We would have celebrated our five year anniversary later this year, but unfortunately it's not to be. We are parting ways with HerO after a memorable and successful time together. HerO represented Liquid in the years when we established ourselves as an esports organization and it is something I will forever be grateful for.
We go so far back that when it all began, HuK and Jinro were still living with oGs. We started from absolute scratch together, and it eventually led to some of my best memories in the history of the team. When HerO joined Liquid, he had already spent many years as a progamer and the road to that first major title at DreamHack Winter 2011 had been a long and difficult one. Seeing his dream come to fruition was more than I could have asked for. It's with great sadness that I am writing this post, but it is with great joy and pride that I look back on his career on Liquid. The Winter Champion will no longer be with us, and we will all miss him.
Over the past few weeks we've been really excited watching HerO play, and I wholeheartedly believe that 2016 is going to be a great year for him. LotV aligns very well with HerO's strengths in micro and multitasking, and we've seen more of vintage HerO over the past 3 months than we have in quite a while. His matches in Code A speak for themselves and I truly hope it is the beginning of the best year of his career. HerO has always been a great person and a diligent player, and I am so proud to once again watch him in Code S.
Finally, I would like to share some words with you regarding our decision. StarCraft is the game on which the legacy of our team is built. It's a game we all love and care about. I know that, and I'm very aware of it. However, the reality is that it is a difficult game to be involved with in this current climate. The recent WCS changes added complications that altered our ability to work things out with HerO. In this new system, we would lose HerO's presence in DreamHacks and IEMs, and HerO would lose the ability to travel to big international events. It's what HerO has become known for the most, and it's one of the most important values of being on an international StarCraft team. Unfortunately, our two ends just could not meet in negotiations, and HerO decided that it was time to move on. Even though we were unable to work things out with him, we know that he will not be short on options and we wish him all the best.
- Victor "Liquid`Nazgul" Goossens
Hello, I'm Protoss player for Team Liquid, Song Hyeon Deok.
My five years on Team Liquid has come to an end. So many things happened to me during my time on Team Liquid, and I'll always remember it as an unforgettable time in my life. There were many happy moments, and a lot of times that were difficult as well.
My caring teammates were always with me, as well as Victor, Robin, and Team Liquid's loving fans. It was your love and support that helped me get through the tough times, and made the happy moments that much more joyful. I want to tell everyone I'm truly thankful.
Honestly, I'm a bit afraid. People loved, cheered for, and remembered "Team Liquid's HerO." I worry if I can be as loved and supported without the "Liquid."
Even though I'm leaving Team Liquid—my beloved teammates, Victor, Robin, everyone in Liquid organization, and Liquid fans—I hope I can stay in your memories for a long time.
Going forward, I would be very thankful if you could keep giving me your love and support as just "HerO."
I want to thank Liquid and my fans for giving me the many opportunities and active support that have allowed me to become who I am today. Even though I'm leaving the team due to contract issues, I hope I can maintain good relationships and stay in touch with the people at Team Liquid.
It might feel strange and empty, but keep watching and remember "HerO" without the Liquid," and please keep showing your love and support for Liquid without HerO. I'll never forget any of you.
Once again, I want to tell everyone thank you and I love you. To my teammates, Victor, Robin, and the fans.
It's a shame as he has been playing so well recently - but I totally get that the ROI for sponsoring a Korean player now does not have the same value it used to have.
Hopefully you find a new team soon hero so we can cheer you on for them!
The sad thing is, that I always felt like Hero really identified himself with Team Liquid. It's sad to see a real part of a team leave. Good luck in the future.
HerO I remember how alive I felt watching Starcraft 2 during the first years. I've watched the final moments of DH winter so many times. One of the most emotional moments of this game and the community around it.
With the love that you show towards your fans, you will always be a winner. I will cheer for you in GSL! HerO fighting!
Seems like a logical decision with the WCS changes. I think HerO should have no problems joining a Korean team and I hope he does well in the future. Good luck!
I feel sadness at the departure of HerO from Liquid but I also feel anger. Anger at the people who asked for the WCS changes either not knowing or not caring that this kind of thing was always going to be a side effect.
Hey at least we'll get more Europeans at Blizzcon right? /s
On February 15 2016 00:44 Weavel wrote: Does this mean Taeja is next?
I'm wondering the same thing. I'm assuming Liquid still wants both of them, just for less lucrative contracts. Could be something Taeja was ok with but HerO was not.
On February 15 2016 01:09 Vindicare605 wrote: I feel sadness at the departure of HerO from Liquid but I also feel anger. Anger at the people who asked for the WCS changes either not knowing or not caring that this kind of thing was always going to be a side effect.
Hey at least we'll get more Europeans at Blizzcon right? /s
Well tbh, it felt as if TL is focussing entirely on its European representatives already last year. From the otside, it seemed as if there was nearly no interaction between the Europeans and the Koreans, so it could well be, that the contract issue was not simply being caused by the new WCS system.
On February 15 2016 00:48 Diabolique wrote: What happened with PartinG? Is he now living with HerO or what? Or what does the "ways" mean? :-)
Not "PartinG" the SC2 player, the wortd parting means leaving. The team is parting ways (verb) with HerO.
Anyway, good news before the Valentine's day, so it surely means, these two are a couple now. How nice! All the best to both PartinG and HerO, good that they can walk the ways together now :-)
My favourite player of all time leaving my fav team of all time. Saddest day for sc2 in a loooooooong time. Maybe now is the time should stop gaming too :'(
I'll never forget that in times of immortal all-ins and deathballs, HerO was one player who consistently pushed himself and the protoss race to the limits with his multitasking and genius tactics.
Good luck finding a new team-- and I look forward to watching you in this glorious new era of Starcraft. You were, and are a true inspiration.
On February 15 2016 00:48 Diabolique wrote: What happened with PartinG? Is he now living with HerO or what? Or what does the "ways" mean? :-)
Not "PartinG" the SC2 player, the wortd parting means leaving. The team is parting ways (verb) with HerO.
Anyway, good news before the Valentine's day, so it surely means, these two are a couple now. How nice! All the best to both PartinG and HerO, good that they can walk the ways together now :-)
Yeah i thought it was hard to live this way in korea (culture wise) but i'm happy for both of them too !
I remember being so underwhelmed when the surprise roster addition was HerO, and not someone big in the Starcraft 2 community. I also remember having HerO turn quickly into my favorite player for 5 long years. I'd say he gets to keep that spot. GL HerO <3
Wow I didn't expect this, but I guess it makes sense with the WCS changes. HerO really was one of the most constant foreign event travelers...here's to hoping he can make as big a splash in the Korean scene.
As far as joining a new team goes...I'm split. On the one hand it would be nice to see him prop up one of the lower SPL teams, but on the other I really wonder how high he could rise with the aid of a practice environment like SKT T1 or KT.
On February 15 2016 02:50 aeligos wrote: What contract issues? What does that even mean?
Not enough wins? Too many wins?
I wonder if TLO and Ret have similar contract issues.
His only marketing viability is GSL/S2SL, where he could have totally 6 playing days(in GSL) and some in S2SL. All this for a WHOLE HALF A YEAR! Before it was - hey, look, IEM, DH, RB BG!
He wasn't worth that much so he was offered way less money and he decided taht it was too low.
I've always associated HerO with TL, just as Flash is associated with KT. This is a sad day for me, but I know the decision was a tough one for both parties.
Best of luck in the future, HerO, thank you for the memories and I wish you each and every success in what you do next.
I will still cheer for HerO and i honestly hope, a KeSpA Team picks him up, so that he can continue to play in GSL. But he is also kinda old, maybe he will retire? (I hope not!)
On February 15 2016 00:48 Diabolique wrote: What happened with PartinG? Is he now living with HerO or what? Or what does the "ways" mean? :-)
Not "PartinG" the SC2 player, the wortd parting means leaving. The team is parting ways (verb) with HerO.
Anyway, good news before the Valentine's day, so it surely means, these two are a couple now. How nice! All the best to both PartinG and HerO, good that they can walk the ways together now :-)
Not sure if you're trolling or not... This has nothing to do with Parting, it's just a verb, ffs.
The perfect sc2 player right here. I always associated him with the warp prism. I feel like LOTV is so more suited to this guy who always tried to take the high road, multitask, harass and win games strategically when 3 base deathballs and 2 base allins were literally 100% of other Protoss games.
I'll be watching and cheering in all your games HerO! GLHF
well, i hope now the people who say the wcs changes that promote foreigners over awesome koreans are happy now. a beautiful thing has been ruined forever. goodbye hero, and thanks for all the fun memories
The great end of his time here and hopefully start of something new. LotV really does align with his style of play and I hope it works out for him in the coming months as others have said.
What I really remember most from his time on Liquid was just how much he cared. Liquid as a team functions as a family in many ways, and he really took that to heart. He used to stay at our place in NYC when traveling and would often play whatever clan wars we had from there, usually small online things that didn't really amount of much even though people kept trying to make online team leagues a big thing in 2011/12. There was one in particular that really stuck with me - I think before his DH win - he had to play PuMa in the ace match against EG and while it came down to the wire he eventually lost (I think to the 1-1-1 he was known for at the time). He was completely devastated, not so much because he had fallen to a rival (because it was a low stakes match) but because Victor had put trust in him and he had let everyone down. He was always treating his games like that, playing not solely for personal glory but to lift the spirits of those around him and earn his place among a chosen family.
Okay seriously, what's with all the sad smilies and feels in this thread? He left Liquid, but he did not retire!!!
Maybe this is just the start for HerO? Maybe he will have the best year ever, I really don't know why everybody is so sad. I don't doubt that he has a promising future and I think a change like this is just what he needs to get back to the top!
wow no this cannot be. Thanks WCS for this. Really, fuck it. Fuck it fuck it fuck it I'm so done with this game
it's just such a fuckign sad joke. I cannot imagine Liquid without HerO. Those where the days, the golden days, with HerO and Taeja rockin' it. gosh first wcs, then Life, now this I really don't want to cope with that shit anymore.
Sigh... This one seriously hurts like hell... HerO was so iconic for Team Liquid... Farewell HerO. Thank you for all the memories and for being so awesome. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Aw man, I remember almost losing it when HerO won his first big championship and broke down in his booth... such a powerful moment. It will be super weird trying not to associate him with Liquid and vice versa anymore. <3 you HerO!
When HuK left to join EG - I was a mix of fury and sadness, however in a way it prepared me - I guess - for this. With HerO leaving - I'm not sad, I just don't know what to feel.
On One hand - it would have been naive to think that this was never going to happen with Team Liquid's Business Strategy (and its a great strategy too). On the other hand I'd have hoped it could have been like TaeJa and still remain on the team with the aforementioned salary cut. But alas, HerO needs to make a living too and there isn't really a middle road that both can walk down together.
HerO you are my favourite player of all time and I'll never stop supporting you...however, you'll still always be Liquid/oGs HerO and the original SC2 Hero.
I didn't expect this to happen, I have always known HerO as a liquid player. I will still follow him and cheer for him whatever he does, but he shall always be LiquidHerO to me.
I followed you since you joined and made this account just to say I'm sad to see you go and thank you for all of the great games you've brought. I'm really sad this happened
This is a sad day indeed, I started watching SC2 after HerOs pinnacle and all I saw was his steady decline with rare bursts of good play. Was getting so hyped to see LiquidHerO making it far in Code S and turning into the beast that I've heard that he was in the past.
Then this hits, tbh I don't really have a reason for liking HerO besides his renown and his team, I had hoped he would prove himself to me with his play. With this news that is more true than ever. HerO is catfood in his group though, he can never beat Dear and soO and DRG are both really tough opponents.
On February 15 2016 06:36 Polarexia wrote: Man I'm so sad. This is so sad. Liquid is bigger than ever and won't pay him. Fuck everything about this
Worst Valentine's day ever.
Source? Seems a bit easy to blame Liquid without any backup.
HerO, with all his highs and lows, made me watch and enjoy SC2 for years. I will root for him, where ever he plays.
Yeah, Liquid has been investing a lot into various games recently but we have no idea how that worked out for them financially (we even have no idea if a big gaming team can work out financially tbh)
On February 15 2016 06:50 Shuffleblade wrote: This is a sad day indeed, I started watching SC2 after HerOs pinnacle and all I saw was his steady decline with rare bursts of good play. Was getting so hyped to see LiquidHerO making it far in Code S and turning into the beast that I've heard that he was in the past.
Then this hits, tbh I don't really have a reason for liking HerO besides his renown and his team, I had hoped he would prove himself to me with his play. With this news that is more true than ever. HerO is catfood in his group though, he can never beat Dear and soO and DRG are both really tough opponents.
I often support the outsider of a challenge, so it seems I have another reason to hope he will do a great CODE S... gl
Nazgul strikes me as someone who would want TL's progaming aspect to stand (mostly) on it's own financially speaking. A painful decision to make for both parties I imagine, but probably the correct one. Best wishes HerO, I hope to see you in Proleague more now.
If Taega is the brain of the Liquid pros, HerO was the heart.
Sigh... when things like this happen I can't help but question the WCS system. I'm still doing my best to be partial and fair but it's sad when things like this happen.
On February 15 2016 08:35 NKexquisite wrote: One player left until Liquid, like EG fully abandons Starcraft
They've got TLO, Snute, Bunny and Mana as mainstays and Ret, Vortix and Taega who are either new, old or soon retiring. Liquid StarCraft is not going away any time soon.
Like if it was written in the stars, HerO was one of the players that made me feel goosebumps and made me love Liquid as a team who seeks new talent, great personalities and always top-notch sportsmanship instead of risen stars or the biggest names in the industry.
300 comments later (from my account) I'm reading HerO parting ways with Liquid.
Might not mean much, but this comment goes to you. Thank you. So many great memories. Good luck going forward.
yeah it's a sad thing for TL fans. But the amount of people talking about this, like it's Doomsday is crazy. He isn't retiring, he just get's a new team. Even if he retires, life continues you know? Sc2 now being a smaller and smaller esport every year isn't the end of the world, just play the game and enjoy what's still up. It's about managing expectations and appreciating what dedicated Fans and professionals create.
Also: Teamliquid and Hero not finding acceptable terms for both sides is not the fault of WCS. TL is reevaluating their priorities in Esports too i imagine, which is a fair and smart thing to do and Hero just can have better offers. Yes those changes influence the overall economical decision, but let's be real, Sc2 has been on a sponsorhip bubble for the longest time actually, getting more financial influx then creating surplus. Now that this situation is nearing it's end, we will see the true core of the Sc2 fanbase. Im excited for that. And not in a good way.
Thank you. I will never forget you either. Your time has been precious to us, to me. You have given so much to your dream, and we have gained so much from your passion. I thank you for that experience you've provided. It's been a wonderful, exciting, dramatic, and ecstatic time. I look forward to your future success. Whatever your future holds, remember that people have believed in you wholeheartedly, and at whatever endeavor you pursue, remember us people that believed in you. HerO hwaiting!
Well, guess its not surprising. The WCS changes have indeed played a great role here. I can't say I was HerO's #1 fan or anything but I reckon that I've watched some of his games in the past and liked his association with TL. Best of luck to HerO! Fighting ~
Just say it clearly. ITS BLIZZARD. So many mistakes a child would have never let happen. Sabotaging their own games. D3, SC2, they can keep overwatch for themselves.
On February 15 2016 08:35 NKexquisite wrote: One player left until Liquid, like EG fully abandons Starcraft
TLO, Snute, Bunny and Mana have been performing well, Vortix just returned to Starcraft, Taeja just got into Code S.
Well unless he's got a long time on his contract. WCS will seal Taeja's fate soon enough
Taejas was supposed to be retired ages ago due to his wrist problems + military service. I don't think he's anywhere near full-time like earlier years.
On February 15 2016 13:46 Cele wrote: yeah it's a sad thing for TL fans. But the amount of people talking about this, like it's Doomsday is crazy. He isn't retiring, he just get's a new team. Even if he retires, life continues you know? Sc2 now being a smaller and smaller esport every year isn't the end of the world, just play the game and enjoy what's still up. It's about managing expectations and appreciating what dedicated Fans and professionals create.
Also: Teamliquid and Hero not finding acceptable terms for both sides is not the fault of WCS. TL is reevaluating their priorities in Esports too i imagine, which is a fair and smart thing to do and Hero just can have better offers. Yes those changes influence the overall economical decision, but let's be real, Sc2 has been on a sponsorhip bubble for the longest time actually, getting more financial influx then creating surplus. Now that this situation is nearing it's end, we will see the true core of the Sc2 fanbase. Im excited for that. And not in a good way.
C'mon, it's directly written there that it's WCS. And then HerO posted details on Twitter. Based on WCS they want to lower HerO's money into unacceptable levels(for HerO) thus they separated.
The one for blaming is WCS(Blizzard). Don't pretend it's not.
On February 15 2016 13:46 Cele wrote: yeah it's a sad thing for TL fans. But the amount of people talking about this, like it's Doomsday is crazy. He isn't retiring, he just get's a new team. Even if he retires, life continues you know? Sc2 now being a smaller and smaller esport every year isn't the end of the world, just play the game and enjoy what's still up. It's about managing expectations and appreciating what dedicated Fans and professionals create.
Also: Teamliquid and Hero not finding acceptable terms for both sides is not the fault of WCS. TL is reevaluating their priorities in Esports too i imagine, which is a fair and smart thing to do and Hero just can have better offers. Yes those changes influence the overall economical decision, but let's be real, Sc2 has been on a sponsorhip bubble for the longest time actually, getting more financial influx then creating surplus. Now that this situation is nearing it's end, we will see the true core of the Sc2 fanbase. Im excited for that. And not in a good way.
C'mon, it's directly written there that it's WCS. And then HerO posted details on Twitter. Based on WCS they want to lower HerO's money into unacceptable levels(for HerO) thus they separated.
The one for blaming is WCS(Blizzard). Don't pretend it's not.
It's not like HerO has done well at IEM's or DH's lately anyways. Surely he would have been getting a reduced contract regardless.
On February 15 2016 17:00 alphaproxy wrote: Most people say fuck WCS, LOL
Just say it clearly. ITS BLIZZARD. So many mistakes a child would have never let happen. Sabotaging their own games. D3, SC2, they can keep overwatch for themselves.
Blizzard has to do something to boost the non-Korean scene if the game is going to be around for more than a few years. I don't know if this was the best method of doing it, but Korea has to step up and provide some more tournaments for Korean players that doesn't rely on Blizzard money, just like the EU and US scenes have.
On February 15 2016 13:46 Cele wrote: yeah it's a sad thing for TL fans. But the amount of people talking about this, like it's Doomsday is crazy. He isn't retiring, he just get's a new team. Even if he retires, life continues you know? Sc2 now being a smaller and smaller esport every year isn't the end of the world, just play the game and enjoy what's still up. It's about managing expectations and appreciating what dedicated Fans and professionals create.
Also: Teamliquid and Hero not finding acceptable terms for both sides is not the fault of WCS. TL is reevaluating their priorities in Esports too i imagine, which is a fair and smart thing to do and Hero just can have better offers. Yes those changes influence the overall economical decision, but let's be real, Sc2 has been on a sponsorhip bubble for the longest time actually, getting more financial influx then creating surplus. Now that this situation is nearing it's end, we will see the true core of the Sc2 fanbase. Im excited for that. And not in a good way.
C'mon, it's directly written there that it's WCS. And then HerO posted details on Twitter. Based on WCS they want to lower HerO's money into unacceptable levels(for HerO) thus they separated.
The one for blaming is WCS(Blizzard). Don't pretend it's not.
It's not like HerO has done well at IEM's or DH's lately anyways. Surely he would have been getting a reduced contract regardless.
On February 15 2016 17:00 alphaproxy wrote: Most people say fuck WCS, LOL
Just say it clearly. ITS BLIZZARD. So many mistakes a child would have never let happen. Sabotaging their own games. D3, SC2, they can keep overwatch for themselves.
Blizzard has to do something to boost the non-Korean scene if the game is going to be around for more than a few years. I don't know if this was the best method of doing it, but Korea has to step up and provide some more tournaments for Korean players that doesn't rely on Blizzard money, just like the EU and US scenes have.
WHAT? EU and US scene tournaments are directly supported by Blizzard! Is this a sarcasm I didn't get?
Still, there are a couple of independent events, such as HSC. It`s always been a huge problem for Korea to not having a functional tournament scene, apart from GSL/Proleague.
On February 15 2016 17:59 Irrational_Animal wrote: Still, there are a couple of independent events, such as HSC. It`s always been a huge problem for Korea to not having a functional tournament scene, apart from GSL/Proleague.
I wonder, is not Proleague bigger and more lucrative than all non-WCS tournaments put together? You don't get big prize money, but you do get a stable environment, coaching and steady salary (usually).
On February 15 2016 17:59 Irrational_Animal wrote: Still, there are a couple of independent events, such as HSC. It`s always been a huge problem for Korea to not having a functional tournament scene, apart from GSL/Proleague.
Since most of the Korean players were traveling abroad(in the beginning) there was nothing to create at the first place. Also since there's PL you don't have a big incentive to start any weekend tournament, because players are preparing for their PL. That's the problem with KeSPA players not traveling abroad, with few exceptions like herO. Well, now there are no exceptions.
So if you are out of KeSPA, you are fucked. Say hello to Parting, HerO and others!
Well, but then Kespa is to blame even more for their super strict rules about re-joining pro-teams than Blizz for their changes in WCS. And in the case of hero, it`s highly likely that he will simply join MVP anyways. Simply put, by playing proleague for another team, thus not being able to stream and being unable to travel to events in the foreigner sphere, he had very little value for TL. In addition to that, TL had an already big roster and they added Vortix.
HerO without the Liquid? Haha, ya right. I mean, nice try, but you don't lose a tag you held for 5 years that easily, especially over something as silly as a contract.
HerO was the only player I followed back in WOL and early HOTS. It was incredible to watch him mature and grow as a gamer and as a person. He was genuine, humble, and passionate about the game and his fans. It's sad to see him part ways with Liquid. It's sad to see the state of SC2 now compared to before.
On February 15 2016 06:35 mammuluk wrote: I'm european, so this consideration could seem a bad one, but once again: this new WCS system is UNFAIR. goodbye HerO
Maybe it doesn't suit HerO but it isn't unfair! We need a own strong local scene just as korea. There is no way to practise for a tournament if you can't play against the same player on ladder. WCS is the only income for an up and comming player.
Koreans could have practised on na server and prevented this situation. But why would they? It's not in their interest. They thought selfish just as we do now. We need a strong local scene and thats the way we need to take. If a foreigner can only expect top32 at wcs and if wcs is the only income then there is no reason to practise for this game because it takes years to get good at the game.
On February 15 2016 06:35 mammuluk wrote: I'm european, so this consideration could seem a bad one, but once again: this new WCS system is UNFAIR. goodbye HerO
Maybe it doesn't suit HerO but it isn't unfair! We need a own strong local scene just as korea. There is no way to practise for a tournament if you can't play against the same player on ladder. WCS is the only income for an up and comming player.
Koreans could have practised on na server and prevented this situation. But why would they? It's not in their interest. They thought selfish just as we do now. We need a strong local scene and thats the way we need to take. If a foreigner can only expect top32 at wcs and if wcs is the only income then there is no reason to practise for this game because it takes years to get good at the game.
This affected ForGG, previous changes affected MC, First or Yoda. All these players were on EU ladder. So that's it. Also IIRC NA players from west coast practice in Korea, should they be banned from WCS too?
On February 15 2016 06:35 mammuluk wrote: I'm european, so this consideration could seem a bad one, but once again: this new WCS system is UNFAIR. goodbye HerO
Maybe it doesn't suit HerO but it isn't unfair! We need a own strong local scene just as korea. There is no way to practise for a tournament if you can't play against the same player on ladder. WCS is the only income for an up and comming player.
Koreans could have practised on na server and prevented this situation. But why would they? It's not in their interest. They thought selfish just as we do now. We need a strong local scene and thats the way we need to take. If a foreigner can only expect top32 at wcs and if wcs is the only income then there is no reason to practise for this game because it takes years to get good at the game.
How many fan favorites have to be forced into retirement before we have a "fair" scene that nobody wants to watch anymore?
lol at people still defending this terrible system. look at all the players forced into retirement after all the awful changes. rain, flash, mma, and probably a bunch more i can't even remember right now because there's too many. those are just the big names, lots of minor guys left too. and now hero leaves liquid. wow just wow
don't care about any of the foreigners, they are wack, i only cared about foreigners like stephano who were going toe to toe with koreans. and as more korean legends retire, i'm pretty sure the scene will die out
On February 20 2016 05:22 fishjie wrote: lol at people still defending this terrible system. look at all the players forced into retirement after all the awful changes. rain, flash, mma, and probably a bunch more i can't even remember right now because there's too many. those are just the big names, lots of minor guys left too. and now hero leaves liquid. wow just wow
don't care about any of the foreigners, they are wack, i only cared about foreigners like stephano who were going toe to toe with koreans. and as more korean legends retire, i'm pretty sure the scene will die out
okay, not to say your opinion is wrong, but none of those koreans retired directly from the WCS system. If you read the article, you'd know that HerO isn't retiring either. Yea we lost MMA to military, Flash to wrists, and Rain to his own personal life. You say "probably a bunch more", there isn't, and then you say "can't remember right now" because there's "too many." What minor guys left? "Minor" players come and go all the time.
Look, I'm just as upset he left Liquid but your rant is obviously irrational. If you care about foreigners going toe to toe with koreans, there's more now than ever I'd say, but it's kinda clear all you follow are headlines.
EPT
