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4 Posts
At HomeStory Cup XIV, we sat down with Solar to have a chat about the new Starcraft patch and his plans going forward for 2017.
![[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
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What a cutie. Hope he finds a team
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That is so great about HSC. You get to see more of the players normal side. Solar seems like a cool guy. Decent English as well.
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Germany3128 Posts
After seeing Solar at HSC he is easily one of the more attractive korean players for a foreign team, if they want to sign any player. Not just because of his level of play but also because he is entertaining and has pretty good English. Go for it, anyone, please 
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Really nice interview. Solar's a really positive person.
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Solar has great chances with foreign teams thanks to his english skills I think.
I really hope there will be more global events in 2017 and nothing should stop teams from picking him up!
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nice and cheerful interview. Pick this guy up please.
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hahaha this interview is really great even though the answers aren't very long :D
Someone pick him up come on!
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A skilled player who can interact well with stream viewers thanks to his proficient English. I can only imagine him being a great investment for potential sponsors.
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saying that he is looking for a foreign team but 'will' play in korea does somewhat imply he could possibly play in wcs as well right? maybe he knows more than we do about the wcs system next year? region lock gone? we can only hope.
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solar has always been one of my favorites, hope a team picks him up soon!
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Solar shouldn't have a problem finding a good team unlike the rest of his Korean brethren.
gl solar!
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Solar has a lot of things going for him (e. g. personality, language skills, playing skills). Hope he finds a great team and continues his progamer career!
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This interview is good. It is really good for Solar, I think. And for teamliquid it's really good. The best, I think.
<3
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cool interview, thanks for this, however, I would prefer to see foreign teams support their own natives similar to the way people support local businesses over larger corporations.
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On November 22 2016 06:39 evolsiefil wrote:
saying that he is looking for a foreign team but 'will' play in korea does somewhat imply he could possibly play in wcs as well right? maybe he knows more than we do about the wcs system next year? region lock gone? we can only hope.
You're reading too much into this I think. If the region lock remains I think he meant he wants to still compete on the Korean circuit with foreign sponsorship. Which is fine. He's a very good player. Even online customs will help a lot of foreigner teams' players.
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I wish him the best, but its going to be so freaking tough if not impossible for everyone to find a foreign team. A starcraft player on their roster is probably a luxury and not really something wants to invest in.
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On November 22 2016 13:35 lestye wrote:
I wish him the best, but its going to be so freaking tough if not impossible for everyone to find a foreign team. A starcraft player on their roster is probably a luxury and not really something wants to invest in.
Unfortunately I agree with this.  GL Solar regardless.
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an absolute boss was born this HSC - love him
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Give this man a job!
In this last HSC, Solar became the new MC :D
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On November 22 2016 17:41 Salteador Neo wrote:
Give this man a job!
In this last HSC, Solar became the new MC :D
So he'll go coaching LoL too ?
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On November 22 2016 17:45 AbouSV wrote:Show nested quote +On November 22 2016 17:41 Salteador Neo wrote:
Give this man a job!
In this last HSC, Solar became the new MC :D So he'll go coaching LoL too ?
Nono I meant he got his spirit, showman skills and charisma ofc 
Anyway MC coaching LoL is sad for us SC2 fans and I personally dislike the game a lot, but there is no shame in that move by MC. Best of luck to him and <3
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I was sarcastic don't worry, I did get your point.
Next HSC closing ceremony Solar to sing the new Disney song as LiquidSolar?
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That moment when one of the top SC2 players is looking for a team instead of getting invitations from all over the world.
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On November 23 2016 00:37 letian wrote:
That moment when one of the top SC2 players is looking for a team instead of getting invitations from all over the world.
I wouldn't be surprised if he has gotten offers, but probably mostly a bunch of small time teams sending him lowball offers. Still, saying he's looking for a team doesn't mean he hasn't gotten offers
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solar is awesome
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Gosu
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Nice, love Solar and love that he had such a positive experience with Stork as his coach!
*Edit*
Also ya, Liquid'Solar please!! + Show Spoiler +
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he used "really good" and "really nice" a lot
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Solar is the boss. His cheerful and optimistic attitude plus the fact that he did all those interviews although he could just say "fuck it, find yourself someone who will translate for you, I must prepare for my matches" made me his fan 
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Solar is a really nice guy
I didn't noticed it before the HSC since I don't follow SC2 anymore, but it was really cool to watch the tournament with him. Best of luck for finding a team!
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Solar has been a favorite of mine for a while now, but HSC even further improved my impression of him! Great guy. I wish him the best of luck finding a foreign team.
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just watched a little bit of HSC but Solar gave me a pretty good impression, looks like a great kid, wish him all the best
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EPT
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ugXCnxB.jpg)
