EPTPast Proleague Interviews:
+ Show Spoiler +
Salvation's First Proleague Win April 14
Dark's First Proleague Win April 20
Maru Proleague April 21
Dream Proleague April 22
sOs Proleague April 29
Soulkey Proleague May 04 + Show Spoiler +
Source: http://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=109411&iskin=esports
Q.After Today's win you seemed unusually happy?
That's right. Since I transferred to SKT this is the first time we've won against KT. Whenever we versed we'd always lose so there was a lot of pressure. Even having an interview seems like it's been a long time. Recently my skill has been returning, so I think I can show good form.
Q.Do you think there's a reason your skill has returned?
Recently I wasn't able to focus in practice. Nowadays my skill has returned and I've developed my self-confidence. In order to get my focus back I looked at past photographs and my trophy, while I did that it motivated me.
Q.You were matched against Flash, you showed a really fantastic performance.
Up until the mid-game I didn't know he switched to bio. I saw him move out, and I wanted to be sure, so I tried to scout with Mutalisks and confirmed I was right. Also It was Fantasy (from SKT) that first used this build so I knew the counter.
Q. In the mid-game you won a decisive fight by flanking with Locusts and Banelings which was impressive.
When making Swarm hosts I was preparing a timing. In my army I was using really a lot of swarm hosts, I think the swarm hosts alone gave me control of the match.
Q.Previously you've lost to KT a lot, so did you expect to be under a lot of pressure today?
I try not to psyche myself out. Personally I try to ignore the pressure so I can come out with a good performance. Going forward I think our team can get a lot of wins.
Q. If you win against CJ Entus on Monday you get a direct path into the finals. Are you confident?
All the CJ zergs are playing. I think our team's zerg line-up is the best. So I am confident we can win.
Q. Any last words?
In today's games the whole team played well. We all prepared diligently for this result. In today's match we showed impressive play so I'm even regretful that I received MVP. If we win our next match against CJ Entus I'd like to take a long holiday. I wish the director would do that for us (laughs).
Hush Proleauge May 04 + Show Spoiler +
Source: http://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=109414&iskin=esports
Q.It's been a long time since you've played. How do you feel about winning?
It's been a while since I've had an interview so I'm really nervous, during that time there's a lot of words I wanted to say so I'm feeling good.
Q.During that time CJ Entus have had a lot of victories. Do you get nervous when the match-ups get posted?
Often they win so I've developed a self confidence, I can receive attention (for the win) which is good. So I felt like a key player.
Q. You haven't had many opportunities to play but your win-rate (4-1) is pretty good. Is there a reason you don't play?
My team members are fortunate (to play) but even then I play well so I think I can win.
Q. Or maybe you haven't shown the good side to your play. What do you think?
If my team mates watch me they'll say there's something careless about my play (laughs). I think in a live setting I have almost no nerves.
Q.On the map mirror the early meta was to go sky-toss. Did you decide to do that today?
Rocks were blocking Hero's natural so I thought I could take them down and go in. But in the early game I came out and was embarrassed by his forces but the build I used today was stable so I had confidence I could win.
Q. But still there might have been danger if you were chased?
There was no danger at all. If the blink upgrade finishes I thought I could win no matter what.
Q.You said you had a lot of things you wanted to say?
Bbyong whines a lot. If I win, I win, so it's just a win and if I lose I can keep up my morale. I wish he would tone it down a bit in future.
Q.CJ Entus are now 3rd place. Is your matchup with SKT the most important?
I won't be playing against SKT but all of my teammates are playing well so it seems they can win.
Q. Any last words?
While in practice for today's match Bbyong and I were both stressed. But since we were both able to win I feel great. Also to my friends and family that always cheer for me I want to say thank you.
Maru Proleague May 05 + Show Spoiler +
Source: http://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=109424&iskin=esports
Q. How do you feel about ending your losing streak?
Recently I've been losing a lot so I had a lot of anxiety, I ended up winning so I'm feeling good.
Q. Why do you think you went on a losing streak?
During my losing streak I wasn't doing well in the game. I couldn't solve my own play.
Q.In GSL some people say that Maru either goes for an 11/11 or reaper. Do you think this predictable play style is to blame?
I do that in televised matches but still other people win with those builds so I don't think that's the problem. Either way Terran's early game options are very limited.
Q.In today's match you got an advantage from dropping on Sniper's ledge near his base, was this a prepared play?
I saw there was space to drop so I tried it once, I saw that I could get in so I went for it. After that I thought the rest of the game was easy.
Q. When you saw that Sniper was your opponent did you think you could end the losing streak?
If I practice hard I think I can win. Recently my self-confidence has fallen down, every time I play I'm anxious and I worry. I always think I can end the losing streak and if I don't think that way I lose my confidence entirely.
Q. There's a slim possibility that you'll make it to post season. What are your thoughts on advancing?
If I win next game it seems like there will be a chance. Even if Jin Air win with a 3-0 I don't know if that will be enough to qualify but I'm confident I can.
Q. Today you didn't show us a good condition. Was there something that impacted your match?
In the morning I caught a cold. It seemed like there was something affecting my performance. I'm not in good health at the moment.
Q. Any last words?
I want to say Happy Birthday to Terminator.
Solar Proleague May 11+ Show Spoiler +
Source: http://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=109740&iskin=esports
Q. How do you feel about ending your 7 loss streak?
Before I knew it I had lost 7 in a row. It didn't seem like I was losing a lot but I was. Today we needed to win the series with a 3:0, before I played we were already up 2:0 so I was feeling anxious. To keep our post season hopes alive there are a lot of situations that can be nerve wracking.
Q.You had to win the series with a 3:0 and you were placed third in the line-up, it seems like a lot of pressure. Is that so?
Before I went on it was 2:0 so I was relaxed. Even after me was Stork. I was relaxed so I think I could play better for that. Out boxer is a good map for me so I had confidence.
Q.During the 7-loss streak weren't you feeling stressed?
On the outside I didn't care but on the inside it was really draining. My play online was good so I had self-confidence. I lost on live-broadcasts so it was frustrating. I managed to play well to get into GSL though.
Q.Co-incidentally when you started losing it seems like you team slipped to the bottom of the ranks. Do you have any thoughts on that?
In the 2nd round our team finished 7th. When I came out to play I only won half the time but still I didn't think of that relation so I'm sorry to the coach and manager.
Q. In the beginning you even received the ace role. After that didn't the pressure for you to perform increase?
In the first round the first time I came out as ace we won. But since then I've lost all my games. If I lose the ace match I lose my focus. rOrO plays the ace role for us so the pressure for me has decreased but it seems like I won't play as ace until a long time later.
Q. In your game there was a lot to deal with you held off Dream's hellion rush perfectly. What was the situation then?
I anticipated that Dream would play the game out like this. I practiced blocking this in practice a lot. I practiced the control part itself a lot. For that reason it seems like I was able to hold it off after a long amount of practice.
Q.Recently Stork has been showing good play. Is there a reason for that?
Stork practices the game very diligently. Stork will practice and even excercise more than the younger players. For some reason his games are impressive. He's supposed to be old. But he still manages to be a great role model.
Q. For the sake of playoffs you won 3-0. Jin Air and CJ's results will determine the outcome. Hence what are you thinking about the situation?
If Prime makes it as far as the ace match the ranking is already decided. I hope prime wins. And if they win right after us that would be the best situation.
Q. Currently Samsung have 115 points placing you in 5th overall. There's a chance you can make it to the very grandfinal. Do you think it's possible?
I think there's a good chance. I'm practicing hard so I can do better in the next round. We might not be able to go to this round of playoffs but still if we play well next round we can make the grand final.
Q. Anything else you want to say?
To the many people that have given me help in practice, the fans that cheer for me and my parents I want to say thank you.
Gumiho Proleague May 13+ Show Spoiler +
Source: http://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=109869&iskin=esports
Q. How do you feel about getting your first win of the regular season?
I'm really dazed but i'm feeling good.
Q. Immediately after joining CJ Entus did you go back to your old activities?
I practiced really hard so I knew I could play well straight away. However I couldn't show satisfactory results. While practicing hard I tried to deliver better results. Back when I was teamless I rested and didn't practice enough so I regret that.
Q.If you lost in the first match you would of been very frustrated if CJ didn't end up advancing to the play-offs. What were you thinking when you saw that you would play first?
When I was practicing at the proleague venue I felt nervous so while I was worried I did my best to practice. Now that the match is over im not nervous at all and I can relax.
Q.The strategy you used today was really original. Was this something you prepared specifially for this match?
I had thought of this strategy from a long time ago. In CJ there were a lot of volunteers to help me, it's really a good system. It seemed like the strategy was strongest on Maze.
Q. You're on the same team as Bbyong who get's a lot of playing time. Who gives who more help?
Bbyong plays really well. I receive more help than I give.
Q. The play-offs are an all-kill format. Is it possible you'll be sent out?
I hope I get to play. I'm confident I can do well. I have a lot of good memories of the old GSL and I want to play like I did back then.
Q. From your win today people have confirmation that your still playing. Isn't it difficult when you don't get much play time?
It's not like that. But still I won so I feel good. From todays win I think I can show a good image in the future.
Q. Should we expect to see you in the 4th round?
Yes, I hope you do.
Q.Any last words?
I missed a call from my parents, I want to say sorry and that I'm always thankful for the support. And to all the CJ staff and players that give me help, thank you.
Effort Proleague Playoffs May 17+ Show Spoiler +
Source: http://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=110168&iskin=esports
Q.You beat Maru, How do you feel about bringing your team to the playoffs?
Recently I've been on a 7 loss streak so it's been a long while since I've experienced the taste of victory. I haven't felt this type of adrenaline for a long time so I'm feeling good.
Q.Is there a reason that you were sent out as CJ's last hope of advancing?
Recently the atmosphere hasn't been good, when I came out there was only a small chance of success. I'm grateful I was given this opportunity even though I've been on a slump. Today I thought I have to win at all costs. I ended up ending my loss streak in a very important match so I'm feeling really happy.
Q. How were you feeling when the coach told you'd be sent out?
Honestly CJ used to be 'team EffOrt' (Laughs). Because the coach believed in me the only thing on my mind was repaying that trust. Honestly I was doubting myself. But since I've had a lot of tournament experience I wasn't feeling pressured.
Q. What thoughts entered your head while you were on a 7 loss streak?
I felt really hopeless. I still don't know the exact reason for it. It felt like I was losing my resolve. I never want to be on a losing streak like that again.
Q. Even when you were on your losing streak it seemed like you still believed in yourself.
At the beginning I did. But after the 4th loss I knew what it feels like to be on a losing streak.
Q. It seemed like you were preparing specifically for Maru. What was the process of preparing for Maru?
In Practice my play wasn't bad so I was confident being matched against anyone. I expected that the last player would be Maru. Recently he's been playing very well but I wasn't intimidated by him at all. I think if I had been intimidated I would have lost in the early game. (TN: Maru went for 8-8-8)
Q. Did you think Maru would go for the strategy he used?
I asked my team members and we all thought that he wasn't going to go for a proxy build. He went for the proxy and I really wasn't prepared for it but I managed to block it well anyway.
Q.Do you think you'll have more chances to play after today?
From today's win it seems like I'll get more chances. I'm even feeling really good. It's been such a long time that i'm even really enjoying the interview.
Q. Do you have any expectations for tomorrow's match with KT?
We won today so there's no time to to enjoy the moment since we have to play immediately again tomorrow. KT are an extremely strong team so I'm expecting a difficult match however i'll prepare very hard for the match.
Q. Any last words?
While I was experiencing my losing streak I was surrounded by people that gave me encouragement. Because of their help It seems like I was able to win an important match so I want to say thanks. Going forwards I'll put in the effort so that I can show an unstoppable image like I did in the old days.
Soulkey/Classic Proleague Playoffs May 20
+ Show Spoiler +
Source: http://www.inven.co.kr/webzine/news/?news=110314&iskin=esports
Q.How do you feel about dragging your team to win the post season?
Soulkey: I came to the studio expecting an all kill but I got knocked out quickly which is a bad feeling. However we played our last games well which is fortunate. And this is the first time I've won in the finals since I transferred.
Classic: I saw that Soulkey had grabbed 2 wins so I thought that it would be an easy win, but Soulkey and Parting both lost so it was 2:2 and so I was nervous.
Q. Soulkey, your opponent effort was coming in from a hot streak, were you nervous at all?
Soulkey: I'm confident in my ZvZ and I expected a zerg to come out on the first map. I had a prepared build so I would of been confident against anyone.
Q. In the second set CJ sent out herO, were you surprised or panicking at all?
Soulkey: I suspected that they'd send out herO. It seemed like I could win. I already had the feeling that I could get an all-kill (laughs). But I lost in the third game which is a pity. I didn't prepare enough for Bbyong.
Q. Parting was sent out against Bbyong and lost, what were you thinking at that time?
Classic: Parting had an 11 win streak against Terran so I was sure that Parting would win. Sitting next to the booth I saw that he was cornered which was probably due to his nerves. But still I was focused on finishing out the series so it seemed like my results were good.
Q. On 'Maze' Bbyong attempted to catch you by suprise with a 5 rax rush. If you didn't see his base it looked like it would have been very hard to defend.
Classic: If I didn't see it I think it would of been really dangerous. I didn't realize people used that type of strategy on Maze. It seemed like I was lucky (to scout it).
Q. What were you thinking when CJ entus sent out Hydra?
Classic: I thought there were many ways I could try to win. Even on the map Sejong if I just play crisply I think I can win. But when playing against Hydra you have to be on your toes. In the late game I saw he had fortified himself well so I wanted to shake him up. But Hydra made a mistake and my timing caught him off guard so it seemed like I'd won. When I caught all his units I could feel the adrenaline.
Q. iLoveOov said that you were a 'Maze native'. How many games are you going to play on the map?
Classic: Over 300 games and only on maze. From long before I had strong strategical play so I find that I have confidence on 'maze'. Oov saw that trait in me so he probably thinks that only I should play on that map. I have to endure on SKT, sometimes I think there's no hope for me to play on a different map.
Q. How do you feel about achieving your first finals win after transferring to SKT?
Soulkey: In this round it didn't seem like we'd win the final. We got to the final so it seemed like we had to win. Even for the sake of prize money we'll try to win the 4th round and get good results.
Classic: We won so that's good, but the matches aren't over. We're 2nd place, immediately behind KT, on the tables so we can't lose focus and we'll practice hard until we can win the final round. I'm not speaking out of pride, I only have thoughts of putting in our best effort.
Q. Any last words?
Soulkey: I'm thankful to all the fans that faithfully cheer us on. I hope my fan-cafe admins are feeling invigorated.
Classic: Thanks to all the fans that always cheer for me. The 4th round is the only round that remains. SKT1 will definitely win so we can have the image of being the last champions. I hope the fans keep cheering for us.
