fix my faults but I’m accommodating other players’ style, and I’m also thinking a lot about what I have to do in order to perfect myself. I wonder if I’ll snap my losing streak soon since I am working so hard.
Your desire to do well in the GSL must be stronger than others’.
All tournaments are important, but our team always prioritizes Proleague as first. So I plan on viewing the GSL stage as a test stage that will allow me to adapt to the Proleague stage through my experiences.
Anything else you would like to say?
I normally don’t get fazed by internet bullying, but one time I searched for my name after my twelfth straight loss. I thought people would be sympathetic and not curse at me since I was on a twelve game losing streak but that was not the case at all. One time, I came across this comment saying that supervisor Kim Ga Eul and JangBi both left because of me. I really hope I can snap my losing streak soon so that I don’t have to read any more of these bullying comments. Lastly, since SPOTV GAMES is featuring Proleague with such a different atmosphere than ever before, I hope a lot of people will tune in.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
It’s been a really long time since I participated in a qualifier. Honestly, I was so nervous that I couldn’t even sleep properly last night. But I was still able to get past the qualifiers despite that so I am really glad.
How come you couldn’t sleep properly last night?
There are no more individual tournaments available for another three to four months if you decide to play in Korea. So I think that’s why I got that kind of anxious feeling.
Were there any particularly difficult players today?
I faced CJ’s Bunny in the semi-finals and that match was very difficult. I was already down 0-1 as I was facing a disadvantage in game two, but I managed to pull off a comeback. From then on, my play started going well.
How do you feel about the Dual Tournament format for Code A?
You have to prepare for multiple opponents for a Dual Tournament format so I think it’s going to be difficult. But there’s nothing I can do about it so I will do my best.
What are your goals for this season?
My goal is to make sure I don’t fall to the qualifiers.
Anything else you would like to say?
I was feeling a lot of stress as I was preparing for the qualifiers, but my teammates helped me out a lot so I think that’s why I was able to establish a good result. I also want to thank HyuN and Revival for coming today to cheer me on, and I hope that my teammates in the afternoon qualifiers will make it through.
Also, I want to congratulate those Zerg players who have been able to defeat Protoss players a lot lately. I think that’s really impressive.
How do you feel about getting through the Code A qualifiers after returning to the Korean region?
I thought it was going to be difficult, but after playing through it I saw that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. But I did get to see that the players who I thought were good, were indeed really good. I was able to really feel the whole returning to Korea thing.
Why did you decide to return to the Korea region?
If the level of players is going to be similar, then I figured that I might as well just play in Korea. I couldn’t really establish good results for WCS AM last year anyways so I thought that it wouldn’t be all that different between Korean and America.
You must have been bored all this time since there was nothing really planned for you.
I always think that I have to play a lot of games on a constant basis, but it’s really difficult to do that when there is nothing scheduled. But I think I was able to see the light of sucking it up and practicing real hard through my results today. I think I did well.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format.
I think this format is better than the previous one. Even though my tournament performances are not as good as they once were, I feel that as long as I can revive my televised matches workmanship, then it won’t matter who I face.
But it’s not like you didn’t establish any results at all for last year’s WCS AM.
I went to the semi-finals once, but I didn’t go to America just so I could make somewhat of a good result. It was good that I made it to a semi-finals but I wasn’t satisfied. I probably would have stayed in America if I had won the whole thing but I didn’t, so I think that’s why the already familiar Korean scene is better for me.
You must have high goals for this season.
My first and foremost goal is to grab Code S. And then once I grab Code S, then of course I will aim for the championsip. Right now my skills have gone up a lot and I’ve also realized a lot of things about the game so I am confident.
A lot of players in the GSL will be players currently participating in Proleauge.
For a player like me who is not participating in Proleague, there are upsides and downsides. I do think though that the players participating in Proleague will have good performances and a good feel for the game. But all that matters is if I just do well.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank my team for coolly believing in me when I said that I would be region switching back to Korea. I want to establish good results for this season so that I can repay that kind of kindness.
How do you feel about getting through the first 2014 GSL qualifiers?
When I fell to the qualifiers last season, I didn’t know if I was going to get the NesTea award or not. But I found out that this will be my tenth time if I can make it to Code S this season.
Was it difficult for you to practice since you’re currently teamless?
Rather than say that I couldn’t practice, I should say that I didn’t practice. But I was feeling really good today so I think that’s why I won.
The tournament has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about that?
Personally, I think the road to Code S has gotten more comfortable. I want to start off the new year with a good feeling by grabbing the year’s first Code S opportunity.
This season’s goals?
I want to work real hard in individual leagues so that I can find a good team. Lastly, to all my fOu teammates that have been with me all this time, I hope they will make it as well.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers?
If I had failed to make it through for this qualifier, then I would not have had many chances left even if I did make it through next season’s qualifiers and made it into Code S. I’m sure that it would have been difficult to maintain my mentality had I failed to go through. I’m relieved that I was able to get through but I wasn’t satisfied in my performance. But if I want to participate in the GSL then there are a lot more things that I have focus on. Right now I have an anxious mindset.
How come you weren’t satisfied in your performance?
I was only able to perform about 60% of what I was capable of from practices. I also made a lot of mistakes.
Also, you recently took on a loss for Proleague.
After my game against PartinG, I kept thinking “what did I do?” I was also really nervous, but I really just didn’t play like myself.
But despite all that, many fans still have expectations for the name, DongRaeGu.
Well first off, I have a really good feeling since I was able to get through the first qualifiers for this year. Honestly, I don’t believe in horoscopes but my parents told me to just hang in there since my horoscope for 2013 was not looking good. That kind of advice sort of helped me out. I think things are going to be better than they were last year.
Recently, you’ve been getting sent out for Proleague too. There must be some good points there.
I can maintain my feel for the game thanks to Proleague preparations so that’s good. In the past, I didn’t have a lot of matches to participate in so I even started getting lazy, but nowadays I am always practicing while feeling nervous. The team atmosphere is great too and the players’ determination is also good.
The tournament format for Code A has changed. What do you think about it?
I think this format is actually better. For a Zerg player, it is really burdensome to have to keep playing against one person. It’s because there’s a lot of things that could go wrong. Rather than getting hit with a desperate strategy and be on the brink of death, I think it is better to just take on multiple people on the same day.
What are your goals for this season?
I want to go through Code A and make it to the quarter-finals of Code S where a seed is on the line. Many players these days are really strong so I don’t think I’m at a position where I can talk about winning the championship (laughs).
Anything else you would like to say?
I am always grateful to my fans. I also want to let my parents know that they shouldn’t worry about me too much because I think things are going to go well for this year. I hope that every single one of my teammates who made it through the qualifiers today can go to Code S, and even though I’m not sure if my words will console them in any way, I still hope that everyone else who didn’t make it through will stay strong. Lastly, I want to thank our supervisor, Lim Hyun Seok.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
For 2013, I got through every single qualifier. But I kept on getting eliminated in the very first round. So I will show a different form for 2014.
Ever since your championship win, your skills have yet to come back to their original form.
Since I kept on getting through each qualifier, I thought to myself that “huh, I’ve still somewhat got it.” But now I know that that was the wrong thing to think. So since from some time ago I’ve been practicing really hard and I’ve also grabbed the top ranking on ladder. I will work hard so that I can show a great form from here on out.
This season’s goals?
If I’m a man then shouldn't it obviously be the championship?
Anything else you would like to say?
First off, because the fOu team disbanded, there have been some articles stating that the team lacked operating skills. But that was not true at all. I really hate receiving comments that say things like we have no skill or comments that look down on us. That’s why the players practiced really hard, and the result of that was that all four former fOu members that participated in the daytime qualifiers, made it through. Lastly, I really want to thank supervisor Choya.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
This was my first qualifiers so I am glad that I was able to get through without much difficulty.
Samsung disappointingly lost yesterday. Were there any interferences from that?
There were no interferences to the team atmosphere. In fact, I actually think that that loss was a good medicine for us.
The Samsung Zerg players have all been doing really well lately. Is there a secret behind there?
Everyone really excels at the basics and you could not imagine how much practicing we do. I can’t help but feel that good results will come from all this blood spilling practice.
This season’s goals?
First off, I want to grab Code S that’s right in front of me.
Anything else you would like to say?
Recently my condition has been good and I’m also doing really well during practice so I have found confidence in myself. So I’m hoping people will anticipate a great form from me.
I saw GSL as a tournament where I had to be in no matter what, and I had a feeling that I would be able to make it through easily as long as I had confidence.
Today’s qualifier was overall easy for you.
That is correct. If I had to pick a difficult opponent then I would have to say it was Solar. As soon as I saw my bracket, Solar’s name was the only one that caught my eye. It’s because he is doing well in Proleague right now and he’s really good at the game. But I also played like I do for practices so I was able to advance without much trouble.
Do you normally pull through your performances for practice for televised matches?
Rather than say that my practice performances don’t come out, I think it’s more that I just didn’t prepare well for Proleague games. I don’t feel pressure or get nervous, but since Proleague depends on a single victory, the amount of preparation you do has a lot of influence on who wins or loses. I’ve gone out three times so far, but I think I lost twice already because I was lacking in my preparation than my opponents’.
The Code A format has changed for this season. How do you feel about it?
I am totally in favor of it.
You probably regained a lot of your confidence thanks to today’s results.
I started doubting my skills because I lost a lot in Proleauge, but I think my skills are actually just fine thanks to today’s results. I think I’ll be able to establish good results for individual leagues too as long as I work just a little harder. And the same goes for Proleague.
Anything else you would like to say?
I think the supervisor is having a hard time right now because CJ has lost three Proleague matches in a row. But I don’t think our players are lacking in anything right now because of how well we did today. So I hope he’ll be able to let up his mind a little. Also, recently I’ve been getting a lot of help with practice thanks to Ryung, MMA, and INnoVation, but I haven’t been able to properly thank them because we kept on losing in all our Proleague matches. So I want to take this opportunity to thank them for that.
inven for some reason did not publish their interview with TheBest. So I personally contacted him and conducted this interview myself. Believe me when I say I really tried to make the interview interesting and unique from all these other ones. But TheBest refused to give me long and thoughtful answers. So I just took what I could get. Hope you guys enjoy!
Tell us how you feel about getting through the qualifiers.
It’s been such a long time that I am still not feeling it yet~.
A lot of people were surprised when they saw your name for the Code A qualifiers. Didn’t you announce your retirement?
That is correct. I contemplated retirement because of the army, but an opportunity arose so I decided to participate with the thought that this would be my last attempt.
So does that mean you will have to enlist into the army eventually for next year?
I probably will have to if I’m unable to establish any results, but for now, my game is going really well and I’m making results so I’m working hard so that I won’t have to go to the army.
You’d been showing a very poor form for the longest time. How come?
I do pretty well during practices, but I just couldn’t bring that kind of performance forth for tournaments.
However, you got through this season’s qualifiers with much ease. What was different this time?
I am really confident in my TvZ right now so I think I was able to get through easily because I only faced Zergs.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents?
During the semi-finals, my hands got so cold that I couldn’t micro properly, and a critical situation arose.
How did you practice even though fOu had disbanded?
We still have the team house for now so I was able to practice there.
A lot of people are concerned about the future of fOu players ever since the disbandment announcement came out. Could you explain a little bit about that?
Everyone is a really hard worker so I don’t think there’s any need to worry there~.
Are you looking for a Korean team or a foreign team?
As of right now, I’m still just looking around~.
Do you want to join a KeSPA team and participate in Proleague? Do you want to join an eSF team? Or do you want to join a foreign team and participate in overseas tournaments? Which one do you desire the most?
I have no idea right now.
What are your goals for this season?
My first and foremost goal is to make it to Code S.
I’m not sure if you realize this, but you have quite the fan base on TeamLiquid.net. Could you say a few words for those fans who are eagerly lying in anticipation for your performance?
I want to thank all my fans who have cheered me on even though I haven’t really showed anything. I will work hard so that I can put on a performance that will repay my fans the favor of cheering me on.
Please say a few words to your fOu teammates who have been with you all this time and the fOu organization.
I want to thank them for making unforgettable memories for me, and I hope that no matter what happens from here on out, they will always live healthy and happily.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers for the first time ever?
My goal for last season was to establish a good record for Proleague. So now I have this greed for individual results. I really wanted to get through so I am glad that I was successful.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents for the qualifiers?
My first match vs Hush was the most difficult. I’m not sure if it’s because I prefer to pursue a standard style or what, but it’s is cumbersome to deal with Hush’s abnormal style of play.
The Code A tournament format has changed. What do you think about it?
I will work hard to make it to Code S just as long as the group selections go well. I feel confident.
How did you practice?
My teammates are all outstanding players. Even the players who aren’t participating in Proleague are really good. Pigbaby especially helped me out a lot. I want to take this moment to thank him.
Is Maru joining the team producing a synergy effect?
Our styles are different but I’m working hard to learn Maru’s style of play.
Anything else you would like to say?
Proleague is Proleague for this season as well, but we will work hard so that our entire team can establish good results for individually as well. I hope people will lie in eager anticipation.
Tell us how you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
Recently, I’ve been preparing strategic builds for Proleague, so I was worried since it felt like I was lacking in the basics, but the end result was that I was able to get through so I am glad.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about it?
Even in the past, I never really thought much about the format of the tournament. I just told myself that it would be fine as long as I won. But still, I’m rather weak when it comes to facing multiple opponents on the same day so I am worried about it. But I’m still going to overcome it.
Recently you’ve been participating in the Proleague schedule a lot. What do you personally think about Proleague?
The amount of practice I normally do is not really that much, but that amount has gotten much larger because of Proleague preparations.
So what are your goals for this season?
I will think about that after I’ve returned to Code S.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
I’m not really all that glad since getting through the qualifiers is an obvious thing in my opinion, but I am glad that I was able to pierce through the qualifiers.
You’re not showing a great form for Proleague. What do you think about it?
Proleague is a tournament that I really haven’t experienced before so I do need to adapt to it. I don’t think I’ve adapted enough to it yet.
If you had to evaluate your current skills?
I think I do well during practices, but I don’t think I’ve been able perform as well for tournaments yet.
MVP seems to be doing poorly in Proleague.
We secured our first victory several days ago, but I think everything will start from here on out. I hope people will keep watching us from now on.
What are your personal goals from here on out?
All leagues are important, but I want to establish good results for team leagues over individual leagues.
How does it feel to play in the qualifiers for the first time in a while? You even made it through.
Not having played in the qualifiers for a while did throw me off. During that time, I rested a lot because of the lack of matches, but it's good that I don't have to anymore. If I'd fallen out this time, I'd have had to take another three-month break. To be honest, I really don't want to play around anymore.
What are your thoughts on StarTale's downsizing announcement today? You must not be feeling good about this.
Things are just as they were written in the article. It's a shame that the situation is like this, but this means that I'll just have to work harder.
You must be unsatisfied with your 2013 WCS performance.
Personally, I still feel a lot of regret about last year. I really felt confident during the last WoL season, but I made a semifinal finish and couldn't win the tournament. It didn't feel like a big blow at the time, but thinking about it now, I think it shook me greatly. HotS came out in the midst of all this, and I wasn't able to adapt well.
It seems that your lack of a match schedule would have hurt your game sense.
I was very aware of this, so this qualifier was very important to me. From my point of view, it feels like the number of tournaments has shrunk a lot. This situation doesn't look very good from the players' perspectives. However, I feel that I still have to work hard and rise up the tournaments that we have. If I fell out this time, too, wouldn't this seriously make me unemployed? (laugh) I was able to take a vacation, but as soon it ended, I practiced hard without resting a single day to prepare for today's qualifiers.
Proleague has been active recently. It seems that you could be having complicated feelings about this.
If there are a lot of matches, the motivation that it gives you is good for practicing. I do envy the players that are actively participating in Proleague because of that.
What are your goals for this season?
I did fall down to the qualifiers, but I came right back up. If I dropped out of Code A right away, I would have to rest for two months, if not three. My first goal is to stay alive at any cost to reach Code S. After that, I want to achieve my goals step by step. My second objective is to get a seed, and my third is to take the tournament victory that I was not able to achieve during WoL.
How does it feel to break up the qualifiers and make it into the tournament?
I fell out last season after being beaten by Leenock, so I'm happy that I was able to beat him during the finals.
You'd only been able to play in non-broadcasted matches during that time, but it's nothing but broadcasted matches from here on. Are you confident that you will do well?
I want to build up a lot of experience by playing in broadcasted matches. Outside of qualifiers, I can't perform at 100% during individual or team leagues.
What do you think is the reason for that?
I especially feel pressured during team leagues because I feel like I have to be a help to my team.
This is your first time making it through a qualifier in your career. How does it feel?
I always ended up dropping out during the RO4 or finals. I'm very happy that I was able to advance like this. Now that I'm up here, I want to climb up even higher.
When did you start playing Starcraft 2?
I started playing about 1 1/2 years ago. I was originally a BW pro gamer for SK Telecom, so my process of transitioning to SC2 was somewhat late. I wanted to become an SC2 pro, too, so I faced the challenge.
It must have been difficult to not have performed well for 1 1/2 years.
To tell the truth, I had a lot of thoughts about giving up gaming, but I had a feeling that I shouldn't quit. Now that I've advanced through the qualifiers, I feel like not giving up was a good idea.
Could you introduce yourself to the fans?
My race is Protoss, and I am 20 years old. I haven't been able to accomplish much yet on StarTale, but I will work to raise my name from up high.
You could feel very tense when playing on the broadcasted Code A stage.
I'm not very worried. I think I'll manage by doing things the same way as I am right now. I feel like my accumulated GSTL experience will be of help to me.
Do you have anything more that you would like to say?
I'm thankful to my parents, who have always believed in me and have cheered for me a lot.
What are your feelings on coming back to WCS Korea after three seasons?
I'd been planning to play in North America just like last year, but I decided to participate in WCS Korea again. I'm incredibly happy that I was able to break through the qualifiers on my first try.
You're playing in your home country again. How confident do you feel?
I made it up to the quarterfinals in North America, and I feel that this year's dual tournament format gives me an extra chance, so I'm confident.
At the qualifier finals, you beat CJ's Sora, who has been rising up lately. Didn't you feel pressured?
I did feel pressured because of his good performance recently, but I've always played often against strong opponents, so I had confidence.
Do you have any goals for this season?
My #1 goal is to reach the Code S quarterfinals in order to stay there for next season.
I thought I would advance since three seasons ago. It is much overdue. It is very nice.
Were you nervous in the final round?
In one game I was caught with a half-mental strategic build-order loss. But I stuck to my usual fundamentals and played an economic style, while remaining calm and playing like myself.
What do you think of the new tournament format, with the chance to change code twice in one season?
I will proceed in the same way anyway, and do not think it is too bad. The chance enter Code S quickly, I think is a good opportunity.
How do you practice usually?
Mainly focusing on the race I play against in Professional Leagues. The team lacks Terran players so it is difficult to practice that matchup. I am grateful to the Terran players in my team.
The ultimate goal of this season?
Many have said, it is too late. I am going to win.
Any last words?
I will work really hard and show good results. Both in Professional and Private Leagues.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers two season in a row?
I’m not really feeling anything special because I advanced through much easier than expected. But the match where I lost against Hack helped me out a lot so I’m satisfied. Hack’s strategies hit me real hard but that match helped me realize how important mentality control is so I’m thankful.
You were eliminated much quicker than expected last season. Why was this so?
I don’t think I was very much motivated last season so I was lacking in preparation. But for this season, there’s Proleague and I have been practicing a lot so it’s fine for people to have expectations.
How did you feel about the switch to the Dual Tournament format for this season?
I think the new format allows for the superior players to advance rather than just relying on luck.
How do you feel about making through the qualifiers?
I thought that I was obviously going to make it through once I saw my bracket. I was confident.
How did you practice?
I practiced mainly for Proleague. I wanted to get through by relying on the basics since it was the qualifiers.
Are there any players that seem troublesome to handle?
Not really. Because all my teammates are amazing, practices are intense, so I am feeling confident.
Any particularly difficult players during the qualifiers?
I was disappointed about the final match vs herO. He did an all-in against me for game one. It was such a lame defeat. I was able to make a recovery for game two but game three didn’t go well. The next time I meet him, I will get revenge.
Recently, you’ve been a hot topic because of your rising rookie performances. What are your goals?
I think I can make it to Code S as long as I practice hard. I will also grab the most wins award for Proleague through my hard practice.
Anything else you would like to say?
Teammate Armani disappointingly failed to make it through the qualifiers. But I have a feeling that he will see the light soon because he is such a great player. Lastly, I hope that all my teammates can advance through the qualifiers.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
It felt good to get through the qualifiers last season because I was on a losing streak then too. But the atmosphere for all the players is different from then and now. I’m still at the starting line so the qualifiers were difficult, but I was able to get through it even though I am on a losing streak again so I feel good. Actually, I feel so good that I can’t even compare the two feelings from getting through last season’s qualifiers.
You are on a thirteen game losing streak in Proleauge. It must be very difficult for you.
If I had to place blame, I would say that this thirteen game losing streak is because I kept on getting matched up with all the respective teams’ aces and rising stars. So I can kind of justify my thirteen game losing streak (laughs). But the biggest reason is just that I didn’t do well. And then after that it’s because my opponents were just too strong.
It’s been known to us that you perform excellently during practice, so is it just that you’ve developed a phobia for televised matches?
I didn’t have this before. But I think this started right around the time I lost to Terminator on Bel’Shir after my tenth straight loss. My mind became all blank because I ended up losing a game that I thought I had won. Even in my game against herO, I just couldn’t do anything even though I knew I was at a disadvantage. And thanks to several games like that, now I feel all this pressure because I keep telling myself not to make those kinds of mistakes during televised matches.
Since you have a phobia as a well-recognized player, does this mean you’ve decided to revert your mind back to that of a rookie’s?
I thought really long and hard about why I’m not a good SC2 player. Rather than try to find problems with myself, I decided to just be rational about it. But nowadays I’m discovering all sorts of problems.
You received a lot of criticism last season because of your statement about not studying opponents’ VODs.
Similar to BW, WoL was all about being aggressive and going all out. But HotS is different. You have to have the proper unit composition and you have to engage properly too. I realized that I was lacking in those areas and I also got scolded by my team. So nowadays, in addition to watching LIVE matches, I also try to find my opponents’ VODs. The problem lies with me so in the end, the important thing is to change myself.
So when do you think you’ll be able to snap your losing streak?
I am also curious about that. Honestly it’s really difficult to go on a thirteen game losing streak for even ladder. It’s really embarrassing that I have this kind of record for a tournament. I’m working hard so that I can snap this streak as fast as possible, and I’m also receiving a lot of intellect from around me. I haven’t been able to completely fix my faults but I’m accommodating other players’ style, and I’m also thinking a lot about what I have to do in order to perfect myself. I wonder if I’ll snap my losing streak soon since I am working so hard.
Your desire to do well in the GSL must be stronger than others’.
All tournaments are important, but our team always prioritizes Proleague as first. So I plan on viewing the GSL stage as a test stage that will allow me to adapt to the Proleague stage through my experiences.
Anything else you would like to say?
I normally don’t get fazed by internet bullying, but one time I searched for my name after my twelfth straight loss. I thought people would be sympathetic and not curse at me since I was on a twelve game losing streak but that was not the case at all. One time, I came across this comment saying that supervisor Kim Ga Eul and JangBi both left because of me. I really hope I can snap my losing streak soon so that I don’t have to read any more of these bullying comments. Lastly, since SPOTV GAMES is featuring Proleague with such a different atmosphere than ever before, I hope a lot of people will tune in.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
It’s been a really long time since I participated in a qualifier. Honestly, I was so nervous that I couldn’t even sleep properly last night. But I was still able to get past the qualifiers despite that so I am really glad.
How come you couldn’t sleep properly last night?
There are no more individual tournaments available for another three to four months if you decide to play in Korea. So I think that’s why I got that kind of anxious feeling.
Were there any particularly difficult players today?
I faced CJ’s Bunny in the semi-finals and that match was very difficult. I was already down 0-1 as I was facing a disadvantage in game two, but I managed to pull off a comeback. From then on, my play started going well.
How do you feel about the Dual Tournament format for Code A?
You have to prepare for multiple opponents for a Dual Tournament format so I think it’s going to be difficult. But there’s nothing I can do about it so I will do my best.
What are your goals for this season?
My goal is to make sure I don’t fall to the qualifiers.
Anything else you would like to say?
I was feeling a lot of stress as I was preparing for the qualifiers, but my teammates helped me out a lot so I think that’s why I was able to establish a good result. I also want to thank HyuN and Revival for coming today to cheer me on, and I hope that my teammates in the afternoon qualifiers will make it through.
Also, I want to congratulate those Zerg players who have been able to defeat Protoss players a lot lately. I think that’s really impressive.
How do you feel about getting through the Code A qualifiers after returning to the Korean region?
I thought it was going to be difficult, but after playing through it I saw that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. But I did get to see that the players who I thought were good, were indeed really good. I was able to really feel the whole returning to Korea thing.
Why did you decide to return to the Korea region?
If the level of players is going to be similar, then I figured that I might as well just play in Korea. I couldn’t really establish good results for WCS AM last year anyways so I thought that it wouldn’t be all that different between Korean and America.
You must have been bored all this time since there was nothing really planned for you.
I always think that I have to play a lot of games on a constant basis, but it’s really difficult to do that when there is nothing scheduled. But I think I was able to see the light of sucking it up and practicing real hard through my results today. I think I did well.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format.
I think this format is better than the previous one. Even though my tournament performances are not as good as they once were, I feel that as long as I can revive my televised matches workmanship, then it won’t matter who I face.
But it’s not like you didn’t establish any results at all for last year’s WCS AM.
I went to the semi-finals once, but I didn’t go to America just so I could make somewhat of a good result. It was good that I made it to a semi-finals but I wasn’t satisfied. I probably would have stayed in America if I had won the whole thing but I didn’t, so I think that’s why the already familiar Korean scene is better for me.
You must have high goals for this season.
My first and foremost goal is to grab Code S. And then once I grab Code S, then of course I will aim for the championsip. Right now my skills have gone up a lot and I’ve also realized a lot of things about the game so I am confident.
A lot of players in the GSL will be players currently participating in Proleauge.
For a player like me who is not participating in Proleague, there are upsides and downsides. I do think though that the players participating in Proleague will have good performances and a good feel for the game. But all that matters is if I just do well.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank my team for coolly believing in me when I said that I would be region switching back to Korea. I want to establish good results for this season so that I can repay that kind of kindness.
How do you feel about getting through the first 2014 GSL qualifiers?
When I fell to the qualifiers last season, I didn’t know if I was going to get the NesTea award or not. But I found out that this will be my tenth time if I can make it to Code S this season.
Was it difficult for you to practice since you’re currently teamless?
Rather than say that I couldn’t practice, I should say that I didn’t practice. But I was feeling really good today so I think that’s why I won.
The tournament has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about that?
Personally, I think the road to Code S has gotten more comfortable. I want to start off the new year with a good feeling by grabbing the year’s first Code S opportunity.
This season’s goals?
I want to work real hard in individual leagues so that I can find a good team. Lastly, to all my fOu teammates that have been with me all this time, I hope they will make it as well.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers?
If I had failed to make it through for this qualifier, then I would not have had many chances left even if I did make it through next season’s qualifiers and made it into Code S. I’m sure that it would have been difficult to maintain my mentality had I failed to go through. I’m relieved that I was able to get through but I wasn’t satisfied in my performance. But if I want to participate in the GSL then there are a lot more things that I have focus on. Right now I have an anxious mindset.
How come you weren’t satisfied in your performance?
I was only able to perform about 60% of what I was capable of from practices. I also made a lot of mistakes.
Also, you recently took on a loss for Proleague.
After my game against PartinG, I kept thinking “what did I do?” I was also really nervous, but I really just didn’t play like myself.
But despite all that, many fans still have expectations for the name, DongRaeGu.
Well first off, I have a really good feeling since I was able to get through the first qualifiers for this year. Honestly, I don’t believe in horoscopes but my parents told me to just hang in there since my horoscope for 2013 was not looking good. That kind of advice sort of helped me out. I think things are going to be better than they were last year.
Recently, you’ve been getting sent out for Proleague too. There must be some good points there.
I can maintain my feel for the game thanks to Proleague preparations so that’s good. In the past, I didn’t have a lot of matches to participate in so I even started getting lazy, but nowadays I am always practicing while feeling nervous. The team atmosphere is great too and the players’ determination is also good.
The tournament format for Code A has changed. What do you think about it?
I think this format is actually better. For a Zerg player, it is really burdensome to have to keep playing against one person. It’s because there’s a lot of things that could go wrong. Rather than getting hit with a desperate strategy and be on the brink of death, I think it is better to just take on multiple people on the same day.
What are your goals for this season?
I want to go through Code A and make it to the quarter-finals of Code S where a seed is on the line. Many players these days are really strong so I don’t think I’m at a position where I can talk about winning the championship (laughs).
Anything else you would like to say?
I am always grateful to my fans. I also want to let my parents know that they shouldn’t worry about me too much because I think things are going to go well for this year. I hope that every single one of my teammates who made it through the qualifiers today can go to Code S, and even though I’m not sure if my words will console them in any way, I still hope that everyone else who didn’t make it through will stay strong. Lastly, I want to thank our supervisor, Lim Hyun Seok.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
For 2013, I got through every single qualifier. But I kept on getting eliminated in the very first round. So I will show a different form for 2014.
Ever since your championship win, your skills have yet to come back to their original form.
Since I kept on getting through each qualifier, I thought to myself that “huh, I’ve still somewhat got it.” But now I know that that was the wrong thing to think. So since from some time ago I’ve been practicing really hard and I’ve also grabbed the top ranking on ladder. I will work hard so that I can show a great form from here on out.
This season’s goals?
If I’m a man then shouldn't it obviously be the championship?
Anything else you would like to say?
First off, because the fOu team disbanded, there have been some articles stating that the team lacked operating skills. But that was not true at all. I really hate receiving comments that say things like we have no skill or comments that look down on us. That’s why the players practiced really hard, and the result of that was that all four former fOu members that participated in the daytime qualifiers, made it through. Lastly, I really want to thank supervisor Choya.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
This was my first qualifiers so I am glad that I was able to get through without much difficulty.
Samsung disappointingly lost yesterday. Were there any interferences from that?
There were no interferences to the team atmosphere. In fact, I actually think that that loss was a good medicine for us.
The Samsung Zerg players have all been doing really well lately. Is there a secret behind there?
Everyone really excels at the basics and you could not imagine how much practicing we do. I can’t help but feel that good results will come from all this blood spilling practice.
This season’s goals?
First off, I want to grab Code S that’s right in front of me.
Anything else you would like to say?
Recently my condition has been good and I’m also doing really well during practice so I have found confidence in myself. So I’m hoping people will anticipate a great form from me.
I saw GSL as a tournament where I had to be in no matter what, and I had a feeling that I would be able to make it through easily as long as I had confidence.
Today’s qualifier was overall easy for you.
That is correct. If I had to pick a difficult opponent then I would have to say it was Solar. As soon as I saw my bracket, Solar’s name was the only one that caught my eye. It’s because he is doing well in Proleague right now and he’s really good at the game. But I also played like I do for practices so I was able to advance without much trouble.
Do you normally pull through your performances for practice for televised matches?
Rather than say that my practice performances don’t come out, I think it’s more that I just didn’t prepare well for Proleague games. I don’t feel pressure or get nervous, but since Proleague depends on a single victory, the amount of preparation you do has a lot of influence on who wins or loses. I’ve gone out three times so far, but I think I lost twice already because I was lacking in my preparation than my opponents’.
The Code A format has changed for this season. How do you feel about it?
I am totally in favor of it.
You probably regained a lot of your confidence thanks to today’s results.
I started doubting my skills because I lost a lot in Proleauge, but I think my skills are actually just fine thanks to today’s results. I think I’ll be able to establish good results for individual leagues too as long as I work just a little harder. And the same goes for Proleague.
Anything else you would like to say?
I think the supervisor is having a hard time right now because CJ has lost three Proleague matches in a row. But I don’t think our players are lacking in anything right now because of how well we did today. So I hope he’ll be able to let up his mind a little. Also, recently I’ve been getting a lot of help with practice thanks to Ryung, MMA, and INnoVation, but I haven’t been able to properly thank them because we kept on losing in all our Proleague matches. So I want to take this opportunity to thank them for that.
inven for some reason did not publish their interview with TheBest. So I personally contacted him and conducted this interview myself. Believe me when I say I really tried to make the interview interesting and unique from all these other ones. But TheBest refused to give me long and thoughtful answers. So I just took what I could get. Hope you guys enjoy!
Tell us how you feel about getting through the qualifiers.
It’s been such a long time that I am still not feeling it yet~.
A lot of people were surprised when they saw your name for the Code A qualifiers. Didn’t you announce your retirement?
That is correct. I contemplated retirement because of the army, but an opportunity arose so I decided to participate with the thought that this would be my last attempt.
So does that mean you will have to enlist into the army eventually for next year?
I probably will have to if I’m unable to establish any results, but for now, my game is going really well and I’m making results so I’m working hard so that I won’t have to go to the army.
You’d been showing a very poor form for the longest time. How come?
I do pretty well during practices, but I just couldn’t bring that kind of performance forth for tournaments.
However, you got through this season’s qualifiers with much ease. What was different this time?
I am really confident in my TvZ right now so I think I was able to get through easily because I only faced Zergs.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents?
During the semi-finals, my hands got so cold that I couldn’t micro properly, and a critical situation arose.
How did you practice even though fOu had disbanded?
We still have the team house for now so I was able to practice there.
A lot of people are concerned about the future of fOu players ever since the disbandment announcement came out. Could you explain a little bit about that?
Everyone is a really hard worker so I don’t think there’s any need to worry there~.
Are you looking for a Korean team or a foreign team?
As of right now, I’m still just looking around~.
Do you want to join a KeSPA team and participate in Proleague? Do you want to join an eSF team? Or do you want to join a foreign team and participate in overseas tournaments? Which one do you desire the most?
I have no idea right now.
What are your goals for this season?
My first and foremost goal is to make it to Code S.
I’m not sure if you realize this, but you have quite the fan base on TeamLiquid.net. Could you say a few words for those fans who are eagerly lying in anticipation for your performance?
I want to thank all my fans who have cheered me on even though I haven’t really showed anything. I will work hard so that I can put on a performance that will repay my fans the favor of cheering me on.
Please say a few words to your fOu teammates who have been with you all this time and the fOu organization.
I want to thank them for making unforgettable memories for me, and I hope that no matter what happens from here on out, they will always live healthy and happily.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers for the first time ever?
My goal for last season was to establish a good record for Proleague. So now I have this greed for individual results. I really wanted to get through so I am glad that I was successful.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents for the qualifiers?
My first match vs Hush was the most difficult. I’m not sure if it’s because I prefer to pursue a standard style or what, but it’s is cumbersome to deal with Hush’s abnormal style of play.
The Code A tournament format has changed. What do you think about it?
I will work hard to make it to Code S just as long as the group selections go well. I feel confident.
How did you practice?
My teammates are all outstanding players. Even the players who aren’t participating in Proleague are really good. Pigbaby especially helped me out a lot. I want to take this moment to thank him.
Is Maru joining the team producing a synergy effect?
Our styles are different but I’m working hard to learn Maru’s style of play.
Anything else you would like to say?
Proleague is Proleague for this season as well, but we will work hard so that our entire team can establish good results for individually as well. I hope people will lie in eager anticipation.
Tell us how you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
Recently, I’ve been preparing strategic builds for Proleague, so I was worried since it felt like I was lacking in the basics, but the end result was that I was able to get through so I am glad.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about it?
Even in the past, I never really thought much about the format of the tournament. I just told myself that it would be fine as long as I won. But still, I’m rather weak when it comes to facing multiple opponents on the same day so I am worried about it. But I’m still going to overcome it.
Recently you’ve been participating in the Proleague schedule a lot. What do you personally think about Proleague?
The amount of practice I normally do is not really that much, but that amount has gotten much larger because of Proleague preparations.
So what are your goals for this season?
I will think about that after I’ve returned to Code S.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
I’m not really all that glad since getting through the qualifiers is an obvious thing in my opinion, but I am glad that I was able to pierce through the qualifiers.
You’re not showing a great form for Proleague. What do you think about it?
Proleague is a tournament that I really haven’t experienced before so I do need to adapt to it. I don’t think I’ve adapted enough to it yet.
If you had to evaluate your current skills?
I think I do well during practices, but I don’t think I’ve been able perform as well for tournaments yet.
MVP seems to be doing poorly in Proleague.
We secured our first victory several days ago, but I think everything will start from here on out. I hope people will keep watching us from now on.
What are your personal goals from here on out?
All leagues are important, but I want to establish good results for team leagues over individual leagues.
How does it feel to play in the qualifiers for the first time in a while? You even made it through.
Not having played in the qualifiers for a while did throw me off. During that time, I rested a lot because of the lack of matches, but it's good that I don't have to anymore. If I'd fallen out this time, I'd have had to take another three-month break. To be honest, I really don't want to play around anymore.
What are your thoughts on StarTale's downsizing announcement today? You must not be feeling good about this.
Things are just as they were written in the article. It's a shame that the situation is like this, but this means that I'll just have to work harder.
You must be unsatisfied with your 2013 WCS performance.
Personally, I still feel a lot of regret about last year. I really felt confident during the last WoL season, but I made a semifinal finish and couldn't win the tournament. It didn't feel like a big blow at the time, but thinking about it now, I think it shook me greatly. HotS came out in the midst of all this, and I wasn't able to adapt well.
It seems that your lack of a match schedule would have hurt your game sense.
I was very aware of this, so this qualifier was very important to me. From my point of view, it feels like the number of tournaments has shrunk a lot. This situation doesn't look very good from the players' perspectives. However, I feel that I still have to work hard and rise up the tournaments that we have. If I fell out this time, too, wouldn't this seriously make me unemployed? (laugh) I was able to take a vacation, but as soon it ended, I practiced hard without resting a single day to prepare for today's qualifiers.
Proleague has been active recently. It seems that you could be having complicated feelings about this.
If there are a lot of matches, the motivation that it gives you is good for practicing. I do envy the players that are actively participating in Proleague because of that.
What are your goals for this season?
I did fall down to the qualifiers, but I came right back up. If I dropped out of Code A right away, I would have to rest for two months, if not three. My first goal is to stay alive at any cost to reach Code S. After that, I want to achieve my goals step by step. My second objective is to get a seed, and my third is to take the tournament victory that I was not able to achieve during WoL.
How does it feel to break up the qualifiers and make it into the tournament?
I fell out last season after being beaten by Leenock, so I'm happy that I was able to beat him during the finals.
You'd only been able to play in non-broadcasted matches during that time, but it's nothing but broadcasted matches from here on. Are you confident that you will do well?
I want to build up a lot of experience by playing in broadcasted matches. Outside of qualifiers, I can't perform at 100% during individual or team leagues.
What do you think is the reason for that?
I especially feel pressured during team leagues because I feel like I have to be a help to my team.
This is your first time making it through a qualifier in your career. How does it feel?
I always ended up dropping out during the RO4 or finals. I'm very happy that I was able to advance like this. Now that I'm up here, I want to climb up even higher.
When did you start playing Starcraft 2?
I started playing about 1 1/2 years ago. I was originally a BW pro gamer for SK Telecom, so my process of transitioning to SC2 was somewhat late. I wanted to become an SC2 pro, too, so I faced the challenge.
It must have been difficult to not have performed well for 1 1/2 years.
To tell the truth, I had a lot of thoughts about giving up gaming, but I had a feeling that I shouldn't quit. Now that I've advanced through the qualifiers, I feel like not giving up was a good idea.
Could you introduce yourself to the fans?
My race is Protoss, and I am 20 years old. I haven't been able to accomplish much yet on StarTale, but I will work to raise my name from up high.
You could feel very tense when playing on the broadcasted Code A stage.
I'm not very worried. I think I'll manage by doing things the same way as I am right now. I feel like my accumulated GSTL experience will be of help to me.
Do you have anything more that you would like to say?
I'm thankful to my parents, who have always believed in me and have cheered for me a lot.
What are your feelings on coming back to WCS Korea after three seasons?
I'd been planning to play in North America just like last year, but I decided to participate in WCS Korea again. I'm incredibly happy that I was able to break through the qualifiers on my first try.
You're playing in your home country again. How confident do you feel?
I made it up to the quarterfinals in North America, and I feel that this year's dual tournament format gives me an extra chance, so I'm confident.
At the qualifier finals, you beat CJ's Sora, who has been rising up lately. Didn't you feel pressured?
I did feel pressured because of his good performance recently, but I've always played often against strong opponents, so I had confidence.
Do you have any goals for this season?
My #1 goal is to reach the Code S quarterfinals in order to stay there for next season.
I thought I would advance since three seasons ago. It is much overdue. It is very nice.
Were you nervous in the final round?
In one game I was caught with a half-mental strategic build-order loss. But I stuck to my usual fundamentals and played an economic style, while remaining calm and playing like myself.
What do you think of the new tournament format, with the chance to change code twice in one season?
I will proceed in the same way anyway, and do not think it is too bad. The chance enter Code S quickly, I think is a good opportunity.
How do you practice usually?
Mainly focusing on the race I play against in Professional Leagues. The team lacks Terran players so it is difficult to practice that matchup. I am grateful to the Terran players in my team.
The ultimate goal of this season?
Many have said, it is too late. I am going to win.
Any last words?
I will work really hard and show good results. Both in Professional and Private Leagues.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers two season in a row?
I’m not really feeling anything special because I advanced through much easier than expected. But the match where I lost against Hack helped me out a lot so I’m satisfied. Hack’s strategies hit me real hard but that match helped me realize how important mentality control is so I’m thankful.
You were eliminated much quicker than expected last season. Why was this so?
I don’t think I was very much motivated last season so I was lacking in preparation. But for this season, there’s Proleague and I have been practicing a lot so it’s fine for people to have expectations.
How did you feel about the switch to the Dual Tournament format for this season?
I think the new format allows for the superior players to advance rather than just relying on luck.
How do you feel about making through the qualifiers?
I thought that I was obviously going to make it through once I saw my bracket. I was confident.
How did you practice?
I practiced mainly for Proleague. I wanted to get through by relying on the basics since it was the qualifiers.
Are there any players that seem troublesome to handle?
Not really. Because all my teammates are amazing, practices are intense, so I am feeling confident.
Any particularly difficult players during the qualifiers?
I was disappointed about the final match vs herO. He did an all-in against me for game one. It was such a lame defeat. I was able to make a recovery for game two but game three didn’t go well. The next time I meet him, I will get revenge.
Recently, you’ve been a hot topic because of your rising rookie performances. What are your goals?
I think I can make it to Code S as long as I practice hard. I will also grab the most wins award for Proleague through my hard practice.
Anything else you would like to say?
Teammate Armani disappointingly failed to make it through the qualifiers. But I have a feeling that he will see the light soon because he is such a great player. Lastly, I hope that all my teammates can advance through the qualifiers.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
It felt good to get through the qualifiers last season because I was on a losing streak then too. But the atmosphere for all the players is different from then and now. I’m still at the starting line so the qualifiers were difficult, but I was able to get through it even though I am on a losing streak again so I feel good. Actually, I feel so good that I can’t even compare the two feelings from getting through last season’s qualifiers.
You are on a thirteen game losing streak in Proleauge. It must be very difficult for you.
If I had to place blame, I would say that this thirteen game losing streak is because I kept on getting matched up with all the respective teams’ aces and rising stars. So I can kind of justify my thirteen game losing streak (laughs). But the biggest reason is just that I didn’t do well. And then after that it’s because my opponents were just too strong.
It’s been known to us that you perform excellently during practice, so is it just that you’ve developed a phobia for televised matches?
I didn’t have this before. But I think this started right around the time I lost to Terminator on Bel’Shir after my tenth straight loss. My mind became all blank because I ended up losing a game that I thought I had won. Even in my game against herO, I just couldn’t do anything even though I knew I was at a disadvantage. And thanks to several games like that, now I feel all this pressure because I keep telling myself not to make those kinds of mistakes during televised matches.
Since you have a phobia as a well-recognized player, does this mean you’ve decided to revert your mind back to that of a rookie’s?
I thought really long and hard about why I’m not a good SC2 player. Rather than try to find problems with myself, I decided to just be rational about it. But nowadays I’m discovering all sorts of problems.
You received a lot of criticism last season because of your statement about not studying opponents’ VODs.
Similar to BW, WoL was all about being aggressive and going all out. But HotS is different. You have to have the proper unit composition and you have to engage properly too. I realized that I was lacking in those areas and I also got scolded by my team. So nowadays, in addition to watching LIVE matches, I also try to find my opponents’ VODs. The problem lies with me so in the end, the important thing is to change myself.
So when do you think you’ll be able to snap your losing streak?
I am also curious about that. Honestly it’s really difficult to go on a thirteen game losing streak for even ladder. It’s really embarrassing that I have this kind of record for a tournament. I’m working hard so that I can snap this streak as fast as possible, and I’m also receiving a lot of intellect from around me. I haven’t been able to completely fix my faults but I’m accommodating other players’ style, and I’m also thinking a lot about what I have to do in order to perfect myself. I wonder if I’ll snap my losing streak soon since I am working so hard.
Your desire to do well in the GSL must be stronger than others’.
All tournaments are important, but our team always prioritizes Proleague as first. So I plan on viewing the GSL stage as a test stage that will allow me to adapt to the Proleague stage through my experiences.
Anything else you would like to say?
I normally don’t get fazed by internet bullying, but one time I searched for my name after my twelfth straight loss. I thought people would be sympathetic and not curse at me since I was on a twelve game losing streak but that was not the case at all. One time, I came across this comment saying that supervisor Kim Ga Eul and JangBi both left because of me. I really hope I can snap my losing streak soon so that I don’t have to read any more of these bullying comments. Lastly, since SPOTV GAMES is featuring Proleague with such a different atmosphere than ever before, I hope a lot of people will tune in.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
It’s been a really long time since I participated in a qualifier. Honestly, I was so nervous that I couldn’t even sleep properly last night. But I was still able to get past the qualifiers despite that so I am really glad.
How come you couldn’t sleep properly last night?
There are no more individual tournaments available for another three to four months if you decide to play in Korea. So I think that’s why I got that kind of anxious feeling.
Were there any particularly difficult players today?
I faced CJ’s Bunny in the semi-finals and that match was very difficult. I was already down 0-1 as I was facing a disadvantage in game two, but I managed to pull off a comeback. From then on, my play started going well.
How do you feel about the Dual Tournament format for Code A?
You have to prepare for multiple opponents for a Dual Tournament format so I think it’s going to be difficult. But there’s nothing I can do about it so I will do my best.
What are your goals for this season?
My goal is to make sure I don’t fall to the qualifiers.
Anything else you would like to say?
I was feeling a lot of stress as I was preparing for the qualifiers, but my teammates helped me out a lot so I think that’s why I was able to establish a good result. I also want to thank HyuN and Revival for coming today to cheer me on, and I hope that my teammates in the afternoon qualifiers will make it through.
Also, I want to congratulate those Zerg players who have been able to defeat Protoss players a lot lately. I think that’s really impressive.
How do you feel about getting through the Code A qualifiers after returning to the Korean region?
I thought it was going to be difficult, but after playing through it I saw that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. But I did get to see that the players who I thought were good, were indeed really good. I was able to really feel the whole returning to Korea thing.
Why did you decide to return to the Korea region?
If the level of players is going to be similar, then I figured that I might as well just play in Korea. I couldn’t really establish good results for WCS AM last year anyways so I thought that it wouldn’t be all that different between Korean and America.
You must have been bored all this time since there was nothing really planned for you.
I always think that I have to play a lot of games on a constant basis, but it’s really difficult to do that when there is nothing scheduled. But I think I was able to see the light of sucking it up and practicing real hard through my results today. I think I did well.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format.
I think this format is better than the previous one. Even though my tournament performances are not as good as they once were, I feel that as long as I can revive my televised matches workmanship, then it won’t matter who I face.
But it’s not like you didn’t establish any results at all for last year’s WCS AM.
I went to the semi-finals once, but I didn’t go to America just so I could make somewhat of a good result. It was good that I made it to a semi-finals but I wasn’t satisfied. I probably would have stayed in America if I had won the whole thing but I didn’t, so I think that’s why the already familiar Korean scene is better for me.
You must have high goals for this season.
My first and foremost goal is to grab Code S. And then once I grab Code S, then of course I will aim for the championsip. Right now my skills have gone up a lot and I’ve also realized a lot of things about the game so I am confident.
A lot of players in the GSL will be players currently participating in Proleauge.
For a player like me who is not participating in Proleague, there are upsides and downsides. I do think though that the players participating in Proleague will have good performances and a good feel for the game. But all that matters is if I just do well.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank my team for coolly believing in me when I said that I would be region switching back to Korea. I want to establish good results for this season so that I can repay that kind of kindness.
How do you feel about getting through the first 2014 GSL qualifiers?
When I fell to the qualifiers last season, I didn’t know if I was going to get the NesTea award or not. But I found out that this will be my tenth time if I can make it to Code S this season.
Was it difficult for you to practice since you’re currently teamless?
Rather than say that I couldn’t practice, I should say that I didn’t practice. But I was feeling really good today so I think that’s why I won.
The tournament has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about that?
Personally, I think the road to Code S has gotten more comfortable. I want to start off the new year with a good feeling by grabbing the year’s first Code S opportunity.
This season’s goals?
I want to work real hard in individual leagues so that I can find a good team. Lastly, to all my fOu teammates that have been with me all this time, I hope they will make it as well.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers?
If I had failed to make it through for this qualifier, then I would not have had many chances left even if I did make it through next season’s qualifiers and made it into Code S. I’m sure that it would have been difficult to maintain my mentality had I failed to go through. I’m relieved that I was able to get through but I wasn’t satisfied in my performance. But if I want to participate in the GSL then there are a lot more things that I have focus on. Right now I have an anxious mindset.
How come you weren’t satisfied in your performance?
I was only able to perform about 60% of what I was capable of from practices. I also made a lot of mistakes.
Also, you recently took on a loss for Proleague.
After my game against PartinG, I kept thinking “what did I do?” I was also really nervous, but I really just didn’t play like myself.
But despite all that, many fans still have expectations for the name, DongRaeGu.
Well first off, I have a really good feeling since I was able to get through the first qualifiers for this year. Honestly, I don’t believe in horoscopes but my parents told me to just hang in there since my horoscope for 2013 was not looking good. That kind of advice sort of helped me out. I think things are going to be better than they were last year.
Recently, you’ve been getting sent out for Proleague too. There must be some good points there.
I can maintain my feel for the game thanks to Proleague preparations so that’s good. In the past, I didn’t have a lot of matches to participate in so I even started getting lazy, but nowadays I am always practicing while feeling nervous. The team atmosphere is great too and the players’ determination is also good.
The tournament format for Code A has changed. What do you think about it?
I think this format is actually better. For a Zerg player, it is really burdensome to have to keep playing against one person. It’s because there’s a lot of things that could go wrong. Rather than getting hit with a desperate strategy and be on the brink of death, I think it is better to just take on multiple people on the same day.
What are your goals for this season?
I want to go through Code A and make it to the quarter-finals of Code S where a seed is on the line. Many players these days are really strong so I don’t think I’m at a position where I can talk about winning the championship (laughs).
Anything else you would like to say?
I am always grateful to my fans. I also want to let my parents know that they shouldn’t worry about me too much because I think things are going to go well for this year. I hope that every single one of my teammates who made it through the qualifiers today can go to Code S, and even though I’m not sure if my words will console them in any way, I still hope that everyone else who didn’t make it through will stay strong. Lastly, I want to thank our supervisor, Lim Hyun Seok.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
For 2013, I got through every single qualifier. But I kept on getting eliminated in the very first round. So I will show a different form for 2014.
Ever since your championship win, your skills have yet to come back to their original form.
Since I kept on getting through each qualifier, I thought to myself that “huh, I’ve still somewhat got it.” But now I know that that was the wrong thing to think. So since from some time ago I’ve been practicing really hard and I’ve also grabbed the top ranking on ladder. I will work hard so that I can show a great form from here on out.
This season’s goals?
If I’m a man then shouldn't it obviously be the championship?
Anything else you would like to say?
First off, because the fOu team disbanded, there have been some articles stating that the team lacked operating skills. But that was not true at all. I really hate receiving comments that say things like we have no skill or comments that look down on us. That’s why the players practiced really hard, and the result of that was that all four former fOu members that participated in the daytime qualifiers, made it through. Lastly, I really want to thank supervisor Choya.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
This was my first qualifiers so I am glad that I was able to get through without much difficulty.
Samsung disappointingly lost yesterday. Were there any interferences from that?
There were no interferences to the team atmosphere. In fact, I actually think that that loss was a good medicine for us.
The Samsung Zerg players have all been doing really well lately. Is there a secret behind there?
Everyone really excels at the basics and you could not imagine how much practicing we do. I can’t help but feel that good results will come from all this blood spilling practice.
This season’s goals?
First off, I want to grab Code S that’s right in front of me.
Anything else you would like to say?
Recently my condition has been good and I’m also doing really well during practice so I have found confidence in myself. So I’m hoping people will anticipate a great form from me.
I saw GSL as a tournament where I had to be in no matter what, and I had a feeling that I would be able to make it through easily as long as I had confidence.
Today’s qualifier was overall easy for you.
That is correct. If I had to pick a difficult opponent then I would have to say it was Solar. As soon as I saw my bracket, Solar’s name was the only one that caught my eye. It’s because he is doing well in Proleague right now and he’s really good at the game. But I also played like I do for practices so I was able to advance without much trouble.
Do you normally pull through your performances for practice for televised matches?
Rather than say that my practice performances don’t come out, I think it’s more that I just didn’t prepare well for Proleague games. I don’t feel pressure or get nervous, but since Proleague depends on a single victory, the amount of preparation you do has a lot of influence on who wins or loses. I’ve gone out three times so far, but I think I lost twice already because I was lacking in my preparation than my opponents’.
The Code A format has changed for this season. How do you feel about it?
I am totally in favor of it.
You probably regained a lot of your confidence thanks to today’s results.
I started doubting my skills because I lost a lot in Proleauge, but I think my skills are actually just fine thanks to today’s results. I think I’ll be able to establish good results for individual leagues too as long as I work just a little harder. And the same goes for Proleague.
Anything else you would like to say?
I think the supervisor is having a hard time right now because CJ has lost three Proleague matches in a row. But I don’t think our players are lacking in anything right now because of how well we did today. So I hope he’ll be able to let up his mind a little. Also, recently I’ve been getting a lot of help with practice thanks to Ryung, MMA, and INnoVation, but I haven’t been able to properly thank them because we kept on losing in all our Proleague matches. So I want to take this opportunity to thank them for that.
inven for some reason did not publish their interview with TheBest. So I personally contacted him and conducted this interview myself. Believe me when I say I really tried to make the interview interesting and unique from all these other ones. But TheBest refused to give me long and thoughtful answers. So I just took what I could get. Hope you guys enjoy!
Tell us how you feel about getting through the qualifiers.
It’s been such a long time that I am still not feeling it yet~.
A lot of people were surprised when they saw your name for the Code A qualifiers. Didn’t you announce your retirement?
That is correct. I contemplated retirement because of the army, but an opportunity arose so I decided to participate with the thought that this would be my last attempt.
So does that mean you will have to enlist into the army eventually for next year?
I probably will have to if I’m unable to establish any results, but for now, my game is going really well and I’m making results so I’m working hard so that I won’t have to go to the army.
You’d been showing a very poor form for the longest time. How come?
I do pretty well during practices, but I just couldn’t bring that kind of performance forth for tournaments.
However, you got through this season’s qualifiers with much ease. What was different this time?
I am really confident in my TvZ right now so I think I was able to get through easily because I only faced Zergs.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents?
During the semi-finals, my hands got so cold that I couldn’t micro properly, and a critical situation arose.
How did you practice even though fOu had disbanded?
We still have the team house for now so I was able to practice there.
A lot of people are concerned about the future of fOu players ever since the disbandment announcement came out. Could you explain a little bit about that?
Everyone is a really hard worker so I don’t think there’s any need to worry there~.
Are you looking for a Korean team or a foreign team?
As of right now, I’m still just looking around~.
Do you want to join a KeSPA team and participate in Proleague? Do you want to join an eSF team? Or do you want to join a foreign team and participate in overseas tournaments? Which one do you desire the most?
I have no idea right now.
What are your goals for this season?
My first and foremost goal is to make it to Code S.
I’m not sure if you realize this, but you have quite the fan base on TeamLiquid.net. Could you say a few words for those fans who are eagerly lying in anticipation for your performance?
I want to thank all my fans who have cheered me on even though I haven’t really showed anything. I will work hard so that I can put on a performance that will repay my fans the favor of cheering me on.
Please say a few words to your fOu teammates who have been with you all this time and the fOu organization.
I want to thank them for making unforgettable memories for me, and I hope that no matter what happens from here on out, they will always live healthy and happily.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers for the first time ever?
My goal for last season was to establish a good record for Proleague. So now I have this greed for individual results. I really wanted to get through so I am glad that I was successful.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents for the qualifiers?
My first match vs Hush was the most difficult. I’m not sure if it’s because I prefer to pursue a standard style or what, but it’s is cumbersome to deal with Hush’s abnormal style of play.
The Code A tournament format has changed. What do you think about it?
I will work hard to make it to Code S just as long as the group selections go well. I feel confident.
How did you practice?
My teammates are all outstanding players. Even the players who aren’t participating in Proleague are really good. Pigbaby especially helped me out a lot. I want to take this moment to thank him.
Is Maru joining the team producing a synergy effect?
Our styles are different but I’m working hard to learn Maru’s style of play.
Anything else you would like to say?
Proleague is Proleague for this season as well, but we will work hard so that our entire team can establish good results for individually as well. I hope people will lie in eager anticipation.
Tell us how you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
Recently, I’ve been preparing strategic builds for Proleague, so I was worried since it felt like I was lacking in the basics, but the end result was that I was able to get through so I am glad.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about it?
Even in the past, I never really thought much about the format of the tournament. I just told myself that it would be fine as long as I won. But still, I’m rather weak when it comes to facing multiple opponents on the same day so I am worried about it. But I’m still going to overcome it.
Recently you’ve been participating in the Proleague schedule a lot. What do you personally think about Proleague?
The amount of practice I normally do is not really that much, but that amount has gotten much larger because of Proleague preparations.
So what are your goals for this season?
I will think about that after I’ve returned to Code S.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
I’m not really all that glad since getting through the qualifiers is an obvious thing in my opinion, but I am glad that I was able to pierce through the qualifiers.
You’re not showing a great form for Proleague. What do you think about it?
Proleague is a tournament that I really haven’t experienced before so I do need to adapt to it. I don’t think I’ve adapted enough to it yet.
If you had to evaluate your current skills?
I think I do well during practices, but I don’t think I’ve been able perform as well for tournaments yet.
MVP seems to be doing poorly in Proleague.
We secured our first victory several days ago, but I think everything will start from here on out. I hope people will keep watching us from now on.
What are your personal goals from here on out?
All leagues are important, but I want to establish good results for team leagues over individual leagues.
How does it feel to play in the qualifiers for the first time in a while? You even made it through.
Not having played in the qualifiers for a while did throw me off. During that time, I rested a lot because of the lack of matches, but it's good that I don't have to anymore. If I'd fallen out this time, I'd have had to take another three-month break. To be honest, I really don't want to play around anymore.
What are your thoughts on StarTale's downsizing announcement today? You must not be feeling good about this.
Things are just as they were written in the article. It's a shame that the situation is like this, but this means that I'll just have to work harder.
You must be unsatisfied with your 2013 WCS performance.
Personally, I still feel a lot of regret about last year. I really felt confident during the last WoL season, but I made a semifinal finish and couldn't win the tournament. It didn't feel like a big blow at the time, but thinking about it now, I think it shook me greatly. HotS came out in the midst of all this, and I wasn't able to adapt well.
It seems that your lack of a match schedule would have hurt your game sense.
I was very aware of this, so this qualifier was very important to me. From my point of view, it feels like the number of tournaments has shrunk a lot. This situation doesn't look very good from the players' perspectives. However, I feel that I still have to work hard and rise up the tournaments that we have. If I fell out this time, too, wouldn't this seriously make me unemployed? (laugh) I was able to take a vacation, but as soon it ended, I practiced hard without resting a single day to prepare for today's qualifiers.
Proleague has been active recently. It seems that you could be having complicated feelings about this.
If there are a lot of matches, the motivation that it gives you is good for practicing. I do envy the players that are actively participating in Proleague because of that.
What are your goals for this season?
I did fall down to the qualifiers, but I came right back up. If I dropped out of Code A right away, I would have to rest for two months, if not three. My first goal is to stay alive at any cost to reach Code S. After that, I want to achieve my goals step by step. My second objective is to get a seed, and my third is to take the tournament victory that I was not able to achieve during WoL.
How does it feel to break up the qualifiers and make it into the tournament?
I fell out last season after being beaten by Leenock, so I'm happy that I was able to beat him during the finals.
You'd only been able to play in non-broadcasted matches during that time, but it's nothing but broadcasted matches from here on. Are you confident that you will do well?
I want to build up a lot of experience by playing in broadcasted matches. Outside of qualifiers, I can't perform at 100% during individual or team leagues.
What do you think is the reason for that?
I especially feel pressured during team leagues because I feel like I have to be a help to my team.
This is your first time making it through a qualifier in your career. How does it feel?
I always ended up dropping out during the RO4 or finals. I'm very happy that I was able to advance like this. Now that I'm up here, I want to climb up even higher.
When did you start playing Starcraft 2?
I started playing about 1 1/2 years ago. I was originally a BW pro gamer for SK Telecom, so my process of transitioning to SC2 was somewhat late. I wanted to become an SC2 pro, too, so I faced the challenge.
It must have been difficult to not have performed well for 1 1/2 years.
To tell the truth, I had a lot of thoughts about giving up gaming, but I had a feeling that I shouldn't quit. Now that I've advanced through the qualifiers, I feel like not giving up was a good idea.
Could you introduce yourself to the fans?
My race is Protoss, and I am 20 years old. I haven't been able to accomplish much yet on StarTale, but I will work to raise my name from up high.
You could feel very tense when playing on the broadcasted Code A stage.
I'm not very worried. I think I'll manage by doing things the same way as I am right now. I feel like my accumulated GSTL experience will be of help to me.
Do you have anything more that you would like to say?
I'm thankful to my parents, who have always believed in me and have cheered for me a lot.
What are your feelings on coming back to WCS Korea after three seasons?
I'd been planning to play in North America just like last year, but I decided to participate in WCS Korea again. I'm incredibly happy that I was able to break through the qualifiers on my first try.
You're playing in your home country again. How confident do you feel?
I made it up to the quarterfinals in North America, and I feel that this year's dual tournament format gives me an extra chance, so I'm confident.
At the qualifier finals, you beat CJ's Sora, who has been rising up lately. Didn't you feel pressured?
I did feel pressured because of his good performance recently, but I've always played often against strong opponents, so I had confidence.
Do you have any goals for this season?
My #1 goal is to reach the Code S quarterfinals in order to stay there for next season.
I thought I would advance since three seasons ago. It is much overdue. It is very nice.
Were you nervous in the final round?
In one game I was caught with a half-mental strategic build-order loss. But I stuck to my usual fundamentals and played an economic style, while remaining calm and playing like myself.
What do you think of the new tournament format, with the chance to change code twice in one season?
I will proceed in the same way anyway, and do not think it is too bad. The chance enter Code S quickly, I think is a good opportunity.
How do you practice usually?
Mainly focusing on the race I play against in Professional Leagues. The team lacks Terran players so it is difficult to practice that matchup. I am grateful to the Terran players in my team.
The ultimate goal of this season?
Many have said, it is too late. I am going to win.
Any last words?
I will work really hard and show good results. Both in Professional and Private Leagues.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers two season in a row?
I’m not really feeling anything special because I advanced through much easier than expected. But the match where I lost against Hack helped me out a lot so I’m satisfied. Hack’s strategies hit me real hard but that match helped me realize how important mentality control is so I’m thankful.
You were eliminated much quicker than expected last season. Why was this so?
I don’t think I was very much motivated last season so I was lacking in preparation. But for this season, there’s Proleague and I have been practicing a lot so it’s fine for people to have expectations.
How did you feel about the switch to the Dual Tournament format for this season?
I think the new format allows for the superior players to advance rather than just relying on luck.
How do you feel about making through the qualifiers?
I thought that I was obviously going to make it through once I saw my bracket. I was confident.
How did you practice?
I practiced mainly for Proleague. I wanted to get through by relying on the basics since it was the qualifiers.
Are there any players that seem troublesome to handle?
Not really. Because all my teammates are amazing, practices are intense, so I am feeling confident.
Any particularly difficult players during the qualifiers?
I was disappointed about the final match vs herO. He did an all-in against me for game one. It was such a lame defeat. I was able to make a recovery for game two but game three didn’t go well. The next time I meet him, I will get revenge.
Recently, you’ve been a hot topic because of your rising rookie performances. What are your goals?
I think I can make it to Code S as long as I practice hard. I will also grab the most wins award for Proleague through my hard practice.
Anything else you would like to say?
Teammate Armani disappointingly failed to make it through the qualifiers. But I have a feeling that he will see the light soon because he is such a great player. Lastly, I hope that all my teammates can advance through the qualifiers.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
It felt good to get through the qualifiers last season because I was on a losing streak then too. But the atmosphere for all the players is different from then and now. I’m still at the starting line so the qualifiers were difficult, but I was able to get through it even though I am on a losing streak again so I feel good. Actually, I feel so good that I can’t even compare the two feelings from getting through last season’s qualifiers.
You are on a thirteen game losing streak in Proleauge. It must be very difficult for you.
If I had to place blame, I would say that this thirteen game losing streak is because I kept on getting matched up with all the respective teams’ aces and rising stars. So I can kind of justify my thirteen game losing streak (laughs). But the biggest reason is just that I didn’t do well. And then after that it’s because my opponents were just too strong.
It’s been known to us that you perform excellently during practice, so is it just that you’ve developed a phobia for televised matches?
I didn’t have this before. But I think this started right around the time I lost to Terminator on Bel’Shir after my tenth straight loss. My mind became all blank because I ended up losing a game that I thought I had won. Even in my game against herO, I just couldn’t do anything even though I knew I was at a disadvantage. And thanks to several games like that, now I feel all this pressure because I keep telling myself not to make those kinds of mistakes during televised matches.
Since you have a phobia as a well-recognized player, does this mean you’ve decided to revert your mind back to that of a rookie’s?
I thought really long and hard about why I’m not a good SC2 player. Rather than try to find problems with myself, I decided to just be rational about it. But nowadays I’m discovering all sorts of problems.
You received a lot of criticism last season because of your statement about not studying opponents’ VODs.
Similar to BW, WoL was all about being aggressive and going all out. But HotS is different. You have to have the proper unit composition and you have to engage properly too. I realized that I was lacking in those areas and I also got scolded by my team. So nowadays, in addition to watching LIVE matches, I also try to find my opponents’ VODs. The problem lies with me so in the end, the important thing is to change myself.
So when do you think you’ll be able to snap your losing streak?
I am also curious about that. Honestly it’s really difficult to go on a thirteen game losing streak for even ladder. It’s really embarrassing that I have this kind of record for a tournament. I’m working hard so that I can snap this streak as fast as possible, and I’m also receiving a lot of intellect from around me. I haven’t been able to completely fix my faults but I’m accommodating other players’ style, and I’m also thinking a lot about what I have to do in order to perfect myself. I wonder if I’ll snap my losing streak soon since I am working so hard.
Your desire to do well in the GSL must be stronger than others’.
All tournaments are important, but our team always prioritizes Proleague as first. So I plan on viewing the GSL stage as a test stage that will allow me to adapt to the Proleague stage through my experiences.
Anything else you would like to say?
I normally don’t get fazed by internet bullying, but one time I searched for my name after my twelfth straight loss. I thought people would be sympathetic and not curse at me since I was on a twelve game losing streak but that was not the case at all. One time, I came across this comment saying that supervisor Kim Ga Eul and JangBi both left because of me. I really hope I can snap my losing streak soon so that I don’t have to read any more of these bullying comments. Lastly, since SPOTV GAMES is featuring Proleague with such a different atmosphere than ever before, I hope a lot of people will tune in.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
It’s been a really long time since I participated in a qualifier. Honestly, I was so nervous that I couldn’t even sleep properly last night. But I was still able to get past the qualifiers despite that so I am really glad.
How come you couldn’t sleep properly last night?
There are no more individual tournaments available for another three to four months if you decide to play in Korea. So I think that’s why I got that kind of anxious feeling.
Were there any particularly difficult players today?
I faced CJ’s Bunny in the semi-finals and that match was very difficult. I was already down 0-1 as I was facing a disadvantage in game two, but I managed to pull off a comeback. From then on, my play started going well.
How do you feel about the Dual Tournament format for Code A?
You have to prepare for multiple opponents for a Dual Tournament format so I think it’s going to be difficult. But there’s nothing I can do about it so I will do my best.
What are your goals for this season?
My goal is to make sure I don’t fall to the qualifiers.
Anything else you would like to say?
I was feeling a lot of stress as I was preparing for the qualifiers, but my teammates helped me out a lot so I think that’s why I was able to establish a good result. I also want to thank HyuN and Revival for coming today to cheer me on, and I hope that my teammates in the afternoon qualifiers will make it through.
Also, I want to congratulate those Zerg players who have been able to defeat Protoss players a lot lately. I think that’s really impressive.
How do you feel about getting through the Code A qualifiers after returning to the Korean region?
I thought it was going to be difficult, but after playing through it I saw that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. But I did get to see that the players who I thought were good, were indeed really good. I was able to really feel the whole returning to Korea thing.
Why did you decide to return to the Korea region?
If the level of players is going to be similar, then I figured that I might as well just play in Korea. I couldn’t really establish good results for WCS AM last year anyways so I thought that it wouldn’t be all that different between Korean and America.
You must have been bored all this time since there was nothing really planned for you.
I always think that I have to play a lot of games on a constant basis, but it’s really difficult to do that when there is nothing scheduled. But I think I was able to see the light of sucking it up and practicing real hard through my results today. I think I did well.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format.
I think this format is better than the previous one. Even though my tournament performances are not as good as they once were, I feel that as long as I can revive my televised matches workmanship, then it won’t matter who I face.
But it’s not like you didn’t establish any results at all for last year’s WCS AM.
I went to the semi-finals once, but I didn’t go to America just so I could make somewhat of a good result. It was good that I made it to a semi-finals but I wasn’t satisfied. I probably would have stayed in America if I had won the whole thing but I didn’t, so I think that’s why the already familiar Korean scene is better for me.
You must have high goals for this season.
My first and foremost goal is to grab Code S. And then once I grab Code S, then of course I will aim for the championsip. Right now my skills have gone up a lot and I’ve also realized a lot of things about the game so I am confident.
A lot of players in the GSL will be players currently participating in Proleauge.
For a player like me who is not participating in Proleague, there are upsides and downsides. I do think though that the players participating in Proleague will have good performances and a good feel for the game. But all that matters is if I just do well.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank my team for coolly believing in me when I said that I would be region switching back to Korea. I want to establish good results for this season so that I can repay that kind of kindness.
How do you feel about getting through the first 2014 GSL qualifiers?
When I fell to the qualifiers last season, I didn’t know if I was going to get the NesTea award or not. But I found out that this will be my tenth time if I can make it to Code S this season.
Was it difficult for you to practice since you’re currently teamless?
Rather than say that I couldn’t practice, I should say that I didn’t practice. But I was feeling really good today so I think that’s why I won.
The tournament has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about that?
Personally, I think the road to Code S has gotten more comfortable. I want to start off the new year with a good feeling by grabbing the year’s first Code S opportunity.
This season’s goals?
I want to work real hard in individual leagues so that I can find a good team. Lastly, to all my fOu teammates that have been with me all this time, I hope they will make it as well.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers?
If I had failed to make it through for this qualifier, then I would not have had many chances left even if I did make it through next season’s qualifiers and made it into Code S. I’m sure that it would have been difficult to maintain my mentality had I failed to go through. I’m relieved that I was able to get through but I wasn’t satisfied in my performance. But if I want to participate in the GSL then there are a lot more things that I have focus on. Right now I have an anxious mindset.
How come you weren’t satisfied in your performance?
I was only able to perform about 60% of what I was capable of from practices. I also made a lot of mistakes.
Also, you recently took on a loss for Proleague.
After my game against PartinG, I kept thinking “what did I do?” I was also really nervous, but I really just didn’t play like myself.
But despite all that, many fans still have expectations for the name, DongRaeGu.
Well first off, I have a really good feeling since I was able to get through the first qualifiers for this year. Honestly, I don’t believe in horoscopes but my parents told me to just hang in there since my horoscope for 2013 was not looking good. That kind of advice sort of helped me out. I think things are going to be better than they were last year.
Recently, you’ve been getting sent out for Proleague too. There must be some good points there.
I can maintain my feel for the game thanks to Proleague preparations so that’s good. In the past, I didn’t have a lot of matches to participate in so I even started getting lazy, but nowadays I am always practicing while feeling nervous. The team atmosphere is great too and the players’ determination is also good.
The tournament format for Code A has changed. What do you think about it?
I think this format is actually better. For a Zerg player, it is really burdensome to have to keep playing against one person. It’s because there’s a lot of things that could go wrong. Rather than getting hit with a desperate strategy and be on the brink of death, I think it is better to just take on multiple people on the same day.
What are your goals for this season?
I want to go through Code A and make it to the quarter-finals of Code S where a seed is on the line. Many players these days are really strong so I don’t think I’m at a position where I can talk about winning the championship (laughs).
Anything else you would like to say?
I am always grateful to my fans. I also want to let my parents know that they shouldn’t worry about me too much because I think things are going to go well for this year. I hope that every single one of my teammates who made it through the qualifiers today can go to Code S, and even though I’m not sure if my words will console them in any way, I still hope that everyone else who didn’t make it through will stay strong. Lastly, I want to thank our supervisor, Lim Hyun Seok.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers two seasons in a row?
For 2013, I got through every single qualifier. But I kept on getting eliminated in the very first round. So I will show a different form for 2014.
Ever since your championship win, your skills have yet to come back to their original form.
Since I kept on getting through each qualifier, I thought to myself that “huh, I’ve still somewhat got it.” But now I know that that was the wrong thing to think. So since from some time ago I’ve been practicing really hard and I’ve also grabbed the top ranking on ladder. I will work hard so that I can show a great form from here on out.
This season’s goals?
If I’m a man then shouldn't it obviously be the championship?
Anything else you would like to say?
First off, because the fOu team disbanded, there have been some articles stating that the team lacked operating skills. But that was not true at all. I really hate receiving comments that say things like we have no skill or comments that look down on us. That’s why the players practiced really hard, and the result of that was that all four former fOu members that participated in the daytime qualifiers, made it through. Lastly, I really want to thank supervisor Choya.
How do you feel about making it through the qualifiers?
This was my first qualifiers so I am glad that I was able to get through without much difficulty.
Samsung disappointingly lost yesterday. Were there any interferences from that?
There were no interferences to the team atmosphere. In fact, I actually think that that loss was a good medicine for us.
The Samsung Zerg players have all been doing really well lately. Is there a secret behind there?
Everyone really excels at the basics and you could not imagine how much practicing we do. I can’t help but feel that good results will come from all this blood spilling practice.
This season’s goals?
First off, I want to grab Code S that’s right in front of me.
Anything else you would like to say?
Recently my condition has been good and I’m also doing really well during practice so I have found confidence in myself. So I’m hoping people will anticipate a great form from me.
I saw GSL as a tournament where I had to be in no matter what, and I had a feeling that I would be able to make it through easily as long as I had confidence.
Today’s qualifier was overall easy for you.
That is correct. If I had to pick a difficult opponent then I would have to say it was Solar. As soon as I saw my bracket, Solar’s name was the only one that caught my eye. It’s because he is doing well in Proleague right now and he’s really good at the game. But I also played like I do for practices so I was able to advance without much trouble.
Do you normally pull through your performances for practice for televised matches?
Rather than say that my practice performances don’t come out, I think it’s more that I just didn’t prepare well for Proleague games. I don’t feel pressure or get nervous, but since Proleague depends on a single victory, the amount of preparation you do has a lot of influence on who wins or loses. I’ve gone out three times so far, but I think I lost twice already because I was lacking in my preparation than my opponents’.
The Code A format has changed for this season. How do you feel about it?
I am totally in favor of it.
You probably regained a lot of your confidence thanks to today’s results.
I started doubting my skills because I lost a lot in Proleauge, but I think my skills are actually just fine thanks to today’s results. I think I’ll be able to establish good results for individual leagues too as long as I work just a little harder. And the same goes for Proleague.
Anything else you would like to say?
I think the supervisor is having a hard time right now because CJ has lost three Proleague matches in a row. But I don’t think our players are lacking in anything right now because of how well we did today. So I hope he’ll be able to let up his mind a little. Also, recently I’ve been getting a lot of help with practice thanks to Ryung, MMA, and INnoVation, but I haven’t been able to properly thank them because we kept on losing in all our Proleague matches. So I want to take this opportunity to thank them for that.
inven for some reason did not publish their interview with TheBest. So I personally contacted him and conducted this interview myself. Believe me when I say I really tried to make the interview interesting and unique from all these other ones. But TheBest refused to give me long and thoughtful answers. So I just took what I could get. Hope you guys enjoy!
Tell us how you feel about getting through the qualifiers.
It’s been such a long time that I am still not feeling it yet~.
A lot of people were surprised when they saw your name for the Code A qualifiers. Didn’t you announce your retirement?
That is correct. I contemplated retirement because of the army, but an opportunity arose so I decided to participate with the thought that this would be my last attempt.
So does that mean you will have to enlist into the army eventually for next year?
I probably will have to if I’m unable to establish any results, but for now, my game is going really well and I’m making results so I’m working hard so that I won’t have to go to the army.
You’d been showing a very poor form for the longest time. How come?
I do pretty well during practices, but I just couldn’t bring that kind of performance forth for tournaments.
However, you got through this season’s qualifiers with much ease. What was different this time?
I am really confident in my TvZ right now so I think I was able to get through easily because I only faced Zergs.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents?
During the semi-finals, my hands got so cold that I couldn’t micro properly, and a critical situation arose.
How did you practice even though fOu had disbanded?
We still have the team house for now so I was able to practice there.
A lot of people are concerned about the future of fOu players ever since the disbandment announcement came out. Could you explain a little bit about that?
Everyone is a really hard worker so I don’t think there’s any need to worry there~.
Are you looking for a Korean team or a foreign team?
As of right now, I’m still just looking around~.
Do you want to join a KeSPA team and participate in Proleague? Do you want to join an eSF team? Or do you want to join a foreign team and participate in overseas tournaments? Which one do you desire the most?
I have no idea right now.
What are your goals for this season?
My first and foremost goal is to make it to Code S.
I’m not sure if you realize this, but you have quite the fan base on TeamLiquid.net. Could you say a few words for those fans who are eagerly lying in anticipation for your performance?
I want to thank all my fans who have cheered me on even though I haven’t really showed anything. I will work hard so that I can put on a performance that will repay my fans the favor of cheering me on.
Please say a few words to your fOu teammates who have been with you all this time and the fOu organization.
I want to thank them for making unforgettable memories for me, and I hope that no matter what happens from here on out, they will always live healthy and happily.
How do you feel about getting through the qualifiers for the first time ever?
My goal for last season was to establish a good record for Proleague. So now I have this greed for individual results. I really wanted to get through so I am glad that I was successful.
Were there any particularly difficult opponents for the qualifiers?
My first match vs Hush was the most difficult. I’m not sure if it’s because I prefer to pursue a standard style or what, but it’s is cumbersome to deal with Hush’s abnormal style of play.
The Code A tournament format has changed. What do you think about it?
I will work hard to make it to Code S just as long as the group selections go well. I feel confident.
How did you practice?
My teammates are all outstanding players. Even the players who aren’t participating in Proleague are really good. Pigbaby especially helped me out a lot. I want to take this moment to thank him.
Is Maru joining the team producing a synergy effect?
Our styles are different but I’m working hard to learn Maru’s style of play.
Anything else you would like to say?
Proleague is Proleague for this season as well, but we will work hard so that our entire team can establish good results for individually as well. I hope people will lie in eager anticipation.
Tell us how you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
Recently, I’ve been preparing strategic builds for Proleague, so I was worried since it felt like I was lacking in the basics, but the end result was that I was able to get through so I am glad.
The Code A tournament format has switched to the Dual Tournament format. What do you think about it?
Even in the past, I never really thought much about the format of the tournament. I just told myself that it would be fine as long as I won. But still, I’m rather weak when it comes to facing multiple opponents on the same day so I am worried about it. But I’m still going to overcome it.
Recently you’ve been participating in the Proleague schedule a lot. What do you personally think about Proleague?
The amount of practice I normally do is not really that much, but that amount has gotten much larger because of Proleague preparations.
So what are your goals for this season?
I will think about that after I’ve returned to Code S.
How do you feel about advancing through the qualifiers?
I’m not really all that glad since getting through the qualifiers is an obvious thing in my opinion, but I am glad that I was able to pierce through the qualifiers.
You’re not showing a great form for Proleague. What do you think about it?
Proleague is a tournament that I really haven’t experienced before so I do need to adapt to it. I don’t think I’ve adapted enough to it yet.
If you had to evaluate your current skills?
I think I do well during practices, but I don’t think I’ve been able perform as well for tournaments yet.
MVP seems to be doing poorly in Proleague.
We secured our first victory several days ago, but I think everything will start from here on out. I hope people will keep watching us from now on.
What are your personal goals from here on out?
All leagues are important, but I want to establish good results for team leagues over individual leagues.
EPT
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Group 1: 
GuMiho, 
Stats
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If you click on that icon, it will take you to the interview for that group's match winners
Dream, 
Squirtle, 
Symbol, 
??
