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[Interview] Flash - The Final Tale of the Ultimate Weapon

Forum Index > SC2 General
84 CommentsPost a Reply
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DCStarcraftGall
Profile Joined October 2015
102 Posts
December 08 2015 01:44 GMT
#1
Source: inven eSports
Interview by Kim Hong Jae

There was a boy. The boy was called a genius as he made his pro debut. He raised his team to victory in its darkest moments. Many fans were enticed by his games, and the boy soon became the greatest superstar and stayed like that.

Nobody expected him to lose when he played, and the boy always seemed to be at his prime. Maybe he used to be too good. Although he always played well, haters who remembered only his prime grew. And suddenly, he announced his retirement to everyone’s surprise.

‘The Ultimate Weapon’ Flash, one of the most iconic pro gamers, has announced that he would retire. There is always an end to every story, but the news of Flash’s retirement still seems alien to the ears. While he hasn’t been that insurmountable wall from SCBW, Flash had still been a consistent player in SC2.

Flash, the veteran progamer with 9 years under his belt, the champion who never stopped fighting, is now leaving us. We wanted to hear Flash’s story behind his retirement.

[image loading]

December 1, I heard that Flash was retiring. While it is a common occurrence for players to change teams or retire during the off season, I couldn’t believe Flash was retiring. No, you’re joking, I told my colleague. Shortly after, I was speechless as I stared at the article draft that clearly stated the retirement of the Ultimate Weapon.

I am certain that Flash’s phone buzzed nonstop that day. I wasn’t sure of what to ask him, even as I was calling him to make arrangements for an interview. However, Flash greeted me with a surprising cheerfulness that I hadn’t seen from him in a while.

“I’m both refreshed and sad right now. I feel like I’ve set down a heavy load, but there’s this sadness in me as well. I keep on thinking about life at KT Rolster, which has been my home for 9 years. I don’t regret the decision, though. I think I’ve achieved most things I could do with a career as a progamer, and I think I will continue to be relevant in eSports history, if I do say so myself. (Laughs)”

“I think I started to tell people about it around the 2nd round of Proleague. I first told Coach Hery, since I’ve spent a lot of time with him since I was young. I also told my family and Rain as well. Rain’s one of the most trustworthy guys I know. I told him I really wanted to help my team win this year. Well, I failed though. I told Jaedong about it during our matches in China. He told me I should do a few more years, but he agreed when he heard my reasons. He told me I did well during the past years.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever really stopped to rest during my 9 years. My arms hurt too, and even practicing became really hard. I think I was mentally down as well. Then I suddenly had the feeling that this was the end. I had to go now, or I would lose the chance in life as well. I also wanted to try new things, so I felt this was the prime time.”

[image loading]

There’s the magic phrase: “but this is Flash we’re talking about.” It made every game you played, even the ones extremely one sided, look epic. In the end of SCBW, there were even fans who liked the games you lost the best. I was one of them too. I’ve never thought of it from your viewpoint until now. The fans’ expectations must have been a heavy weight.

“I didn’t have the luxury for that back in SCBW. I think of my prime time as 09-11, and I didn’t even realize I had won that many tourneys. I just kept playing and playing, and I was on top all of a sudden. I am amazed at how I did because it looks impossible now that I look back.
In my last months of SC2 though, I really felt the pressure. It wasn’t because I had a specific reason. There are always cases of players not doing well all of a sudden. I think it’s some kind of growth pain, but it did wear me down significantly.”


[image loading]

Flash smiled as he talked throughout the heavy theme of the interview. Before it became too grim, I decided to bring up questions of Flash’s amateur life.

“I loved Starcraft with a passion. I have a friend called Lee Hyeong Yeon, and he got second place in the national elementary school Starcraft championship. So I played a 1v1 against him and won. I used to be a random battle.net user back then, but Hyeong Yeon got me into clans and stuff and I became a progamer through the people I met from there. It took me two tries to get to the courage match finals, and my opponent was JangBi (laughs).

I got into the team as a practice partner for Pantech. After 2 months there, I kept 1st place in the team ranking matches for the next 4 months. Apparently, the older gamers said that I would not be able to perform my 100% in televised matches though.”


One of the many questions the fans asked was about Flash’s SCBW return. Many players who had achieved stardom have lost fans due to their questionable behavior on live streams and there was concern about Flash going down that road as well.

[image loading]

“It’s really a blank canvas right now. Nothing is settled, and I don’t have specifics. I need some time to think. If a place wants me really badly though, I will try to view it with positive eyes.
I know my fans will want me playing SCBW as well, but I’m tentative on that. I haven’t played it in 3-4 years. I know that if I do, however, I won’t do what the fans worry about. I promise that, and I know how much fans will expect of me if I go back to SCBW as well so it’s really hard to say.
Since I’ve retired, I began to meet up with old players I used to know from Brood War. I’ve met with Sea recently, and now there are rumors that I am going to stream BW(laughs). Not true, so I think I’ll lie low for a bit.”


The interview time took longer than I’ve expected. It was really fun talking to Flash, almost like catching up with an old friend. Flash told me he had one last thing he wanted to say to his fans.

“I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to achieve much in SC2, but I guarantee that I’ve tried really hard during my progamer years. I don’t think much of my private life was exposed either. Every message that the fans give me saying ‘you did well’, really goes to heart. Many fans have come on my fan café and facebook page to leave messages, and I’ve read them all. I think I’ve received so much love and I wonder how I can ever repay you guys.
I’ve met so many fans over the 9 years and I remember each and every one of you. I’ve tried to express my thanks during interviews, but I still don’t think it is enough. I’m going to take a brief rest for now, but I want to come back to the eSports scene so please cheer me on.


You guys are the motivation that kept me holding the mouse for these past years. You guys changed me from a boy who loved games into a real progamer. Thanks again.”


[image loading]
[image loading]
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SGall Believes: Stats has no probe, soO has lost again, D.Va is daughter of Stork, Dark has no league, Stork is fooled by Solar, sOs is a big guy.
usopsama
Profile Joined April 2008
6502 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-12-08 01:55:19
December 08 2015 01:47 GMT
#2
I will never forget the days when "Child Labor" carried KTF Magicns (?) and destroyed everyone, after playing Brood War for only 2 years. He was fucking 14 years old when he started destroying, literally, everyone.
DCStarcraftGall
Profile Joined October 2015
102 Posts
December 08 2015 01:49 GMT
#3
The Best 3 Times (Picked by Flash)
1. 2007 Daum Starleague Ro16 (vs Light)
I practiced until 5 AM with Coach Hery because I was so nervous. It was my debut match.
2. 2009 June 30 Shinhan Proleague (vs BraQ/firebathero) 5set Ace match
I think I understood something about Starcraft after this match. I won almost everything after this point.
3. 2011 ABC Mart MSL Champion.
Starleague and MSL combined, it was my 6th victory, and I felt many things
SGall Believes: Stats has no probe, soO has lost again, D.Va is daughter of Stork, Dark has no league, Stork is fooled by Solar, sOs is a big guy.
aRyuujin
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
United States5049 Posts
December 08 2015 01:54 GMT
#4
I remember people saying that zeros queens could make the difference. That was a brutal set.
can i get my estro logo back pls
prech
Profile Joined March 2014
United States2948 Posts
December 09 2015 08:00 GMT
#5
Thanks for translating, DCStarcraftGall! Much appreciated
Liquipedia
]343[
Profile Blog Joined May 2008
United States10328 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-12-09 08:06:06
December 09 2015 08:05 GMT
#6
On December 08 2015 10:49 DCStarcraftGall wrote:
2. 2009 June 30 Shinhan Proleague (vs BraQ/firebathero) 5set Ace match
I think I understood something about Starcraft after this match. I won almost everything after this point.


When I watched this match for the first time (live, I think?) I couldn't believe Flash won lol

Thanks for the translation
Writer
duke91
Profile Joined April 2014
Germany1458 Posts
December 09 2015 08:12 GMT
#7
notice how he displays his 3 MSL and 3 OSL wins, not this whatever he won in SC2
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)STYLE START SBENU( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Seeker *
Profile Blog Joined April 2005
Where dat snitch at?37021 Posts
December 09 2015 08:21 GMT
#8
Thanks for the translation
ModeratorPeople ask me, "Seeker, what are you seeking?" My answer? "Sleep, damn it! Always sleep!"
TL+ Member
juvenal
Profile Joined July 2013
2448 Posts
December 09 2015 08:22 GMT
#9
Apparently the operation only helped that much if his arm still hurts. He never complained about it though.
Michael Probu
GTR
Profile Blog Joined September 2004
51436 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-12-09 08:24:03
December 09 2015 08:22 GMT
#10
The reporters name seemed familiar, then I looked it up and it is ex-SC2 progamer (P)ClassicPrime
Commentator
papaz
Profile Joined December 2009
Sweden4149 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-12-09 08:34:21
December 09 2015 08:31 GMT
#11
On December 09 2015 17:12 duke91 wrote:
notice how he displays his 3 MSL and 3 OSL wins, not this whatever he won in SC2


What should he display if not his greatest achivements in his carreer?
Zealously
Profile Blog Joined October 2011
East Gorteau22261 Posts
December 09 2015 08:42 GMT
#12
On December 09 2015 17:12 duke91 wrote:
notice how he displays his 3 MSL and 3 OSL wins, not this whatever he won in SC2


You don't need to try so hard
AdministratorBreak the chains
starslayer
Profile Joined August 2011
United States696 Posts
December 09 2015 08:46 GMT
#13
On December 09 2015 17:31 papaz wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 09 2015 17:12 duke91 wrote:
notice how he displays his 3 MSL and 3 OSL wins, not this whatever he won in SC2


What should he display if not his greatest achivements in his carreer?


LoL just another BW ELITE hinting BW best game ever dont take the bait. Lol every time I see comments like this all I think about is The bigger bother acting out because the baby is getting more attention.

and to the OP Ty for translation very cool to hear his thoughts GL FLASH you'll be great in your next chapter if its anything like the last.
i came here to kickass and chew bubblegum and i'm all out of bubble gum
Wintex
Profile Blog Joined July 2011
Norway16838 Posts
December 09 2015 09:04 GMT
#14
Thanks for the translation.

"I think I’ve received so much love and I wonder how I can ever repay you guys."
Oh Flash, you gave us amazing StarCraft, which was repayment enough. Chill out, you're free now!
The Bomber boy
AbouSV
Profile Joined October 2014
Germany1278 Posts
December 09 2015 09:07 GMT
#15
Thanks for the work!
Jenia6109
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
Russian Federation1612 Posts
December 09 2015 09:20 GMT
#16
On December 08 2015 10:49 DCStarcraftGall wrote:
2. 2009 June 30 Shinhan Proleague (vs BraQ/firebathero) 5set Ace match
I think I understood something about Starcraft after this match. I won almost everything after this point.

Brilliant.
INnoVation TY Maru | Classic Stats Dear sOs Zest herO | Rogue Dark soO
Scarecrow
Profile Blog Joined July 2009
Korea (South)9172 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-12-09 10:19:42
December 09 2015 09:25 GMT
#17
On December 09 2015 17:46 starslayer wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 09 2015 17:31 papaz wrote:
On December 09 2015 17:12 duke91 wrote:
notice how he displays his 3 MSL and 3 OSL wins, not this whatever he won in SC2


What should he display if not his greatest achivements in his carreer?


LoL just another BW ELITE hinting BW best game ever dont take the bait. Lol every time I see comments like this all I think about is The bigger bother acting out because the baby is getting more attention.

While there is bw elitism around, this post wasn't one... noone would argue his bw titles weren't the greatest achievement in HIS career... practice basic comprehension before you trash post.

So sad to see him go, but I trust him in making the right transition, as always. That fbh game finale is my best moment of his also

Yhamm is the god of predictions
Wrath
Profile Blog Joined July 2014
3174 Posts
December 09 2015 09:36 GMT
#18
On December 09 2015 18:04 Wintex wrote:
Thanks for the translation.

"I think I’ve received so much love and I wonder how I can ever repay you guys."
Oh Flash, you gave us amazing StarCraft, which was repayment enough. Chill out, you're free now!


Not really, he must stream BW on Afreeca first
Cyro
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
United Kingdom20285 Posts
Last Edited: 2015-12-09 09:43:19
December 09 2015 09:36 GMT
#19
While there is bw elitism around, this post wasn't one... noone would argue his bw titles were the greatest achievement in HIS career... practice basic comprehension before you trash post.


I also read it in the same way that s/he did and it seemed like an sc2 trashing post. Quick dig into posting history confirms it as there are many others.

SC2 stressful lol. Where you control all your units on one hotkey and macro with 2 clicks.


Way better than SC2. LoL is actually pretty enjoyable as you have plenty of room for insane plays and outplays, unlike SC2


Sometimes I think about the epic, legendary games not played since 2012. The talent of Jaedong, Flash, Fantasy, Storku and Jangbi wasted at their primes on SC2. As there is a parallel universe where Blizzard never decided to make SC2 so that we could have enjoyed TBLS duke it out more. Considering how many legendary games each year have been produced, it is a travesty to have such talents waste their time.


i am sure there are more if you open more than 4-5 posts
"oh my god my overclock... I got a single WHEA error on the 23rd hour, 9 minutes" -Belial88
Phredxor
Profile Joined May 2013
New Zealand15076 Posts
December 09 2015 09:47 GMT
#20
On December 09 2015 18:25 Scarecrow wrote:
Show nested quote +
On December 09 2015 17:46 starslayer wrote:
On December 09 2015 17:31 papaz wrote:
On December 09 2015 17:12 duke91 wrote:
notice how he displays his 3 MSL and 3 OSL wins, not this whatever he won in SC2


What should he display if not his greatest achivements in his carreer?


LoL just another BW ELITE hinting BW best game ever dont take the bait. Lol every time I see comments like this all I think about is The bigger bother acting out because the baby is getting more attention.

While there is bw elitism around, this post wasn't one... noone would argue his bw titles were the greatest achievement in HIS career... practice basic comprehension before you trash post.

So sad to see him go, but I trust him in making the right transition, as always. That fbh game finale is my best moment of his also



I'm sure everyone knows they're his greatest achievement, but the only reason you'd say it that way is to imply BW > SC2.

Just looking forward to his return to Starcraft in whatever fashion it is after a good break :D
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