EPTThis was the interview with Kang Do Gyung, aka the great H.O.T.Forever following the announcement of his retirement.
![[image loading]](http://image.fighterforum.com/showImage.asp?realFile=FFNEWS20060210142919001.JPG)
What was the main reason for your decision?
It was always going to be sad and difficult but I have always been waiting for the right moment to retire, and now seems to be the best time.
How much of it was down to the military service issue?
It was definitely a crucial factor. I got a call-up towards the end of last year. I intend to begin my time in July. I think I felt it was time to retire when I was no longer satisfied with the amount I was actually achieving compared to the work I’ve put in as a progamer.
During your career what were your most memorable and disappointing moments?
I was happiest when I had just begun around the year 2000 fighting it out with Garimto in the final. Also when my team won against SKT1, as well as our victory in the Grand Final. It has been great to be living as a progamer. I was happy whenever I was playing in front of my fans. The most disappointing time was coming runner-up at the KeSPA Cup. I had a gut feeling it would be the last time I would experience playing on the big stage but the results were not so good.
How does it feel having come to the final end?
It’s not hit me yet. Actually it’s been some time since I had made my mind up on retiring sooner or later when I was faltering on my individual games. Everytime I was thinking it over the fans would call out asking to at least play in the 2v2s, and how vital I was to Hanbitstars. I also thought maybe I could make a comeback and continued my career.
How is it like to leave your predecessors?
I’m very sorry. If I was leaving at an easier time for my team I wouldn’t feel so regretful. It was very tough for me to approach Lee Jae Gyun, my manager and ask him to designate a new captain, having made up my mind. Neither of us were prepared for such a moment and he couldn’t decide. Before I go I will undertake a coach’s role. I must make sure Hanbitstars are on steady ground before I leave.
If you were to return to the progaming scene, what would you like to do?
Right now I haven’t thought about it. I’ll think it over during my time in the army. I still want to play, or maybe become a coach or a TV presenter. I’ll work myself back into the industry.
-What were your fan’s reactions?
When Jo Hyung Geun(Clon) was retired with little reply, there were a lot of disappointed fans. The administrators on my fansite asked that if I was to retire, they would like a personal reply rather than simply to find out through published articles. After I wrote it, I announced to the those in charge of my fanbase in person I would retire over a meal. I was so sad, I could’nt get myself to eat. After the official announcement of my retirement there was an astonishing amount of feedback. On top of their disappointment, some fans were even asking me to play a little longer and prolong my retirement.
What’s your plan for the next few months?
Up until now my role was a gamer but now I will continue supporting the team offstage as a coach and as the big leader of Hanbitstars. I made agreements with my manager that I will have a month of time by myself to reflect on a few things before finally enlisting.
Your final words.
I'd like to thank the Hanbitsoft company chairman Kim Young Man for his generous support over these years. Also it was only due to the hard work of our manager Lee Jae Gyun that I could ever be who I am now. I also want to show my appreciation for those I have had the pleasure of working alongside: Garimto, Kingdom, Reach, Sync, Junwi, Silent_Control to name a few as well as the young recruits. “The Mastermind Zerg” Kang Do Gyung will cease to exist but I will never forget the fans who have made everything possible, for me to have had so much fun as a progamer.
Here was his official announcement:
Hello, this is Kang Do Gyung, with my final few words to you as a progamer.
Firstly I’d like to thank the members of the Korean eSports association and the media for this opportunity. I began my life as a progamer way back in 1999 in Pusan. I made my way to Seoul as a part of Team SM, sleeping slouched in small living spaces with my daily ramen as my sole source of succulence.
I have been the captain of Hanbitstars since 2001 thanks to Kim Young Man, the Hanbitsoft chairman. On the back of amazing memories, glorious success and commiserations of loss I was able to get where I am now.
After 7 long years, I now intend to end my life as a progamer…
Although you will no longer be able to see H.O.T.Forever play, I hope my name will remain forever in your memories.
![[image loading]](http://image.fighterforum.com/showImage.asp?realFile=FFNEWS20060210184150001.JPG)
Adieu, HOT
-Translated from FiFo-
