EPT
![[image loading]](https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/HSCXIV/n-RL3qFF/i-6b79Xmd/0/X3/i-6b79Xmd-X3.jpg)
TL.net: So, how has HomeStory Cup been for you so far?
Solar: It’s been really nice, because it’s not just a tournament, it’s kind of a party for players and fans. I love it a lot. I’m just here to enjoy the event now. [E/N: This interview was conducted directly after Solar’s loss to Stats]
That’s awesome. Well, time to move to the heavy stuff; from what we understand, this current iteration of Legacy of the Void isn’t too popular in Korea. What do you think of the new patch? How will it affect zerg?
I think the patch seems really good. They nerfed adepts, and changed many things, and it’s helped a lot. For zergs, it’s awesome.
What about the new banelings?
I love them! So strong.
Since they’re nerfing liberator damage against light units, that probably means mutas are coming back. Does that suit your style?
Yeah, all zergs love it! They can use mutalisks again, it’s amazing for all zergs.
What other changes do you want to see from Blizzard in the future?
I think they can release more skins or voice packs; some players really like them. Player portraits as well, that would be great. Crowdfunding with portraits would be really helpful for esports as well.
Do you think that this year’s WCS system has been good?
This system is really bad for Korean players. But it’s been really good for foreign players to get inspiration, so overall it’s 50-50. It’s not too bad, but it’s not good for Korean players. I’m Korean, so I don’t like it!
Maybe with more Global Events?
They need to make more Globals like KeSPA Cup.
Since there’s no Proleague next year, there’s been a new teamleague recently—VSL. Do you think that’s going to happen more often in 2017?
Yeah, I think they will increase their prize pool, and there’ll be a lot of players in the next season. It’ll be great.
So you think that all the Korean players will play in it?
Sure, why not.
What do you think about the future of the scene? What’s it going to look like next year?
I think next year isn’t going to be better than this year, especially for Koreans, as we don’t have Proleague or support from teams. But this doesn’t matter to foreign players; it’s only huge for Koreans. But we can participate in lots of online tournaments, like Leifeng Cup and Olimoleague. It’s going to be hard next year with all these online cups; I was the King of online cups, but next year it’s going to be harder.
Do you think that something like Olimoleague, where they have an online tournament and offline finals, is a good format?
Yeah sure, that’s really good. And the studio’s really good. Olimoleague’s a really good format. And it’s good for Korean players.
There aren’t really many opportunities for new players to make a name for themselves right now in Korea. What do you think can be done about that?
Online tournaments can help, but that’s going to be very hard with all the good players starting to play. It’s going to be very hard for new or unknown players, they’re going to have to put in a lot of effort.
Do you think that the foreign scene has got better this year?
Yeah sure. Because of the region lock, they’ve got a lot of inspiration. They’ve got really good; I think it’s been good for the foreign scene.
Bit of a personal question now; how was Stork as a coach?
His coaching was really good. It was really comfortable to work with him, and he was really kind. The best coach I think.
I think that’s all the important questions covered; maybe some fun stuff now. Germany or Korea; who has the better beer?
Of course Germany. I hate Korean beer; this one’s really nice [E/N: He says, finishing his beer].
So what do you drink in Korea?
Soju! It’s really nice, but German beer is still better.
I remember you told me you wanted to be a diplomat one day [E/N: See our interview with Solar from MSI 2014 here]. Is that still your goal?
Not yet. I still want to be a progamer for a while, maybe 3-5 years or more.
With Samsung disbanding, are you going to look for a foreign team?
I’m looking for a foreign team right now. So if you guys are interested in me, contact me! Please! I’m looking for good offers, please contact me!
So, do you want to play WCS?
I’ll play in WCS Korea. I know that’s hard for foreign teams, but I’m very confident that I can do better next year. I can reach BlizzCon, and I can win it, so contact me!
You should all follow Solar on Twitter @Samsung_Solar, if only for his burgeoning career as an esports photographer.
Interviewers: Olli, Destructicon
Photos: hexhaven, Solar
Editor: munch
GL Solar regardless.
