The TaeJa Fan Club

You're one of the two invited players at IEM Katowice alongside sOs. How do you feel about getting invited?
I've never competed in an IEM before, so I'm glad I'm getting such a nice chance.

You're the king of $10,000 tournaments. Now you have a chance to make $100,000. Does that change the way you approach this tournament?
No, it doesn't change it. I just want to take first place because that's the only placement that has prize money.

There's a lot of talk around that format. What do you think about it personally?
I think second place will suffer a big blow.

So you want a better distribution?
Yes.

Some people are worried about your form or your mentality these days. What do you think?
I don't think I'm playing as well as I was before. Still, I'm trying to work hard.

What are your chances of winning then?

1 hour later

Are you alive?

20 minutes later

I think it's possible as long as I don't meet a Protoss in the early rounds.

Other players are doing pretty good in TvP due to the mine changes. It's still hard for you then?
TvP does happen to be easier than TvZ. However, because the common opinion is that TvP is hard, it ends up feeling hard to me as well. I think it will be okay to face a Protoss player.

San says you're one of the championship candidates for this tournament. Your thoughts?
The reason San says he can't win is because he actually does think he can win.

So who do you think are the top candidates to win? San?
And Life.

And you?
I don't know, I get nervous when I play these days.

So humble! Other players like PartinG and Life seem to get arrogant when they win. What do you think about that kind of attitude?

90 minutes later

It's good that they can be confident.

Good as in you're envious?
Yes

Ugh, GG. Let's just wrap. Anything you want to say to end?
I'll practice hard and try to win as many tournaments as I can in 2014.

Waxangel: You won your seventh major tournament at HomeStory Cup VIII, but you didn't seem to be excited. What were you thinking when you won?

TaeJa: My games the previous day had ended late, so I was tired from lack of sleep and didn't feel much at that time. All I could think about was going back to the hotel and sleeping. But when I lay down, it hit me that I had won it all and I had trouble going to sleep.

Incontrol made some funny comments about your lack of emotions after winning. Any response to that?

Nothing in particular, but the lack of an audience made it feel like I was playing a regular game. If there was an audience, maybe I would have done something special?

Does that mean you and Nazgul are going to work on ceremonies for the next two weeks?

If there's a fun idea, then sure. If I win a game, I think it's possible.

You said that you had lost interest in the game for a period, and even thought about retiring. What made you think that way?

My health has gotten worse again lately, my wrists and just overall I don't feel that great. I think it's because I haven't had time to rest lately.

Recently, a lot of players have retired and a teams have disbanded, and it felt like the StarCraft 2 scene was shrinking. Naturally, it made me think about my future, and I was conflicted on the inside.

Combined, it made it hard for me to focus on the game.

Is there any field you've thought of going into in particular? Or something you're interested in?

When I was in high school, I was thinking of becoming a social studies teacher if I didn't make it as a pro-gamer. I read books on social studies and history since an early age, and I really liked those subjects. They were the subjects I got the best grades on in school as well.

Has winning HomeStory given you new motivation?

I'm not sure yet. I'll have to talk about it with my family when I return home.

Is the game still fun for you?

The game is always fun.

Have you talked to other progamers about your future? What kind of advice have they given you?

I talked to Symbol at HomeStory Cup. He told me "it would be such a shame if someone with your skill retired."

You're still young, even for a pro-gamer. It seems strange that you'd worry about this sort of thing already.

I think that a progamer's future is an unsure thing. Because of that, I think that earning a lot early and leaving early isn't a bad approach.

You made a popular tweet after winning the tournament. Is prize money something that's on your mind a lot?

Yes a gamer has to earn as much as possible when he can. So I always play thinking about the prize money.

Are you confident in your play lately? What did you think of the DreamHack group you got with many strong Terrans?

I'm not that confident lately, and I think I got the hardest group at DreamHack. I'm very lacking in TvT confidence these days, while I'm most confident against Zerg.

If I manage to make it through the group stage in the top two spots, I think my chance of winning the tournament is around 50%.

You're at the new TL-HQ in the Netherlands until DreamHack. How's living there?

It's all good, but I've ended up only eating microwavable Korean food and ramen. I've had so much of it I could throw up. Victor's girlfriend comes over sometimes and makes us dinner. It's really good, and I'm thankful to her.

I haven't had a chance to see the Netherlands, and I don't really plan to. I think I will just keep playing.

How's playing on Europe?

There are some good players, but compared to the Korean ladder it's easy.

Who's good?

For Terran, Happy. Zerg, I don't know. For toss, Elfi, kekekeke.

Any final comments?

Thanks to my fans for cheering for me, and I'll do my best to get good results at my final tournament this year, DreamHack Winter!

Waxangel: Can we do a short interview before WCS?

TaeJa: Sure, lol.

At WCS AM you said your TvT was a problem because you haven't been able to practice. Is that still a problem going into WCS?

Yes, I played some TvT while I was streaming lately, and I can't even break 50% win-rate...

Is it hard to find people to practice with since you're in Europe now (TaeJa stayed after the ATC finals)? How are you prepping for WCS?

I haven't been able to rest for almost a month because I've been going to tournaments, so I'm just focusing on regulating my condition.

You're up against WCS Season 1 champ INnoVation first. You worried about him, given your current state in TvT?


We're both doing poorly at TvT lately, so I'm not that worried.


There's also two Protoss players in your group: NaNiwa and Duckdeok. What do you think about them?

I heard that NaNiwa was a good player and that he practiced a lot from the other players at the EG-TL house, so I think he will be a difficult opponent. Duckdeok is a champion, so he must be good as well. I also remember losing to Duckdeok back in GSL Season 5 (2012), so they'll both be difficult opponents.

International fans still remember 'Summer of TaeJa' 2012. How do you feel about your skill level compared to then?

I had a level of skill back then where I felt like I wouldn't lose to anyone I faced, but nowadays, maybe because of lack of practice, I don't think I'm that good.

Is it just because of lack of practice? Anything else that was helping you play that well in 2012?

I think it's just the difference in the amount of practice I put in. I tend to gain confidence through practice.

So it's possible that you could recover your old level of skill?

Yes.

At your current level then, do you think you have a shot at winning WCS Season II?

I'd have to have luck on my side given my current level.

Did you ever think, playing WCS America, that maybe it would have been good to stay in the Korean region?

Nope.

A lot of fans on the various community sites consider Korea to be the most prestigious region—do you ever feel like you just want to prove your skill or just go for pure prestige?

Things like prestige are important, but I think it's better to make a lot of money to prepare for my future life.

You first attended a foreign tournament at Assembly Winter early last year, and it seems like you've become a veteran of the scene by travelling to so many tournaments after. What's changed about you from that experience?

I don't think anything has changed, lol.

See, this is why you're a top 5 worst interviewee.

;; Who's #1?

Personally I think it's YoDa. Must be a Terran racial trait.

Keke;;

Hmm, any final comments?

I'll work hard to get a good result at the Season finals, so I hope a lot of people cheer for me.

fragster: TaeJa, you just won 2:0 against Bly. Was it an easy game for you?

Yoon 'TaeJa' Young Suh: It was easier than I thought. I am happy that I won.

What about your group stage matches – was it easy as well?

TaeJa: Yeah, it was okay as well. Yesterday, my condition was a bit bad, so I was a bit afraid. Overall, I am happy that I got through the group stage.

Your next match is against SaSe. Is he stronger than your earlier opponents?

TaeJa: It is going to be a bit difficult. I have never won against SaSe.

Why is SaSe so strong against you?

TaeJa: At first he is a Protoss and as the second reason he has a pretty different style in comparism to other Protoss.

Has SaSe gotten a better player since he is training in Korea?

TaeJa: I know that SaSe has been training in Korea in the StarTale team house. I think he really got better in Korea.

Let's speak about the other players in the tournament. Is there a player you really fear?

TaeJa: The most difficult one is Stephano but if I have to play against him it is the final so I don't worry too much.

What about your team mate HerO?

TaeJa: It is okay. I may meet him in the semi-final and the winner of us is going to be in the finals. So it's fine.

Let us talk about Team Liquid. How does it feel being part of the team?

TaeJa: With beeing on Team Liquid I got good results and the team is helping me a lot. I am improving my skill, it is good for me.

Do you feel better playing for Team Liquid than playing for Koream teams?

TaeJa: I really want to play GSTL. While beeing on Slayers and having the partnership with Old Generations there were always too many players in the lineup. That is kinda diappointing.

Back to the tournament here in Valencia: How do you like the city and the location?

TaeJa: The weather here is very hot. That is the reason why I was not in the best condition on the first day but now it's okay in the shadow where it is not so hot.

So you like Korea more than Spain?

TaeJa: The views and the cities here in Spain are really cool but the food ... I just prefer the Korean food.

What about international tournaments in general, do you like playing many tournaments in the world?

TaeJa: I like it a lot. I can learn a lot about all the countries I visit and I like the tournaments. I have much free time. I don't have to play many games to win. Two day or three day events are really nice. I pretty much like that style.

Is there any tournament you may like the most?

TaeJa: MLG.

The arenas in New York especially or the series in general?

TaeJa: The series in general.

Let's come to Heart of the Swarm. Did you have the chance to play the beta yet?

TaeJa: I tried it. I like Terran. But I miss the units that they picked off from Terran.

You miss the warhound?

TaeJa: Yeah.

Is there a special unit you maybe like the most?

TaeJa: Tempest.

Why?

TaeJa: They look cool and they can attack from a very long distance.

You think that the races are balanced at the moment in Heart of the Swarm?

TaeJa: I don't know, really. I haven't played it so much yet.

So you are focusing on Wings of Liberty?

TaeJa: Yeah, I am.

Which tournaments are you going to play next?

TaeJa: GSL is the next one.

What do you think you can reach in this GSL season?

TaeJa: I am now in the quarter final and I think I can reach the final.

Any opponent which is pretty strong?

TaeJa: Life.

Why?

TaeJa: He is a good player and he never plays similiar. He has a lot of good tactics.

How much have you improved with beeing in the international scene and on Team Liquid now for some months?

TaeJa: I have improved a lot within Team Liquid. I have reached the quarter finals in GSL. I have won a big tournament in America. It is really good at the moment.

Thank you for the interview.

1. Hello TaeJa, would you please introduce yourself to your fans?

Hello, my name is Young Suh Yun. I am in team Slayers, and I am 19 in Korean.
I am to become the next terran emperor.

2. Your success in GSL and dominance in online tournaments has gained you quite a bit of fame in the foreign scene. Did you know you're becoming very well known in the foreign scene?

I have been feeling the heat of my popularity during my streams lately and a lot of people are watching my streams because of that.

3. You made your first debut in the GSL while on ZeNeX in season one, but emerged later on SlayerS. When exactly did you join and how did you end up joining?

The Slayers team were searching for team members last year in April, and I applied myself to that search and became one of the team member.

4. Have you enjoyed being on SlayerS?

Of course, I think SlayerS enabled me to reach code S.

5. Who are your closest friends on Slayers or in the pro scene in general?

The closest slayers member is Alicia because he took care of me the best when I was in the slayers house.

6. Golden seemed to leave SlayerS on good terms. Was everyone sad to see him go?

Of course. Golden and I the same age, and I was so sad because of it.

7. Among the players on SlayerS, where would you rate your skill?

My skill would be about in the middle.

8. Who do you think are the strongest players on SlayerS/in the pro scene in general?

Hands down, its MMA.

9. Was SlayerS_Boxer a role model of yours growing up? Whats it like being on the same team as him?

Being in the same team as the Emperor makes me feel proud.

10. It was unfortunate that you didn't get into Code S, but you got to fight for the Emperor. How did it feel to be the one to push SlayerS_Boxer into Code S?

I wasn't able to reach code s but I am satisfied for having such great fans.

11. How did the team react when you got back?

At least for that day - they called me the king.

12. Did Boxer do anything special for you as a result?

Jessica bought me a mouse. :D

13. Was Starcraft 2 your first RTS, or have you played any others?

I played BW and I wanted to be a professional gamer in elementary school

14. During your time as a part of SlayerS it seems like your growth as a player has been incredible. Does SlayerS have a very difficult training regime?

Its not hellish, I just worked hard

15. You're one of the youngest players in the Starcraft 2 pro scene [He just turned 17 on January 1st]. How did you get so good for someone at your age? Did you join a team early on and have good practice partners, or did you simply practice a ton on your own and joined a team once you had the necessary skill?

I practiced on my own and entered a team.

16. What does your training regime look like? [Note - I think this was translated to something more like "What's your own personal regime like/how hard is it? I will get clarification on this later tonight and add an addendum!]

Its not hell but, nor is it really much of a practice - it feels like working out in the park.

17. You always get such difficult Code S groups. Do you ever get nervous during GSL matches?

I like multiple set games and I have weaknesses in low set [game count] matches. Because Code S [the former Code S format] has low set matches, and if I lose a game and play the next round with another player, thats when I get nervous the most.

18. What are your goals for Starcraft 2?

My final goal is winning CODE SSSSS.

19. How do you think you did in 2011, and what are your goals for 2012?

I was happy to have reached code A in 2011 and this year's goal is of course winning code S

20. You have a lot of foreign fans, and others who want to see more matches from you.
Do you ever want to go to any foreign tournaments?

If I could, I would participate in any of them.

21. You have one of the coolest looking keyboards out there. What kind of equipment do you use, and how on earth did you get such a crazy looking keyboard?

I use a keyboard called FILCO , which is a mechanical keyboard. I changed all of the key caps of it and bought those thru online shopping.

22. A lot of people have made note of the fact that foreigners often approach the game differently than Korean players. Who do you think are the most interesting/talented foreigners?

I heard Stephano was the most talented SC2 foreign player out there.

23. You've mentioned you think protoss is OP, but Alicia does nothing but rage about Terran. What do you think about the balance of the game so far in Sc2?

I think protoss is kinda op-er than terran and zerg is ... you know...lol. [Note: His favorite matchup is TvZ. :3]

24. Thank you so much for doing this interview! Do you have anything you would like to say to your fans?

I am extremely thankful for all my fans out there, and until today I was not able to accomplish much, but now I can finally repay all of you. For those who have supported me thus far, I give you my sincere thanks and I will do anything it takes to become THE BEST out there!

- Your thoughts on achieving an all-kill?
I am extremely happy. I want to quickly get the word out to my family.

- Your opponent was from your former team. (**Taeja was on ZeNEX)
It was comfortable for me. Even if it wasn’t me, his (zerO’s) style is well known so it was easy to face.

- How many kills did you predict?
I thought that if I beat zerO, I would get the all-kill.

- Your reason for such confidence?
Continuous practice and laddering. Through that I can see the rankings.

- Did you talk with the ZeNEX members before the game?
We told each other let’s play our best.

- Which game was the most difficult?
The 1st set, my record against protoss in practice was not so good.

- Your style was really aggressive.
When I saw Puzzle’s match history, he favored using void ray or 3 gate openings so I prepared for that. I really focused on preparing for the 1st set. In the 2nd set, after my scan I saw that he had a lot of zerglings so I built more bunkers just in case.

- When can we expect your debut in the individual leagues?
People who have made their splash in the GSTL seem to make it through to the preliminaries in the next season. I will try my best to get good results.

- What has been good about your team switch?
The team atmosphere is really good. When you are there, you can’t help but practice harder.

- Are you greedy for more games (in the next round)?
If I am sent out, I will play but for now, I will step aside for the other players.

- Any last comments?
I want to thank all the SlayerS teammates who helped me practice. One of my friends who is a senior in high school probably watched my game today, but in the future, I hope he can focus on his studies (**for most Korean students this is a stressful time with very little free time). I want to thank my aunt who drives me to every match, and I want to sent my love to my parents.