[Interview] Code A Preliminaries GSL 2012 S5 Day 1

Please tell us your thoughts on making it into Code A for the first time.

I really wanted to rise up to the GSL stage, so I'm happy that I was able to advance. Every match I played today went to the final game, so it was difficult. I got very nervous.

Why were you nervous?

This was my first qualifier in a long time, and my results haven't been good since I switched to SC2, either. Also, I felt pressure to accomplish something, so I practiced a lot recently and felt a rapid rise in my skill level. My high expectations of myself made me nervous.

What did you focus on while practicing for the qualifiers?

I prepared two strategies for each race. I luckily only had to play one player for each race today, and that's why I was able to win.

Could you tell us which matches were difficult for you?

All three were hard, but if I had to pick one, it would be the final match. I handed the first set over to my opponent, then had to play on Whirlwind, which is a bad map for Terran. The final match was the greatest obstacle.

You've finally successfully made it to Code A. You must also have heading to Code S in mind.

My goal is Code S. I felt many deficiencies in my play as I played in the qualifiers today. If I can rectify those areas, I think I can reach Code S.

You played many matches through the MvP Invitational. Before, you would always play against KeSPA players, but you faced non-KeSPA players during MvP. Was this a help to you?

There were an enormous number of matches in the tournament. There were games that went well for me and ones where I couldn't concentrate. After losing four or five times, I was unable to reach the top 8 and make it to the playoffs. It's unfortunate, but I felt confident that as long as I worked slightly harder, I could pull things off. I got many opportunities to play against a variety of players and witnessed a great number of styles. KeSPA players have a stubborn tendency to stick to standard styles, but non-KeSPA players use more freestyle play. I'm looking forward to MvP in the future.

What would you call your largest stumbling block in Code A?

Who my opponent is doesn't matter to me. It's just important that I prepare properly and don't become nervous. I've already prepared hard, and I don't want to fall out easily.

Did these qualifiers feel different from those of the OSL?

The OSL is easy to remain in once you break through the qualifiers. The OSL system makes it hard to drop out once you're in, but the GSL is a league where only the players who practice thoroughly are able to achieve results. I feel that there are pros and cons for each system.

Aside from Rain, many of the KeSPA players who did well before have faltered recently.

After transitioning to SC2, both Bisu-hyung and I went into a huge slump. Even as late as last week, I didn't want to play the game. But after taking a vacation to my hometown of Busan to cool my head and organize my thoughts, I was able to achieve good results today. Now that I'm out of my slump, the fans don't need to worry about me anymore.

Please tell us anything more that you have to say.

I've always been a player who pays attention to what the community says. There are many fans who want to watch my games, so I got the feeling that I had rested too long and wanted to begin playing in broadcasted matches soon. I'm happy about entering Code A, and I will do my best to show good form in SC2, too.

We would like to hear your thoughts on advancing to Code A.

Before I checked my bracket, I felt that as long as I didn't have to face any Zergs, I would be able to advance. Zenio was the only Zerg player in my group, and because he lost to Jaehoon, I was luckily able to enter Code A without playing a single TvZ.

Have you always had trouble against Zerg?

Zerg is far too strong. If two players of a similar skill level face each other, as long as neither of them make mistakes, the Zerg will be at a substantial advantage.

How did you prepare for today's matches?

I feel that the preliminaries are a battle of fundamentals, so I didn't do any special practice. I primarily prepared by practicing on ladder.

What are your goals for this season?

I have always felt burdened after my GSL victory, and I would always play safely whenever I lost the first set of a match. I feel like I haven't been able to show off my skill as I used to, so I'm clearing out my mind and focusing on returning to the basics during practice.

When you see your fellow players travel to foreign events or receive a salary, don't you feel some detachment?

Since I started, I have only played in a single overseas event. I thought I would receive a lot of invitations if I became a champion, but that wasn't the case (laughs). I didn't understand because I believed that you can earn a salary or participate in foreign events supported by skill alone.

Do you have any last words?

The OSL qualifiers are beginning soon, so I hope that the players who dropped out of today's preliminaries work hard and break through the OSL qualifiers. When I talked with Choya today, he sounded like he wanted to retire [as a player]. I would like it if he gave up on Wings of Liberty and looked forward to making a comeback with Heart of the Swarm (laughs).

Please tell us your thoughts on making into Code A for the first time.

I haven't been able to pass through the qualifiers for two years, so I'm very glad that I advanced today.

You made it to the final round without a single walkover.

When I played today, my PvZs were my most difficult games. I couldn't think of good ways to win, so I often resorted to Immortal all-ins.

You've told us that you have trouble in PvZ, but you faced another Zerg in the Round of 4.

During the semifinals, I won easily by using another Immortal rush, then attempting to construct a hidden expansion during the set afterwards.

Back when you were in ZeNEX, did you grow your skills by practicing with Life?

Even back then, the skill difference between Life and myself was significant. The difference was so large that I was too embarrassed to ask him to play practice games with me.

There are many Zergs taking up spots in the GSL due to how strong the race is at the moment, so your goals may be different this season. What are they?

I would like to rise up high, but for now, my goal is to reach the Up & Downs and enter Code S using my skill.

Do you have any last words?

I've only showed disappointing performances to Coach Yun for so long, so I'm glad that I was able to repay his kindness by making it to Code A like this. Balloon is a friend of mine who is very skilled at the game, but he hasn't been able to find a team yet. I hope that he is able to find a team that is good for him soon. Finally, I want to send my thanks to my parents.

Please tell us your thoughts on advancing to Code A.

Back in Season 3, I reached Code A through the preliminaries but unfortunately lost to JYP. I'm in a great mood because I feel like I now have an opportunity to show a proper performance in broadcasted games.

How did you prepare for today's qualifiers?

I didn't make any special preparations, mostly practicing on ladder and focusing on image training.

Were there any difficult matches for you today?

During my first match at the Round of 16, I went for a 6 Pool, but my opponent went for a proxy 2 Gate. I was at such a build order disadvantage that I lost without even being able to resist. At the moment that I lost that game, I got very nervous because I was worried about being knocked out so early without being able to do anything.

There has been a lot of talk that Zerg has been strong lately.

They say that they can't play the game because of Infestors, but there is no alternative for a Zerg player. I would like them to know that aside from the Infestor, the units that Zerg has aren't very strong.

Recently, Life, a fellow Zerg, has won both the GSL and MLG. Was this an inspiration for you?

Life may be a Zerg player like me, but the differences in the way he plays made me wonder whether I'm playing Zerg properly. I've tried emulating Life's play style but failed. No matter how much effort I put in, it wasn't easy to follow his aggressive style, so I plan to stick to my own.

Do you think that Miya style can take you all the way to a victory?

I think it'll be possible as long as I improve my ZvZ. I personally think that ZvZ is my weakest matchup; even back in my BW semi-pro days, my ZvZ record was bad enough to make me frustrated. Aside from that, my win rates in my other matchups are on the good side.

What are your goals for this season?

I've always often made use of distinctive builds, so even though I'm not Life, I want to show people an impactful performance.

SlayerS has disbanded recently. Have you found a new team?

My new team has nearly been decided. We're still in the middle of discussions, but I am almost certain of it.

Do you have any last words?

During today's preliminaries, because I haven't joined a team yet, I wore normal clothing instead of a uniform. My girlfriend picked them out for me, and it feels like good luck was woven into them. When I had a private talk with Woongjin's ZerO, he was incredibly confident about playing in the qualifiers, so I'm looking forward to his interview tomorrow. Although SlayerS has disbanded, I hope that when I play against my former teammates in broadcasted matches in the future, we can show off some good games. Also, Cella gave me something to drink and cheered me on during my games, and I feel that I was able to win thanks to him.

This is your first time in Code A. How do you feel?

All I can say is that I feel happy.

How did you prepare for today's matches?

Last week, I prepared for SlayerS's final GSTL match, then spent the rest of my time practicing on ladder.

You won all of your other matches 2-0, then dropped a set to Lucky.

Lucky likes to use greedy play in the early game. I didn't anticipate it and was surprised when I finally scouted it.

Did you have any big trouble with your other matches?

I could have lost 0-2 to Snow at the Round of 8, but I clenched my teeth and barely won.

Today, you participated in the qualifiers while wearing an SK Telecom uniform. Have you transferred completely?

The contract hasn't been finalized, so I'm currently in trainee status.

What is the team house like?

Everyone there is treating me well. All of the people there are very friendly.

What would you call your greatest stumbling block or hump?

If I happen to reach Code S, I want to avoid a Protoss in my first match. Even today, I focused on practicing my ZvP but found out that there were almost no Protoss players in my group once I arrived.

Do you have any last words?

I haven't had an opportunity to give an interview while I was at SlayerS, so I want to use this space to send my thanks to Cella. I didn't know SC2 well, but I was able to rise up to Code A with the help of my coach from SlayerS.