[Interviews] 2012 GSL Code S

How do you feel advancing to ro8?

I feel great. I’m happy to have secured my Code S spot for next season and that I was able to showcase various styles of play today. The fans seem to think of me a macro only player so I prepared timing rushes only on purpose.

You advance in first place, was this expected?

Not first place. I knew I would be able to beat Violet and I thought if Taeja beats MVP, maybe it would be possible. Taeja has a very obvious style of play so I was confident about beating him.

What do you think about PvZ lately?

It’s true that Terran has trouble against Zerg. However, Protoss stands a chance. Whether you win or not against a Zerg as a Protoss depend on how good you are. I’ve been doing the gateway opening for a while and it was to show other protosses what should be done. Many Protosses prefer the forge opening but that makes it harder to win. Especially, in a multi-game series, if you play too passively, it’s impossible for Protoss to beat the Zerg. I hope other Protosses start to vary up their play like myself.

Is there a player you wish to face in the upper rounds?

Honestly, every player in Code S is scary. However, since I can’t run, I’ll try to play my best against whomever comes up.

How far do you think you will go this season?

Usually when I play, I try to avoid having unnecessary thoughts. I think this helps me play my best because I don’t get nervous. I think I can get very far as long as I don’t give in to nerves.

You are in the OSL qualifier, are you confident about qualifying?

Seeing the bracket reminded me of Code S. I think you could broadcast the qualifiers and call it a day. I’ll just play like usual and try not to get nervous.

Any plans to attend foreign tournaments?

Of course. I want the titles but even more, I want the experience of going overseas as well. If possible, I want to have the great experience of attending a foreign tournament.

Anything to add?

I’m happy to have played without being nervous and played well as a result. I really want to thank Horror for helping me extensively. Also, I want to thank the coach, his wife, my family and my two friends So Hyun and Jin Soo who always cheer me on. Lastly, I want to thank the sponsors who are so generous: LG electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Nvidia and Cocacola. Especially SteelSeries who sent me a keyboard on the same day that my old one broke three days ago.

Your thoughts on advancing after some close matches

I thought I would advance in first place but I’m happy to advance even if it’s in second place.

You are full of confidence. What’s causing this?

I have jumped up a level in skill recently. At the recent MLG, I got through the first qualifier with straight wins so I was confident that I would take first place in the group today.

You seem to be doing better since changing teams.

I think TeamLquid suits me better. There are a lot more fans who cheer for me now so it’s given me a boost.

You were against MVP in your first match, were you confident going into that?

I was. I am confident about my TvT and I was in the same group with him at the MLG qualifier and after seeing him lose to Jjakji, I knew I would win.

You must regret your loss in the winner’s match.

I never expected to lose. I have been very confident about TvP lately and I had already beaten Seed 2:0 at the MLG qualifier so I was sure I would win. Being too passive was my downfall. I thought Seed would play passively so I was matching that but he went for a 4 gate rush which crushed me. Initially, I still thought I would hold but it’s been a while since I have had to defend against a 4 gate so my execution wasn’t smooth.

You won a very closely fought final match.

Violet always had more army than I expected him to so there was no way for me to attack into him. So I changed up my style to be more harass oriented and that seemed to work. The power of harass carried me to victory.

Your TvZ has been 100% until today this year

The secret to my victories is control. I think the reason why I lost my first set was because the map didn’t suit my style.

Do you wish to face a Zerg in the upper rounds?

I want to take a break from TvZ for a while. I wish to face MC in the upper rounds. However, I have a feeling that MarineKing will be first in his group which is concerning. He’s such a great player and it won’t be easy to take him on. There are many great players in Group B but MKP is one of a kind.

It seems like you could be aiming rather high this season

I’m going to be satisfied with nothing less than the finals. I think once I get to the finals, a championship is a possibility too.

Did you check the bracket for the OSL qualifier?

It’s such a shame that they are picking only one player per group. GSL always has the best players seeded so it’s easier for the qualifying players but for OSL, everyone has to start from the beginning which will make it hell. However, I am confident I will make it through.

What do you think about your OSL group?

I think Sniper and Puma will be the players to watch out for. I’m a little worried because there are four Zergs in my group.

Anything to add?

I want to thank the sponsors theLittaleAppFactory, Twtich TV and Razer and also say thanks to my teammates who cheered me on. I’ll work even harder from now on. TeamLquid Hwaiting!

Q: It's been so long since you've qualified for Code S Ro16, your thoughts?
A: The hardest part of Code S is the Ro32, Ro16 has the same rule set as Ro32, so it's equally as hard. If I can break through Ro16 I think I have a chance to win the gold. This time going abroad let me let alot, so I have more confidence to play bettre.

Q: What did you learn?
A: It's not something directly related to the game. It's the mentality of playing in a large tournament which changed for me. I attended 2 major tournaments, and played over 7 days straight so I learned alot. But I won't talk about it in detail (laugh).

Q: Everyone is saying your condition today was great.
A: I just came back the day before yesterday from America, my practice was done on NA server. My mechanics didn't change much, my macro was successful today. I played to my ability today.

Q: Today against Leenock you won 2-0 flawlessly.
A: When I practice TvZ I'm completely lost (loses). Even when i'm playing on NA server I still lose everything. Feels like every opponent is like Stephano. I can't even win on NA Bnet, so I was very worried about winning in Korea. It felt like Leenock just failed himself, he didn't use the most OP parts of a good zerg play(er).

Q: How do you explain your TvZ today?
A: I just learned the strategy from other people ~ The first game's strategy was the on Polt used in MLG. But I didn't use it well and it put me at a disadvantage. The second game I ruled out any rush/all-in early game play from the opponent and just went for economy. And Leenock chose to economy up just like me, so I had a chance.

Q: The games against Ace was very spectacular
A: On Ohana I wanted to use a 1-1-1, but later chose to go macro, because I just thought if it didn't go well I would use 1-1-1 in the second game instead. In reality I didn't need to use that strategy in the second game either, but I wanted to let everyone see me will to win, so I chose this strategy.

Q: Your performance lately is the best out of Team Slayers
A: In Ro32 I didn't feel much, but qualifying for Ro16 I feel really proud. But in in-team practice matches I'm below average, but through losing I learned alot, so I'm not too bothered by losing in practice.

Q: Your best GSL record is Ro8
A: In the super tournament and GSL I've gotten to the Ro8 twice. At that time I didn't realize how hard it was to qualify for the Ro8. But this long with out any record makes me regret not capitalizing on the opportunity then.
Recently even in my dreams I dream about getting to the Ro8, feels like if I can get into the Ro8 and break-through my fate would be swapped with MMA's (laugh).

Q: Recently MMA's record has declined
A: MMA has played well for a long time, you will always have a peak and bottom period. But he's had experience of being in the lowest slump then coming back to the highest peak, so we aren't worried about him. And honestly, I'm not in a position to worry about him, I can't even secure myself ~

Q: What race do you think is the largest road-block on your way to the championship?
A: It's definitely zerg, othre players are all scared of zerg. In the beginning I was already thinking that way and I thought I was alone, and that it was isolated to inside our team. But meeting other players in MLG they were also scared of zerg. But I haven't played alot of TvZ yet, yet I feel zerg is so strong in NA bnet, that's enough to prove that the race is the most unbalanced in history.
But conversely, if someone can make a good show in vZ, he would be a big star.
I was thinking that way too. During this difficult times if you make a break through you will definitely leave a large print (image) for everyone. I also talk about it with my team. If we can find some new strategy before the Ro16 I think I can make a breakthrough.

Q: What are your hopes for the Ro16?
A: I don't want anyone to pick me, just let me fall into the last group. Recently all the opponents are strong, and the skill level is around the same, so any group is fine, as long as it's not zerg (laugh).

Q: Last words?
A: My record in MLG was really bad, but I met alot of good people. It let me understand alot, dispelled alot of frustrations and insecurities that I had. That experience makes me feel happy/fortunate just thinking about it.
On the plane back from America I ate too much and felt really bad, thanks to everyone who helped me then from Blizzard and my manager.

Zerg leader DRG progressed from his group with first place, he just won MLG and says that this season has zerg advantage, so he wants to be grouped with 3 terrans for the Ro16, and says "If you don't win the championship now, what are you waiting for?" And DRG also said this about opponent viOLet: He was always playing in America, and he never practices with the team, DRG reaffirms viOLet's potential as a player.

Q: After winning the GSL, how does it feel to return to the Ro16 after a season?
A: Before every season I felt that getting into the Ro16 was very easy/relaxed, but after playing alot I found that the Ro32's pressure is getting larger~ Not only are you afraid of being disqualified from the Ro32, but you are also afraid of instantly being demoted to Code B. Last season I was ranked first, but I didn't even attend the group selection ceremony, in the end I'm happy to qualify.

Q: You took alot of difficulty in ZvT
A: The first match was okay, but the second match wasn't played well, the third match I also almost lost my defense. But luckily I spread my creep early and won, that's credit to the queen (laugh).

Q: Winners match was against viOLet who was your teammate.
A: I was happy, its the first time being matchd against viOLet in the GSL, even though he left the team we kept contact with each other, always studied strategies and learned from each other.
Even though winning against viOLet to qualify made me a bit remorseful, but I believe that he can also make the Ro16. I think it's amazing that he doesn't play in the team house, and was always playing in America, yet is still playing so well.

Q:You made alot of mistakes in your micro, why is this?
A: My play style is focused and depends on micro in important battles, but during other encounters I rather macro well than waste my control on unimportant things. Though I'm slightly disadvantaged in micro, I get more of an advantage from other places, that's my playstyle.
It's not that important to the overall match, I will control carefully for important engagements, you don't have to worry~

Q: In the interview after winning MLG you showed great confidence for this GSL
A: I've improved alot, now I have confidence that I can win regardless of who my opponent is. As long as I don't make huge mistakes, I'm confident I can get a great record.

Q: What kind of group do you want in the Group selection ceremony?
A: I've watched other Zerg interviews and it's roughly the same I also want 3 Terrans in my group, for the same reasons as other Zergs. I need to talk about it in detail when the time comes (laugh).

Q: It seems that in the Code S (GSL) zergs aren't performing that well, why do you think this is?
A: I have a different view, regardless of rather it's practice, GSL, or GSTL, Zergs are very easy to play. But for the GSL the preparation time is long, so other races can have the time to prepare strategies, but Zergs definitely have alot of advantage.

Q: Is the goal this time to be the champion?
A: This is required, it's a great time to try for the gold, have to win a gold when zergs have the advantage~

Q: Last words?
A: I want to thank sponsor Razer and our partner team MYM, and also thank everyone who helped me practice ~

MarineKingPrime advanced second out of his group, after the match he said that it's the most unbalanced match-up in history, his win rate dropped from 60% to 10%, and he also feels extremely pressured by it. MarineKingPrime also expresses that he knows he's very stubborn at times, as such he will try his best to improve. Lastly he says that MaruPrime can treat tomorrow's match against DongRaeGu as a practice match, because DRG is too strong.

Q: Third consecutive advancement into the Ro16, how does it feel?
A: I've always had an easy time qualifying into the Ro16, so this season I thought it was be easy too, but I was too arrogant and careless. So in the end I put myself in a difficult position. But it's thanks to that difficult encounter that I learned how hard it is to qualify for the Ro16.

Q: Was the game against YuGiOh difficult because of Zerg advantage?
A: From the first match I've already prepared, but from the first match's opener I got countered so I was psychologically disadvantaged, so I couldn't play out alot of prepared strategies.

Q: In the winners match you completely lost.
A: He's been really strong lately, I've also seen his GSTL matches. I feel like he's the Zerg player that's playing the best right now~ In the MLG I was lucky to beat him, but it (that) also gave me some confidence. But Zergs really are strong, it's so hard to win.

Q: How do you feel about the recent state of TvZ?
A: It's the most unbalanced match-up in history, before the patch (my) TvZ win-rate was around 60%, now it's plummeted to 10%. I'm really lost, why did this happen, I've studied alot of counter zerg strategies, and I haven't found any solutions yet.
In hindsight it's (strategies) all like that game on metropolis, playing to the late-game and setting up the prefect defense all around, it's kind of a solution with out a solution. I
I've watched alot of zergs that do well on ladder's records, alot of people basically haven't lost to Terran in a whole week. It's basically impossible for a terran with the same skill level as the zerg to win. Unless you all-in, or the opponent's psyche collapses, or your luck is just too good, it's hard to win. Even in practice I don't want to play TvZ, I always lose.

Q: As the inventor of 2 rax marine, do you feel a certain duty?
A: Today before arriving at the game studio I was thinking that I can't let everyone down, but playing the game really isn't like what you think. If I had another chance and I run into a Zerg I hope I can make up for the mistakes I made today, try my best to play an entertaining/spectacular game.

Q: In the end you were matched against PartinG again, how did you feel after seeing the match-up?
A: Because I won against YuGiOh, I had a normal mindset playing against him again (I didn't care much). But last CodeS I dropped out because of PartinG, and I also didn't want to lose against Startale players~ So after I saw the match-up I felt good and satisfied. I hoped that I would not only win, but also play an interesting game.

Q: In the end both of you played very aggressively, why do you think that is?
A: Basically playing against PartinG we both like to expand and macro, but this time we both tried to counter each other's macro tendency. That's why we were so aggressive.

Q: In the second round was salvaging the bunkers a judgement mistake?
A: I scanned the opponent's Robotics facility, but I forgot~ I even thought that the opponent wouldn't have an observer or void prism, it's a huge mistake.

Q: Alot of your fans like to point out your blind confidence as a big weakness
A: I also know that if games are going in my tempo confidence is a strength, but if the game wasn't going smoothly it's a big weakness. I'm trying to improve on this point constantly.

Q: This is almost a question that every interview asks: After getting second place you never achieved anything past the Ro16
A: I'm still practicing hard, my condition now is still problematic, but I still have time. If I had a bit of luck then getting to the finals should be possible, I might even have a chance to win.

Q: NesTea got the Nestea award, how did you feel?
A: As a professional player recieving awards like this one is very honourable, from my standpoint I'm quit jealous, just not falling out of the GSL Code S is already a great achievement. I also want to get 20 consecutive Code S appearances for a MarineKing Award.

Q: In the MLG you played a spectacular series against Stephano, but you couldn't get into the finals.
A: After winning against Stephano in the winners bracket I got too relaxed, I didn't even know how I lost the proceeding matches, I just didn't perform well, I'm very regretful. DongRaeGu's skill level is even a step above Stephano, so before the match I felt that I couldn't win.

Q: What are your plans for the Ro16 group selection ceremony?
A: I will use my experience to get a group that's advantageous for me, I will simply/definitely choose weak opponents.

Q: What's your goal this season?
A: My goal now is getting out of the Ro16, as long as I don't get eliminated in the Ro16 I have confidence to win in a series, this way I can go for the championship.

Q: Last words?
A: Thanks to players who helped me practice. Tomorrow Maru is playing and his opponent is DRG, so I hope he doesn't have a "must win" mentality, just treat it as a practice match (laugh). Also I want to thank sponsors Tt esports and OCZ.

Code S group G, viOLet advances hand in hand with DongRaeGu, after the match he admits that DRG really is strong, and has alot of things he could learn from, this advancement in the GSL is a breakthrough and personal improvement for him. Also he proclaims that he's signed up for the preliminaries for the OSL, and will stay in Korea for atleast a month. His long time crusade overseas has helped train his English, for this viOlet thanks team Empire.

Q: After 5 seasons how does it feel to return to the Code S Ro16?
A: Today's match was very important to me, not that this particular advancement was that significant, but that it's a breakthrough in Code S.
Everything I sit in the gaming booth I'm very tense, and instantly loses my confidence. But That feeling was completely gone today, ofcourse I'm a little anxious, but I'm happy that I won.

Q: When you were told that the sponsor's code S seed was given to you what did you think?
A: I was astonished myself, there's still alot of players stronger than me, but they actually gave it to me, I was quit surprised, and really grateful. Though I have alot of weaknesses, I will try to not disappoint everyone, and repay them with my best condition.

Q: Your first game back into the Code S was a flawless 2-0
A: The first match I was fully prepared, but the game didn't play smoothly. But Oz-hyung also made alot of mistakes. I might have cared more (put a bigger emphasis) about the match and that's why I won.

Q: Winners bracket opponent was previous teammate DRG
A: It's my first meeting with him in the GSL, in terms of opponents he's very strong, but to me he's also a good friend and a good younger brother. Before the match I was talking with him, and the games played out spectacularly too.
But I made alot of mistakes in the match, whereas DRG basically didn't make any. In real game experience he's definitely ahead of me, as a player he's one worth studying after.

Q: Against Maru in the final set you lost the first game
A: After losing the first game I was very disappointed with myself. After holding a 11-11 strategy perfectly, my macro, tech, and resource management was terrible. It made me think of the last time when I was disqualified from Cod S, it unsettled me.
But in the second game the opponent chose mech which was a chance for me, I have alot of confidence against mech, and on daybreak it's very easy to handle it. After seeing the mech composition I found confidence again, and i didn't make alot of mistakes, the match went smoothly too. After winning the second match I felt I could qualify.
The third match I was really lucky, I thought that the opponent would use early pressure and switch into macro, but my drone scouted the forward 2 rax. Even though the map and the situation was a bit disadvantageous for me, I felt like I had a big chance to win.

Q: Everyone is saying that Zerg is OP, what do you think?
A: Zerg definitely got more powerful, but personally I just feel that other races were sniping zergs too easily before, so now they are finding zergs hard.
ZvP hasn't changed match, ZvT is improved, because Terrans are too focused (affected) on the queens, so they are playing very cowardly in ZvT, that's why this phenomenon exists now.

Q: You've been out of Korea for more than half a year, how is your english?
A: It's alright (laugh). I haven't especially made time for it, but living with so many foreigners makes learning English quite interesting.
In the start it was still awkward to say English, but slowly I could converse with people, it was very strange / amazing. Especially foreign fans like me to converse with them in English, so my English has improved quite a bit.

Q: What kind of team is Empire?
A: It's a Russian team. At first when they contacted me I wasn't too concerned, because I heard about precedents of foreign teams not paying the salary to players, so initially I didn't want to go.
But now it seems like they are even giving each player a manager, and paying on time, giving alot of support to the players.

Q: What do you want to happen in the Ro16 group selection?
A: Though I lost today, I still want to play mirrors. If I can be placed in the same group as Zergs it would be interesting. If not zergs I want to meet protoss.
When I won MLG I was very confident, but now I think my ZvT needs alot of improvement. Ironically I'm very confident in my ZvP.

Q: Where did you live before coming to Code S?
A: Because my family lives on Jeju island, I'm staying at the MVP team house. Before I was the MVP team captain, so even now it feels like home, very comfortable. When was playing Warcraft 3 I even often slept in Saunas~
I also applied for the OSL SC2 preliminaries, so until then I think I have to stay in Korea, at least for a month. Since I'm back in Korea I need to use the opportunity to practice.
Korea is different from foreign countries, abroad it's basically practice over Bnet (ladder), so in Korea there's alot of chance for improvement.

Q: What's your goal for this Code S?
A: When I saw DRG win Code S I thought he was genuinely so good. As to being a champion, it was undreamed of before I won MLG. I was always thinking about how to win, not how to get the gold.
As a progamer the goal should be the championship, but personally I rather use the opportunity to improve my abilities.

Q: Last words?
A: I want to thank our team and the team sponsors Razer and Adidas. I also want to think my manager. Even though he's my manager, I'm already treating him like an older brother ~ And thanks to fans who are always cheering for me. I hope everyone can continue supporting me.