• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 14:24
CEST 20:24
KST 03:24
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall9HomeStory Cup 27 - Info & Preview18Classic wins Code S Season 2 (2025)16Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0TL Team Map Contest #5: Presented by Monster Energy6
Community News
Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL55Weekly Cups (June 23-29): Reynor in world title form?13FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event19Esports World Cup 2025 - Final Player Roster16Weekly Cups (June 16-22): Clem strikes back1
StarCraft 2
General
Statistics for vetoed/disliked maps The SCII GOAT: A statistical Evaluation Weekly Cups (June 23-29): Reynor in world title form? PiG Sty Festival #5: Playoffs Preview + Groups Recap The GOAT ranking of GOAT rankings
Tourneys
FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series Korean Starcraft League Week 77 Master Swan Open (Global Bronze-Master 2) [GSL 2025] Code S: Season 2 - Semi Finals & Finals
Strategy
How did i lose this ZvP, whats the proper response Simple Questions Simple Answers
Custom Maps
[UMS] Zillion Zerglings
External Content
Mutation # 480 Moths to the Flame Mutation # 479 Worn Out Welcome Mutation # 478 Instant Karma Mutation # 477 Slow and Steady
Brood War
General
Player “Jedi” cheat on CSL Replays question BW General Discussion Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [BSL20] Grand Finals - Sunday 20:00 CET Small VOD Thread 2.0 [BSL20] GosuLeague RO16 - Tue & Wed 20:00+CET
Strategy
Simple Questions, Simple Answers I am doing this better than progamers do.
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread Path of Exile What do you want from future RTS games? Beyond All Reason
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
Russo-Ukrainian War Thread US Politics Mega-thread Trading/Investing Thread Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine The Games Industry And ATVI
Fan Clubs
SKT1 Classic Fan Club! Maru Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread [Manga] One Piece [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
2024 - 2025 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion NBA General Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 NHL Playoffs 2024
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
Blogs
Culture Clash in Video Games…
TrAiDoS
from making sc maps to makin…
Husyelt
Blog #2
tankgirl
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Trip to the Zoo
micronesia
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 556 users

Q&A with Zoun, the GSL's breakout Protoss

Forum Index > SC2 General
12 CommentsPost a Reply
TL.net ESPORTS
Profile Joined July 2011
4 Posts
Last Edited: 2021-01-27 18:04:31
November 12 2020 19:32 GMT
#1
[image loading]

by: TheOneAboveU

With Zest & Stats facing impending military service and sOs declining in form, things have looked bleak for Korean Protosses. However, breakout player (Wiki)Zoun has offered them a glimmer of hope, reaching the RO16 of Code S while going toe-to-toe with championship caliber players in the Gold Series team competitions.

TL.net talked to the Alpha X Protoss about returning to StarCraft II after retiring in 2016, his unusual playstyle, and his plans going forward.



TheOneAboveU: Hello Zoun, thank you for taking the time and talking to us! First, how did you start down the path of becoming a progamer?

I was a viewer of Brood War Proleague when I came across StarCraft II. I wanted to play on that stage as well, so I decided to try and go pro.

You originally started out on Prime during the Proleague era and then went to SK Telecom T1. What did it mean to you back then to play for such a historical team as SKT?

I thought "Me, joining SKT?"

I was happy that the team had a great system, living up to its reputation.

SKT's StarCraft II team disbanded in 2016 and you were picked up by Alpha X in 2020, so you were on your own for close to four years. How difficult were those years for you and why did you ultimately return to professional StarCraft 2?

Zoun: When the team first disbanded, I switched to Overwatch before I had to quit for some external reasons. After that, I tried League of legends, and I joined a team called APK. However, there were a lot of players who were younger and better than me, so I gave that up. After that I was studying how to use 3D architecture/design software.

Along the way, I wanted to play some StarCraft II before I started my military service, and somehow I ended up sticking to it.

How did you come into contact with Alpha X after being teamless for so long?

I kept getting offers from teams as I was streaming, and I ended up joining Alpha X because they offered the best conditions.

Your performances this year have won you many new fans around the world, and some are calling you the new Protoss hope. Do you feel more pressure from expectations on you becoming higher?

My goal this year was to reach the GSL round of eight, but unfortunately I wasn't able to reach that goal. I'm proud that I got satisfactory results in tournaments like King of Battles and the Gold Series Team Championship—obviously, you feel pressure as a progamer to get good results.

Your gameplay style is known for its broad variety of builds—you can play excellent cheeses, but also very solid macro games—do you have any idol as a play, someone you try to emulate?

Before I quit StarCraft II the first time, I really liked macro-oriented play so I liked playstyles similar to Rain. But I learned a lot from watching Classic and Myungsik's play on SKT, and I learned a lot of strategic play as well.

How difficult is it for you to maintain good form in both tricky play and macro at the same time?

I think you have to have a solid base as a macro player to show off those strategic plays.

It seems like your signature-style in PvT is going for Phoenixes, you did it a lot in the GTC Spring season and then against INnoVation in last season's playoffs, for example. Why do you like it so much, what are the strengths of the style?

There's so many things Terran can open with. But if you go Phoenixes, you can at least force your way to a macro game, even if you give up a bit of an advantage early on—that's why I use them a lot. I don't like Robo or Twilight starts as much, because you give up too much of an advantage.

Let's talk about GTC a bit more—congratulations on getting second place this season! How important is competing in a team league for you? Does it bring back memories from Proleague, from the start of your career?

My teammates outperformed expectations, so I was really disappointed that I let them down by slipping up at the end. The GTC was fun because it let me feel nostalgia from the old Proleague days.

RagnaroK and Nice replaced Astrea and BreakingGG on your roster for the latest season. How was it for you getting two new team mates to work with?

Astrea and BreakinGG played well in their own unique ways, and I was happy to play with good players as well this season.

What's your team's greatest strength in your opinion?

I think the team's greatest strengths are managing the players' condition, the amount of support they give us, and analyzing our opponents.

Your team is considered to be very strong at preparing for your opponents, are you players doing most of this work, or is the team supporting you with gathering information and so on?

I don't know if it's as much preparation as it is every player utilizing their individual strengths to the max, sharing information with each other, and being confident.

How did the routine change for the playoffs, since you couldn't do that much preparation for those games?

It was unfortunate that the playoffs were so condensed, so we didn't have much time to prepare. I think if we had more time, we could have won the championship.

What was your reaction when you saw TIME instead of INnoVation in the ace match of the Grand Finals?

TIME has really increased his skill level lately and my recent head-to-head record against him isn't that good. I almost never get nervous in team competitions, but I was nervous playing against TIME.


Zoun takes down INnoVation to qualify for the Code S RO16


How does it feel to be called the 'INnoVation-killer?' He's one of the greatest players of all time, but he seemed afraid to play against you in the GTC ace match.

I don't think you can call me that since I've lost to him a lot recently. I think people are just paying me lip-service to be nice—when I play against INnoVation, the luck factor just goes my way.

It feels like you really grew stronger by playing in GTC every week for two seasons. Is the tournament helping you improve, giving you a goal every week?

Just having the competition is motivation in itself, so it makes me practice a lot.

Your ID was inspired by the famous general Zoun/Zhao Yun from China's Three Kingdoms era. Why do you like Zhao Yun especially?

I've liked The Romance of the Three Kingdoms since way back—particularly the characters from Liu Bei's faction. Among them, I thought "Zoun" sounded good coming off the tongue, so I went with that.

It was recently announced that Blizzard would stop the support of SC2 with new content. As a progamer, how do you feel about this? Does it change any of your plans for the future?

I was really disappointed in this news. But it didn't affect my future plans.

What is your goal for 2021?

Obviously, it's winning a championship.

Thank you very much for your time, Zoun, we wish you the best of luck in the future and hope to see more of you. This is your opportunity to make shout-outs!

There's a lot of people who've told me they're my fans lately, and that really makes me happy. I'll try to repay that with good play.


You can watch Zoun's stream at Twitch.tv/zoun123.

Liquid+ members can check in here!
Facebook Twitter Reddit
TL+ Member
Xain0n
Profile Joined November 2018
Italy3963 Posts
Last Edited: 2020-11-12 19:40:52
November 12 2020 19:40 GMT
#2
Zoun seems nice and humble, it would be great to see him win a tournament!
Waxangel
Profile Blog Joined September 2002
United States33339 Posts
Last Edited: 2020-11-12 19:50:44
November 12 2020 19:50 GMT
#3
apparently SC2 is like megaman where you absorb someone's powers by defeating them

Clear the case with Zoun and innovation's interview skills anyway (just kidding )
AdministratorHey HP can you redo everything youve ever done because i have a small complaint?
ZigguratOfUr
Profile Blog Joined April 2012
Iraq16955 Posts
November 12 2020 19:53 GMT
#4
Before I quit StarCraft II the first time, I really liked macro-oriented play so I liked playstyles similar to Rain. But I learned a lot from watching Classic and Myungsik's play on SKT, and I learned a lot of strategic play as well.


Myungsik certainly had a lot to teach about cheese and other bs plays.
MoonyD
Profile Joined December 2013
Australia191 Posts
November 13 2020 00:17 GMT
#5
It's great to see there's still so hope and new promising Protoss players like Zoun an Astrea coming up in the ranks. It's still going to be a while though I think until we will ever get a dominant protoss player.
The world wants to be deceived
pvsnp
Profile Joined January 2017
7676 Posts
November 13 2020 01:12 GMT
#6
Wait, has Zoun already completed his military service?
Denominator of the Universe
TL+ Member
ZigguratOfUr
Profile Blog Joined April 2012
Iraq16955 Posts
November 13 2020 01:18 GMT
#7
On November 13 2020 10:12 pvsnp wrote:
Wait, has Zoun already completed his military service?


Don't think so. But he's the youngest Korean in Code S so he has the time.
Zambrah
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
United States7288 Posts
November 13 2020 07:22 GMT
#8
Zoun is great. Protoss and does 3D, great combo.
Incremental change is the Democrat version of Trickle Down economics.
Edpayasugo
Profile Joined April 2013
United Kingdom2214 Posts
November 13 2020 08:39 GMT
#9
Nice
FlaSh MMA INnoVation FanTaSy MKP TY Ryung | soO Dark Rogue | HuK PartinG Stork State
col_jung
Profile Joined October 2017
139 Posts
November 13 2020 10:19 GMT
#10
Stellar play lately from Zoun. I hope he keeps it up.
DevilDriver
Profile Blog Joined December 2011
Germany77 Posts
November 13 2020 11:24 GMT
#11
Nice interview, definitely one of my favourite protoss players at the moment
rickzou
Profile Joined May 2019
46 Posts
November 13 2020 16:28 GMT
#12
didn't know zoun means Zhao Yun, hahaha
WombaT
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
Northern Ireland25035 Posts
November 13 2020 18:46 GMT
#13
Solid interviews, as to be expected from TL. Excited to see how Zoun does after a real breakout few months
'You'll always be the cuddly marsupial of my heart, despite the inherent flaws of your ancestry' - Squat
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
FEL
16:00
Cracov 2025: Qualifier #1
RotterdaM828
IndyStarCraft 263
CranKy Ducklings201
Liquipedia
PSISTORM Gaming Misc
15:55
FSL team league: ASP vs PTB
Freeedom8
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
RotterdaM 828
IndyStarCraft 263
JuggernautJason71
ProTech66
StarCraft: Brood War
Calm 5149
Mini 635
firebathero 279
actioN 199
TY 71
BRAT_OK 67
Mind 61
Rock 33
Dota 2
monkeys_forever162
League of Legends
Dendi1275
Grubby905
Counter-Strike
fl0m1581
Super Smash Bros
Westballz47
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor384
Liquid`Hasu29
Other Games
Gorgc3668
FrodaN1770
Mlord593
KnowMe131
Hui .127
Trikslyr43
Organizations
Other Games
EGCTV1029
StarCraft 2
angryscii 10
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 23 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• printf 56
• tFFMrPink 20
• iHatsuTV 4
• OhrlRock 1
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• sooper7s
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• Migwel
• intothetv
• LaughNgamezSOOP
StarCraft: Brood War
• Azhi_Dahaki17
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
• BSLYoutube
Dota 2
• C_a_k_e 3055
• WagamamaTV705
• masondota2366
• Ler99
League of Legends
• Nemesis5813
• Jankos1424
Other Games
• imaqtpie931
• Shiphtur508
Upcoming Events
RSL Revival
15h 36m
Clem vs Classic
SHIN vs Cure
FEL
17h 36m
WardiTV European League
17h 36m
BSL: ProLeague
23h 36m
Dewalt vs Bonyth
Replay Cast
2 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
2 days
WardiTV European League
2 days
The PondCast
3 days
Replay Cast
4 days
RSL Revival
4 days
[ Show More ]
Replay Cast
5 days
RSL Revival
5 days
FEL
5 days
RSL Revival
6 days
FEL
6 days
FEL
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

BSL 2v2 Season 3
HSC XXVII
Heroes 10 EU

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL Season 20
Acropolis #3
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 2
CSL 17: 2025 SUMMER
Copa Latinoamericana 4
Championship of Russia 2025
RSL Revival: Season 1
Murky Cup #2
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters
CCT Season 2 Global Finals
IEM Melbourne 2025

Upcoming

2025 ACS Season 2: Qualifier
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
2025 ACS Season 2
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
K-Championship
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
SEL Season 2 Championship
FEL Cracov 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.