EPT![[image loading]](http://fnatic.com/filestorage/imagedb/full/8566.jpg)
With FnaticRaidCall's expansion into Korea and adding a new Korean General Manager, Sung Hwan 'Hwanni' Kim, we thought it important to do an interview with him so our community can get to know him. We discuss his past in eSports, his view on a few current topics such as MLG, and of course his expectations for FnaticRaidCall's new Korean division.
Hi, how are you doing, did you have a good new year's celebration?
Hello, I feel greater than ever. I had a really good time thanks for asking.
2012 is going to be a very exciting year in eSports. Is there anything you are looking forward to most, personally?
Personally. I really like the new formats for GSL and MLG. I would love to see how it goes for both tournaments.
What do you enjoy about the formats specifically?
With GSL : I really enjoy watching when losers pick the maps. MLG season tournament online qualify and Arena will eventually bring more skilled players to the tournament.
But with the Arena's you lose all of the fan participation. That was something that made MLG very special compared to many events - the amount of fans that came out. What do you think about this?
In some ways yes, you are right. But still it would make more people save up money to come to the championships instead. They can still watch VoDs and games at home and cheer for their players. Then if their favorite player makes to championship they can still come and meet them. It would enlarge the tournament. I think.
I mean for ESWC and WCG, they only have 1 Grand Final but still people always pay attentions so..
True, but each region has its own "finals" of sorts, where people can attend (usually). That was one of the key components that makes eSports so unique to mainstream sports - fans and players had an easy time interacting with each other at events.
True also. But we know that there are many tournaments in this year. Such as EM, Dreamhack, IPL, Assembly and etc. Players cannot fly all the time. Quantity isn't always better than Quality. I would say it will bring more quality for games.
What was your most memorable moment of 2011?
I would say MLG Providence and WCG Grand Final - both of them. In MLG it was my first time there. I was fascinated by all the fans. Very touching event.
Also in WCG it was the first SC2 tournament for them. I was happy to run the SC2 as a head referee. and also was happy to see many players from outside of Korea.
eSports has grown an incredible amount over the last two years. What do you think the biggest difference is today from when you were managing eSTRO?
When I was with eSTRO. The only competition that I could find was mostly in Korea...for SC:BW of course. But I really love to see all these different great tournaments putting effort in for eSports and I am also really happy to see more foreigners in action. It's really good to see how this is growing up throughout the world.
To read the rest of this feature interview, please click HERE.
