[Tossgirl's Medic Date] Flash

Hello there. I am Progamer Seo Ji Soo [ToSsGirL] of STX Soul.

I'm glad 'Tossgirl's Medic Date' has received a good response from the members of Nate. I was very curious of the readers' response during the last interview because it was my very first one. It gave me a lot of encouragement to see that my articles were climbing the charts when they got released.

I didn't have to think to hard about who to interview after Jaedong. After Jaedong, there's only one other player to choose. It has to be "The Final Boss," KT Rolster's Flash. Today's guest on Tossgirl's Medic Date, Flash, recently swept the awards during the 2011 Awards Ceremony and is the top player at the moment.

Also, because flash is a terran player, I can't help but admire him. Those who play terran can't help but want to learn from him and be like him. I even wondered a lot about what my first question to him should be. I felt like I should find out his practice regime and learn something from him.


I've heard that he has a very relaxing personality and his interviews are very comfortable but apparently I was the first girl to interview him so he got a little shy. He may be the best player but he showed me the 20 year old young adult that is Flash. Now let us enjoy the date I had together.




Tossgirl: It's been a very long time. I used to speak to you informally on Battle.net but now that you've become such a famous player I don't think I can anymore. (laughs)
Flash: You can still talk to me informally (laughs). I didn't think you would remember me from back then but I guess you have. [T/N: Do note that when flash talks to Tossgirl, he calls her "nuna" which shows that this is less of a interviewer, interviewee relationship but more of a friendly relationship type of interview]

TG: How can I forget a player like Flash? (laughs) Apparently you don't realize that it's more likely for a famous player to remembered by those who knew them in the past.(laughs) [T/N: Because this is such a friendly interview, there will be many laughs]
Flash: At that time, you were way more famous than me and I was just joining a clan for those who dreamed of becoming a progamer. I will never forget applying for By. clan and meeting you. However, it could have been easy for you to forget.(laughs) I didn't think you would remember just some kid wanting to join the clan.

TG: At first I was afraid that if the clan members knew I was a girl that they wouldn't practice properly with me because of some sort of prejudice so I kept it a secret. Did you know I was Tossgirl? Did you know that it was me at the time of your test?[T/N: Skill testing match to join the clan]
Flash: After some time past, I found out it was you. The more important truth is that during that I lost during that test.

TG: I didn't mention that because I thought you wouldn't like it but you've taken the risk and said it with your own mouth.(laughs) Losing to me once might haunt you for the rest of your life.


Flash: At the time of my loss, you were a lot better than me so losing was inevitable. I had a lot of confidence in my terran matchup at the time but you were really good. After I lost during the test, I said to myself "I have to play that person again in the future." When you see a skilled player, you can't help but want to beat that person. But it's unfortunate that there's never been an opportunity after that test.

TG: Although it was while you were an amateur, it can't be easy for you to admit your loss to me. Are you sure you're not going to regret saying that?
Flash: What's there to regret? At that time, I had to learn from you so losing was a definite possibility. It wasn't that I was playing against a girl, but I was playing against Progamer Tossgirl. What's there to be embarrassed about when an amateur loses to a progamer?

TG: Regardless, doesn't it hurt a male's self-esteem when they lose to a female player?
Flash: To be honest, I think it must have been hard for you. A girl can probably feel unwanted. It's not like your a represented for girl gamers, but rather, you are a progamer like the rest of us but because you are a female, a win against a male was something special and having that 1 win on your record was noticed as an accomplishment. And you are made to assume that a loss to you hurts the self-esteem of the male progamers.

And even though you are distinctly a pro and a person with the same odds, it seems like it's never a progamer losing to a progamer, but a male losing to a female and so that is frustrating for me. I can't help but feel that that would make it hard for a progamer.


TG: It's as if you entered my mind and came out with these thoughts. To be honest, what you described did make it hard for me. Like you said, I never got treated as if I beat a progamer as a progamer, instead I was treated as if I accomplished some feat by beating a male as a female so it was frustrating. Although you are young, you seem to have mature mindset.(laughs) It's very peculiar that you can know the thoughts of another person like this. (laughs)
Flash: They were just thoughts I had. As a progamer, you obviously want to win, and you obviously want to do well beyond anything else, but I always felt that it must have been hard being discriminated against because you are a female.

TG: Regardless, it would probably shock you if you lost to me again. (laughs)
Flash: Of course it would! But know that it wouldn't be because I lost to a girl, but more because I, a player with many golds, lost to a player with no wins. You too should stop stressing because your girl but start stressing because you aren't showing good results. [T/N: That sounds a lot meaner in english than it does in korean.]

TG: I'm really thankful that you said that. Because you said that, I'll have to practice really hard as to make it possible to create a match Flash during the regular season.
Flash: I will be waiting. You have to give me an opportunity to get revenge for that loss when I was an amateur.


TG: I recall a time before Flash's right arm went through surgery. When I saw the pain in your right hand I coundn't help but think "How hard did he practice to be in a situation like this?" Before, in a picture from a finals match, they showed the area between your thumb and your index finger was ripped and I thought to myself "How can he practice with a hand like that?"


Flash: Because my hand is relatively small, I have to stretch quite a bit to reach the higher numbers on the keyboard so the skin there tears often. They tell me that I should frequently apply hand cream but when would I find time to wash my hands and apply hand cream while I practice?(laughs) So that's why that area tears quite a bit. Although it hurts, there's nothing I can do. (laughs)

TG: Because I played piano when I was young, I'm able to hit the numbers up to 0 easily. [T/N: while holding CTRL obviously..] When I started using the keyboard, I realized I had the appropriate hand for it. So it was because your hands are small that they ripped.
Flash: I'm very jealous. It seems like my hand it bigger than yours but I guess mine just aren't as flexible. (laughs) If only I had played piano when I was younger to avoid my hand tearing like this.

TG: Regardless, I can't help but think you're quite the player when knowing you practice with such painful hand.
Flash: I feel there are other progamers that practice just as hard as me. Because my physical condition isn't as good as other people, I just feel I have practice harder than them. I don't as though I'm some great player.

TG: From the point of view of a seunbae [T/N: Um.. like a person's senior.] Not too long ago, I saw a picture of your arm after surgery and the scar was insanely big. The pain must have been unbearable [before the surgery] but seeing you endure it and practice and participate in the finals, I felt that there is a lot that I need to learn.
Flash: Hearing that makes me very embarrassed. (laughs) When I first felt the pain, I assumed it would go away naturally. But on the contrary, the pain did not go away easily, instead it began to grow. I got really scared thinking that maybe I won't be able to continue on as a progamer. How hard would it have been to retire not because of my own will but because I couldn't control? So I let go of the greediness I had in terms of individual leagues, and went ahead with the surgery. [T/N: Seems to me like he's implying that he let Jangbi win .. Or he took himself out of MST]

TG: After the surgery, I can't imagine the rehabilitation process was easy.
Flash: For a while, I lived at the rehabilitation center. Because I hadn't met the others for a while, I began to grow a fear of seeing other people. I even got afraid when someone started a conversation with me. It was quite severe. As Proleague commenced, I started to realized the benefit of the physical and psychological rehabilitation I received. I had a lot worries, such as if I can recover my skills or can I play as well as last year, that I lost a lot of sleep.

TG: Regardless, it's fortunate that you made such a brilliant recovery. You're undefeated. Seeing this makes me think you're just an amazing player.


Flash: There were times where I thought I wouldn't recover but mostly, I had faith. I've always practiced with the utmost efforts so I didn't think the few weeks that I missed would affect me too much. If a player who's practiced the way I have diminished in skill because of a few lost weeks, e-Sports coulnd't be considered as a real sport. I think it's because of the effort I had put in throughout my career that I was able to be successful in my recovery.

TG: Results are a reflection of your efforts I guess. I'm not even a part of any coaching staff but I feel very proud. (laughs) [T/N: Not sure what she means by that. I'm guessing being proud of any player from a Coach's POV?]
Flash: When you put it like that, I gain strength.(laughs) I wanted to show others that your efforts you put in will never betray you. I think my successful recovery is a testament to the amount of effort I have put in. Now, as my arm continues to fully recover, all that's left is to be even more successful.

TG: If you start to play better than now, who will be able to take down Flash?(laughs)
Flash: Recently, I've been receiving this question a lot. They continue to ask me to predict who will be able to defeat me but how can I know?(laughs) Anyone can defeat me but as long as no player is able to humiliate me, I'll be happy. Those are my honest feelings. I hope Flash the Second doesn't emerge.(laughs) [T/N: What's he talking about? He is Flash 2.0] People have a naturally tendency to want to keep the top spot.

TG: Right now, I think it's safe to say that there are no Flash the Second.
Flash: It just wouldn't work out if they did emerge. (laughs)


Source: DES

Hello everybody, this is ToSsGirL from STX Soul.

After I started the corner 'Medic Date' I have been happy to meet players I have always wanted to befriend, but never had a chance to. At first I started the section to provide fans with interviews, but in the process I have been getting a lot of motivation to perform better as a progamer myself. I will do my best to bring the readers fun material, so please continue to support and look out for me.

Part 1 of 'Tossgirl on Flash', where I interviewed 'The Ultimate Weapon' himself, garnered explosive reactions from the fans. A lot of fans have been asking me if I really beat Flash. I must say that while it is true, he was nowhere near where he is today, heck, he hadn't even made his debut as a progamer back then. Albeit with a dream to become progamer one day, he was still a nobody, an amateur, so I was able to beat him.

It seems that a lot of fans were surprised by how mature Flash's responses to some of the questions were. I was also moved by his ability to look at things from my perspective and understand how I would feel about certain aspects of being a female progamer. To be frank, I was always frustrated by the fact that I wasn't regarded as 'Tossgirl the progamer' but as 'the female progamer.' Perhaps it was because of Flash's empathy that we were able to carry out the interview in a very comfortable manner.



In part 1, we discussed the reasons Flash was bound to succeed as a progamer, and our brief acquaintance. In part 2, we will speak more of the misconceptions surrounding Flash and the truth that lies underneath.

While doing some research to prepare for our interview, I discovered there were quite a few rumors floating around about Flash. A few were debunked in the past, but there were also a sizable amount that hadn't yet been answered officially, so I will be sure to resolve them in this interview.

Without further delay, let us dive into the truth behind all the rumors surrounding Flash.

◆Flash only cares about a girl's looks?

TG=Let's dig in to the real Flash now, shall we? (laughs) Do you know there are quite a few rumors floating around about you?

Flash=Of course. Even my parents call me up sometimes and ask me about them (laughs). Sometimes I wish I were given a chance to dispel these rumors, but it is regretful that there haven't a lot of chances.

TG=Well today you will have your chance (laughs). There is a rumor that Flash only looks at the outside appearances of a girl. There's even video evidence (laughs). [Eprops for whoever finds this video]



Flash=It all started about two years ago, I think. In celebration of DES' one year anniversary, they conducted a double interview with Jaedong. I said that I wanted to marry somebody really pretty in that interview. Afterwards, I've said that pretty girls are the type of girls I like on air a few times. I think that's how it all got started, but I want to take this chance to say that I only said those things for entertainment, and that is not who I am.

TG=Some people have argued that you seemed quite serious when you made those comments (laughs). Let's start the Flash Ideal Girl League to find out about the truth. First, let's start with Nicole and Goo Hara from Kara.



Flash=(Without hesitation) Nicole.

Tossgirl=You mentioned that Nicole was your ideal girl a while ago. How about Seo Hyun [aka Jaedong's girl] or Taeyeon?



Flash=This is a very difficult question. They both have traits that I like and don't like. (After thinking for a while) Seo Hyun.

TG=Shin Min Ah [GODDESS OMG] vs Koo Hye Sun!



Flash=This one's easy. Koo Hye Sun! [...]

TG=What about Kim Tae Hee vs Song Hye Gyo, arguably the prettiest women in Korea?



Flash=I prefer Kim Tae Hee.

TG=Onto the semis then. Nicole vs Seo Hyun?



Flash=I prefer SeoHyun. In the past I have said that Nicole is my ideal girl, but now I think SeoHyun is more charming. In the last interview, JD picked SH as his ideal girl, and my reasons are similar (laughs).

TG=How about Koo Hye Sun vs Kim Tae hee?



Flash=I pick KHS.



TG=Onto the finals then. SeoHyun vs Koo Hye Sun!



Flash=This is the hardest question in the world (laughs). I love them both. Never would I have imagined you to bring me such agony (laughs). (After thinking for a long time) KHS is my final choice.

TG=I guess looking at your ideal girl, outwards appearance really isn't everything. [OUCH]

Flash=Looks are what kids look at (laughs). I'm just kidding. After being a progamer for a while, you start to look for people who are understanding, caring and mature. It's a plus if they know how to be good housewives. I also look for someone who thinks out of the box. SeoHyun and Koo Hye Sun both have all of these, so I had to look for a bit more, and I like girls who have varied interests and hobbies. I read in the news a while ago that KHS has experience directing a movie and showed aptitude in many different career paths, and it made her look that much more desirable. Of course looks are good but I really want to stress that they're not the first thing that I look at (laughs).

TG=Through the Flash IGL we were able to find out that the rumor was indeed unfounded (laughs). Is that fair to say?

Flash=Please let that be my official stance on girls now (laughs).

◆Flash is awkward with friends who are the same age? [Being the same age carries more meaning in Korea than in other places, because you must treat seniors of even 1 year with respect, and take care of those younger than you like a younger sibling. In some way, they are your pool of 'true friends']

TG=Looking through the community, I saw somebody say 'Flash is awkward with his Dong Gaps [=people of the same age].' In fact it said you hang better with the oldies; is there any truth to this?

Flash=It is true (laughs). For some reason I feel more comfortable with the oldies. I think this rumor started because I am so close to Mantoss. Even before him, I always had an easier time hanging out with my seniors. I find myself being awkward and unable to engage with my Gap's. I think my results instill prejudice within my peers, so the older ones can approach me more easily than my peers.

Also because I debutted pretty early everybody on my team was older than I was. Having lived with those that are older than me for a long while, I guess it is somewhat natural to feel more comfortable around the oldies than my peers.

TG=So it's true that you are awkward with Stats, who is the same age as you (laughs).

Flash=How could I be awkward with him when we've been living in the same team for years? (laughs) We aren't awkward. It's just that people are more used to seeing people hanging out with their peers more than their seniors, unlike me. Awkward isn't the right term to use [for Stats and my relationship].

Also there was a rumor going around for a while that I had no friends, and it is partially true. The thing is, though, it wasn't that nobody wanted to be friends with me, but it was more like I shunned everyone around me (laughs). Everybody has those moments when they want to be alone. I guess I learned how to enjoy solitude at a young age (laughs). Practically, I found it more beneficial to maintain a calm mindset rather than pumping yourself up and chatting with teammates before games. I think the rumor started because I could often be spotted at team matches listening to music in the corner by myself.

These days I don't need to sit in the corner with headphones on to calm myself, so I chill with other players in the backroom. So that rumor kinda disappeared (laughs). I still hang out all by myself on our off-days sometimes so I wouldn't have anything to say if somebody said I had no friends (laughs).

TG=I once heard that those at the top are always lonely, no matter how many perceived friends they have. I think that may have played a part in the rumors.



Flash=That's also true. You know it well (laughs). Honestly, there is a lot of pressure at the top. It's solitude that is unlike any other solitude. I always have to look out for my back in case somebody will catch up to me. It's not true to say that the strong-minded never feel threatened or nervous. That's called being emotionless, and I question whether you can call those human.

I have all kinds of thoughts in my head. I fear my fans shunning me for disappointing them, and it is so so difficult to watch them feel down after I disappoint them. On the days before finals, I often shudder at the thought of coming in second. I think it's inevitable, no matter how strong your mindset is, to feel that way; it's only human.

However I don't like to share these thoughts with others so I often come off as emotionless. I think that has added to my loneliness. I just hope people don't forget that I am human too.

TG=I think I can sympathize with you on being lonely (laughs). I am curious how you deal with it all.

Flash=I don't really need to actively resolve it. It's a small price to pay for occupying the throne. I'm not anything special; it's something that everybody who has been at the top has had to go through, and I don't want to sound like a wuss. I think it's a fight against yourself to maintain the status as top dog.

◆Flash's thoughts on his rival, Jaedong

TG=In the past, we often saw that when a rival starts to underperform, the counterpart often loses his form too. I am curious how you feel about JD's shaky form as of late.



Flash=It doesn't concern me much. I believe in JD. Two years ago I was slumping hard. JD was sweeping the individual leagues and being awarded the Proleague MVP, while I was being eliminated in the Ro16. As I was able to regain my form, I believe JD has it in him to be a contender for the throne once again.

The one thing that does worry me, though, is that he is on team8. I really hope they do well, and everything works out for them. I wish they would beat every team but us (laughs). I am always worrying because team8 should find a sponsor for the sake of e-sports, and in order to do that they need good results.

However, looking at the members of team8, it is bound to do well. Even though they might not do so well this season, after they develop some chemistry and smooth out the kinks in each individual's gameplay, I believe they can be a contender for the top spot.

TG=I can't help but think that JD's presence has helped you develop as a player. Kind of like how BoxeR and YellOw were able to synergize with each other.

Flash=My dream is for JD and me to be called the greatest rivals of e-sports. Regardless of the field of competition, the greatest ones often have the greatest rival. If we both try our best, I believe we can surpass the Lim-Jin-Rok with our Lee-Ssang-Rok. I hope both of us can remain as players who perform consistently.

◆I want to be a progamer yet remain human

TG=You stated that your goal this season is most wins. Are there other goals?

Flash=I actually have a goal that I haven't told anybody yet. This year, I want to become a progamer that is also human. I have only concentrated on performing, so I haven't been able to pay attention to the people around me and haven't reached out to my fans as much as I should have.

In the future, I want people to say 'That player is so down to earth.' Reach is one of those players, and I hope to become like him one day, so I will focus on taking care of those around me this year.

Honestly, when I hit 57 wins two seasons ago, I thought to myself 'you did disgustingly well', but then I saw Bisu hit 63 wins and was at a loss for words (laughs). That's just incredible. Because of that, trying to break that record or even achieving a 100% win-rate sounds like a far-fetched dream.

However, becoming a progamer that is also down to earth is entirely dependent on how much effort I put in. I will become a progamer who knows how to share, who can think beyond just his needs. I hope to achieve this goal (laughs).

◆Plans for the future?



TG=Our time is almost up. What is Flash's ultimate goal in life?

Flash=I haven't been able to say this because I thought people would make fun of me: my goal is to become filthy rich. Progaming is just a small step in that direction. Recently I have been looking up to baseball player Sun Dong Yul as my role model. My mom is really fond of his parents. I caught an interview with him on TV sometime ago, and he said that when he was worried what he could do for a living after baseball was over, his parents invested and multiplied his capital so he would never have to worry about money again. My mom saw that and said she wanted to become like that, so she started investing money.

She used to work at a bank so she has a good feel for the market. I am honestly very proud of her. I have hope that my mom will some day make me filthy rich (laughs).

TG=So it's true that you have dozens of bank accounts (laughs).

Flash=Not yet, but whoever decides to marry me won't have to worry about our finances (laughs). We will be a lovey dovey family living in a $2million mansion.

TG=Just listening to that you sound like the perfect man (laughs).

Flash=I hope other women think so too (laughs).

TG=I hope you continue to retain your dominance as a fellow terran player. I will be sure to learn as much as I can from your play. Please provide us with games with lots of educational value.

Flash=You seemed lonely being the only female progamer, but I hope you can make a lot of good friends with people around you. Also I hope we can meet in a match soon. I must have my revenge on you (laughs).

TG=I hope so too (laughs). Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview today. I hope we can see each other more often.

Flash=Happy new years to all the readers, and I wish only the best for all of you. Thank you!

Source: Daily E-sports