Great is happy to be under coach Kim Nam-Gi of ACE.
Great facial expression
Great changed his mind about Airforce's ACE after he saw Firebathero, M18M and other ex-teammates give satisfactory performances. He decided that since he had to enlist in the military anyways, it was best that he try out for when he was still good.
He gave an interview to discuss his move on his way from his evaluation for ACE on the 28th. After being runner-up in an MSL, he performed less so in the Proleague and had a bit of hard time; he decided to join ACE and improve there with renewed determination.
Q. It's been some time since you last gave an interview
A. Prior to start of playoffs I returned to my home to gather my thoughts. Even if I successfully enlisted for ACE I could have still played in the playoffs - but then next season my team would have to start with inexperienced zerg players. I chose to sit out to give them some exposure on the stage. I apologize to my fans because announcing so would expose my team.
Q. You must be quite sorry to your team
A. I very much am. Especially more so after we made it to the playoffs. But I think it was a time to move on, for both me and my team. I thought that it would be good to serve my military duty early. I would even tell Seok-Hi (TN: M18M), 'The only thing I'm envious of you is that you'll finish your service before I do'. Since I have not entered yet, I can still him Seok-Hi, can't I (grins).
TN: once Great enlists M18M will be a superior, and will have to address him accordingly.
Q. M18M will become a superior although you are older.
A. We were friendly before and he did his job as a younger player in the house well, so I'm not worried. I'm prepared, but I expect him to treat me as how I treated him (grins).
Q. Doesn't seem like you'll have much trouble adapting since there are so many former Khan players already in ACE.
A. I have no worries. I'm good friends with them so if I get in I won't have any problems fitting in.
TN: I think this interview was done before he was accepted.
Q. Don't you feel uncomfortable presenting yourself to the fans after you get a crew cut?
A. I'm not the first to enter. For most of people who did, they seem to be fine. But I think once I actually get the haircut, I'll be a little bit sad. Chavi, who already enlisted, once remarked to me, 'I never knew I looked like this for all of 24 years' (grins).
Q. ACE's lineup will become much stronger once you are in.
A. I'm not going to disagree (grins). I still gave good performance until recently (grins). Military discipline coupled with renewed efforts - I expect a lot from myself.
Q. I heard that you want to make the playoffs with ACE.
A. Even while I was in Samsung Khan, I never thought of ACE as a weak team, and I still don't. I once helped Khans make the playoffs as a newcomer, and I expect the same with ACE. The thought alone is electrifying.
Q. What kind of advice did your ex-teammates give you?
A. They gave me lots of advice for the training and on what I will need. They advised me since I'm not enlisted yet, but once I enter, I don't know how their attitude will change (grins). I expect them to treat me well (grins).
Q. Your fans may feel sad
A. I think I would also feel sad if I were in a fan's shoes as well. But if I do well in ACE - by presenting my fans with the best performance in my career - I hope they will also be less disheartened.
Q. You'll be in the MSL Survivors on the 30th.
A. Even if I do qualify for MST, I won't be able to play. But I won't give a cursory performance. It'll be nice to enter ACE with a suitable closure. I'm prepared to do my best, and I'm confident that I'll qualify.
Q. Any plans on how you'll spend time before entering?
A. I still have about two months. I was the laziest player in the Khan house (grins). I feel that I need to become more fit, so I got a gym membership and plan to exercise often. I also want to have fun visiting many places.
Q. Your biggest regret after you decided to enter ACE?
A. Definitely the playoffs. I initially thought that it was for the good of the team that I not play. But after hearing from some teammates after Ro6 loss say 'If you played hyung...' I really felt sorry. If I were with them, I wonder how it would be.
Q. Who do you want to meet the most in ACE?
A. I want to meet coach Kim Nam-Gi who joined ACE this season. I heard that he trained Soulkey and others. He must have some insight into training players which is why I think I might be in my prime in ACE. I always liked learning from someone since I became a professional gamer so I am highly anticipating our meeting.
Q. Last words?
A. My fans did not know anything when I wasn't there with my team. I am truly sorry to them. I hope they will continue to cheer for me even when I get a crew cut (grins). I will improve even more in ACE, so please, root for me and expect my performance.
By Daily eSports reporter Lee So-Ra sora@dailyesports.com
http://esports.dailygame.co.kr/news/read.php?id=47997