Thanks to AloneindaBunker for finishing the other half!
The term 'Bonjwa' was originally a word used to make the image of yourself highly on the internet however on the Esports scene, it is a word to describe 'Dominance' and the absolute best. Also, when we think bonjwa the first word that comes into our mind is 'Lim Lee Choi Mah."
Boxer, Nada, iloveoov and Maestro.The word LimLeeChoiMah comes from their surnames and these 4 men dominated like none other during their age. We, here at fomos brought bother 1st generation Bonjwa and 4th generation bonjwa Boxer and Savior here together, as Boxer said during his out of army interview "The progamer who seems to follow my fate the most seems to be Savior"
Only a Bonjwa can see a Bonjwa
- This is the first time you have met together at an interview, hows the first impressions of each other? ▲ Boxer: Handsome guy and he is very quiet. ▲ Savior: He is... Ahh...(laughs) ▲ Boxer: He is alot more handsome than I thought. And quiet (laughs) ▲ Savior: I always wanted to meet him. When we progamers talk with each other we all talk about Boxer Hyung. Although we met for an interview today, I want to hang out with him outside of our jobs.
- What do you (Boxer) think of Savior? At your out of army interview it seemed like you want to teach Savior more. ▲ Boxer: During the Savior Era, he dominated everything and looked invincible. He is a very experiance played. During my out of army interview you guys asked me 'who is the player who seems to be most similar with you?' and I answered savior but I guess people took it as a 'apprentice' thing. But thats not what I meant. We both earned so much money but blew it all on useless stuff. When we started to try getting more money we started losing. Once a man is seduced to life's other fine entertainment, it is very difficult to get back up. But Savior is dealing with his problems very well. This is why I said we were similar. - And what do you think of Boxer? ▲ Savior: Come to think of it, I do think what Boxer said is right... When I first started to be a progamer, I wanted to catch up to E-Sports icon Boxer Hyung. I tried very hard as to get up to that level. After hearing what Boxer Hyung said I agree with it 100%. Only people who lost everything they had can know this feeling. Honestly, I always felt Boxer Hyung is the only one who can understand my feeling. Because he knew how hard it is to go through, I think him understanding my position is thankful.
- When a top player falls to the ground, it is fact that a player to get back to their #1 spot is extremely difficult. ▲ Boxer: For players who reach their peak and fall back down it is very difficult to get back to their original state. You can't concentrate, and when practice isn't working out you seek for other pleasures. Women and alcohol mainly. Players who were at the top know the way back, but it is still very difficult. Players like us know how harsh reality is, and that is probably why it is the biggest factor. After leaving the army, I decided on 1 thing. I don't want to screw around anymore and I think I can give up everything for gaming. Like the first time I came onto the e-sports scene, I want to sacrifice everything to get back to my original state.
▲ Savior: I agree with everything, especially how you have to sacrifice everything. When I was at my prime, I met people and just played. When I wanted to get back inshape, disconnecting myself with life's pleasures was so had. Not long ago I felt it, getting back in shape is a long, long way. - Boxer do you believe Savior is walking the same path as you? ▲ Boxer: When I was around 20, I thought to myself 'If I keep gaming, I will earn nothing in return' so I tried forcing myself to do different things. I tried going out with girls and hanging around with Celebrities, but it was all forced within myself. When I look back it was such a stupid thing to do. Now days, I tell stories about my life to the new gen gamers and tell them it is a very stupid thing to do. When I was famous, it was extremely fun to play. However when you screw around like that, you fall behind from other players and feel more regret. . ▲ Savior: Wow I agree fully. I was similar too. When I started as a progamer at highschool excluding Esports related people I had very few friends. I was very depressed and thought to myself if I should continue like this. Because I own a a special occupation, I met alot of working people. But many times it would be difficult to get a special bond with a person because we are a working people. Whether a man or a woman, relationships (if anyone puts a gay reference here I will kill you) were empty and meaningless. Even when I was partying I kept feeling this.
- You are both the Esports Icon, it would've been harding being such a big figure. ▲ Boxer: I couldn't let my mind loose. Whatever I did, people were watching me and I felt it. Even if I didn't feel it I had to make sure I didn't do anything stupid. For example, I kept trash inside my pocket and didn't spit. I was scared if I slip up the Esports and progaming image will be ruined. Being a progamer isn't really a 'Dream Super Job" so I should atleast be careful not to ruin the image further.
▲ Savior: It was hard going outside for me. Because I am progamer I kept having this feeling people were looking at me as a 'lower' person or a 'no-life-basement-dwelling-loser'. Because of this feeling I kept buying new stylish clothes and fixed my hair up. Oh right back to the question. Being noticed is a very hard thing. I still don't know how to interact with the public people properly and I get stressed out alot when things aren't going the way as planned. - Because you guys have so many fans, it must be hard for people close to you ▲ Boxer: On the internet it is easy to express one's feeling. But in reality a person should know when to hide their feelings or when to show them. I used to be stressed out with it alot but now I ignore most of it. When I was going out with my girlfriend it was very difficult for her. When we were walking together down the road and someone recognized me, she had to let go and walk the other direction. ▲ Savior: People around me started being careful. My friends when around me didn't throw trash away on the ground. When my friends start leaving messages on my cyworld, it gets clogged up and I can't reply back properly. When a girl leaves a message on my cyworld I get millions of PMs saying "IZ SHE UR GF?????" ▲ Boxer: This is why I don't Cyworld. Too hard ▲ Savior: Yeah I close and reopen my cyworld alot too.
Currently in the esports scene, when asked to the people 'who is the most influential Progamer of alltime' 99 out of 100 people say "Boxer".
- Before you became a progamer, what did you think of Boxer? ▲ Savior: Honestly I was a fan of Starcraft not a fan of progaming when I was young. I only watched SC around.. The Semifinals I guess? The time I wanted to become a progamer and became a progamer was relatively short for me. So for me, Boxer Hyung was not really a big figure. However when I did become a progamer I heard many stories about him. When I started playing televised matches I thought and reached for him more. He was my role model during my early progaming career. At first I thought he was just 'a famous guy' but when I did good I wanted to be just like him. - Boxer when did you first know about savior? ▲ Boxer: I guess our first encounter was when we played against each other. I did a proxy rax and lost that game if I am correct. The map was Luna (2004 Week 4 of Minor league to be precise). Ever since that day I kept losing haha. As he started rising to the bonjwa level, Savior's face started changing. He had the Bonjwa Aura I guess? At first it looked like it was not 1 player, but many players when watching savior play. With fast reactions and great macro it looked like he would never lose. That is when I learned about Savior. I also thought GO (aka CJ entus) will get some amazing zerg player. And I kept losing and he kept winning which made me think "he is a machine." But like all things, a great player will always be down on his knees by another great player.. ▲ Savior: I think that too. Bisu (laughs) ▲ Boxer: There is always that 1 amateur player who always beats great players. These days, I feel the same aura from by.hero. And sometimes, whenever a player beat me they always went and won a SL. ▲ Savior: I like to believe players who beat me will win the SL too (laugh). But its really pointless and more a way to make yourself feel better. ▲ Boxer: I agree. Its just a self satisfaction thing to cover up your loss.\
- Boxer you are 1:6 against savior, you guys met each other so much yet you kept losing. ▲ Boxer: Yeah I do. Before going to the army I practice extremely hard for the superfight. But then I lost everything. I made Valkyries on Arkanoid but Savior deflected that so easy. When I practiced I won however... Then I proceeded to lose set 2 and 3. I practiced so hard but I wonder why I lost.
- If you can go back to your prime do you think you can win? ▲ Boxer: That is just a thought. Its more of an excuse if I say stuff like that (laughs). If 2 players play extremely well the game can be the best game ever. However, era when I was prime and the era when Savior was prime is different in skill level. However if that does happen, I think it can be a very big issue and fun. ▲ Savior: When I lose, I'm not the type that says to myself "If I was at my prime he would've lost." I never thought anything like that. I don't like imagining stuff like "if this was 1 year ago." Its just pointless thinking.
- Still though, if this can happen what do you think will be the result? ▲ Boxer: I cant say, because I think the me right now is alot better than when I was at my prime long ago. Thats how much the skill average increased. Even though if I was at my prime I would lose. ▲ Savior: I believe the same. I think I'm better now than I was at my prime (LOL ANTI-SAVIOR FANBOYS ARE RIGHT). These days everyone is so good, they don't get shaken up mentally either. Aftergame interviews of winners all sound like they were mentally fine. Thats how much better players got.
1st Bonjwa Boxer, and 4th Bonjwa Savior
- Your results have slowed down than before ▲ Boxer: I am getting old now. Whenever I practice, my warmup sessions get longer and longer everyday. I don't exactly know which is hurting my performance more my age or my hands. But one of the main reasons why its harder to practice is because of other concerns. ▲ Savior: Players these days who do good are very young. I'm not an old guy but at the same time I'm not young. Young kids can focus on gaming only but for me I have to worry about conscription, my girlfriend and life goals. I have to think more than the average gamer these days. But at the same time, this isn't a valid excuse. ▲ Boxer: Players at the top get seduced alot. Celebrities come towards you, you get used, and you think about your appearance. I think if Flash keeps concentrating on gaming, he can return to his prime easily. However, life is full of mysteries and nothing works the way you want it to. Once you get to the dark side, you can win games. But it won't last long. Its hard to be at the prime not because of other players, but you yourself have to deal with many other things besides gaming.
- Why do you think for players who fall down, getting back seems so hard ▲ Boxer: Because they aren't sacrificing enough. Like I said previously, top players know how to go back but they must know how to let go of all of life's pleasures and other stuff. Once a player sees his Ranking go down, he gets ANOTHER thing to worry about besides practicing. This is why players can't concentrate properly. Then you start to realize your salary increased, you get invited to special parties, TV shows and etc. How can you practice when this is happening? This is why to get back up there you have to sacrifice everything. As you grow older and older you keep thinking about life problems. But if you are suppose to sacrifice everything how can you live life properly? This is the hardest part. ▲ Savior: I agree the biggest problem is sacrificing. Even if you say you want to let go you can't. Then we think stuff like 'what if I sacrificed everything but I couldn't get results?' ▲ Boxer: When I was young I didn't worry about stuff like this. But after my prime ended I couldn't meet people in a relaxed fashion. ▲ Savior: People who won know, winning is not an easy feat and winning again is definitely something that is hard. - You 2 are one of the most dominant figures yet you guys are so worried. Shouldn't the new generation of players be worried about this too? ▲ Boxer: Its the matter of how long he will stay at #1. Age is important but in the world of sports, there is no such thing as a forever #1. However I want to say there are different ways to stay at #1. The only way to do this is to take care of yourself and be professional. If you can perfect these 2, you can stay at the top for a long time. ▲ Savior: You must experience everything. Words are empty, you must experience them yourself. However, I still think it will be hard for me to get back in shape even. Honestly, I don't remember how it feels to be good again and I want that feeling back. But it will be hard.
- Boxer your goal is to be a 30's progamer ▲ Boxer: At first I was afraid leaving my 20's. I was wondering what would happen to me at my 30s. However when I reached my 30s I was very relaxed, like my early 20s. - How does it feel to interact with younger players. It seems very hard. ▲ Boxer: The fact that I am trying to converse with a different generation of people is very hard. I'm not going to lie when I say its very hard to interact when kids are so young. I'm a very relaxed Hyung but everyone on the team finds it very hard to interact with me (you are the emperor... what do you expect). So I guess it is awkward (laughs). There is nobody I can talk to in a relaxed manner so it is hard.
- Boxer is now a 30s gamer, how do you feel ▲ Savior: Boxer was a progamer since his 20s and now to his 30s. I am still young so there are still very many lustrous traps for me, but for Boxer to be a progamer still is quite amazing.
On January 24 2009 03:00 AloneInDaBunker wrote: - Then doesn't Savior have ambition to be one himself (30's gamer)? ▲ Savior= Honestly, I haven't thought about it. But I have wondered about whether I can do it or not. I couldn't reach conclusion. ▲ Boxer= You have to answer that question on your own. You have to first decide if playing game is best for you. To help Savior decide that, I suggest him to ask himself a question, "What can I excel at other than gaming?" I came to think about this kind of thing more since I returned from military duty. Like, "it has to be better than army,"(Smiles) This way of thinking helps me to see things in a positive way.
(interviewer's words) Who is Savior to Boxer, and Boxer to Savior? After some serious conversations, Boxer and Savior seemed to have become close. Boxer shared his past stories and didn't hesitate to give out helpful advises to Savior. Savior agreed with Boxer's words and opened his mind in an effort to benefit from Boxer's advises. As they did this they started to throw questions at each other, continuing the interview by themselves.
-(Boxer to Savior) How did your coach treat you when the people crowned you as a Bonjwa? And how was your life at the team lodge? ▲ Savior= The coach didn't 'touch' me. Back then, I honestly thought I deserved such treatment. I was very proud, but not arrogant. I had many Hyungs (seniors) in the team, so I couldn't act easily regardless of how well I was doing. But I still had total freedom to enjoy my time after scheduled practice session.
-(Boxer to Savior) Some juniors probably have you during that time as their role model. ▲ Savior= I didn't know it back then. But I think I know now. I thought deciding for myself and scheduling my own schedule was better for me. But those juniors could have thought "It is ok to such things when you are good".
- Was it similar for Boxer? ▲ Boxer= My coach gave me same kind of freedom. However, when you take a captain responsibility, it is hard to enjoy your free time outside. I didn't go have fun partying because I was afraid I would lose my focus from gaming. I sat in front of computer even in my free time. But I didn't do that to 'show' it off to my juniors. Recently, assistant coach Park told me that my such behavior had motivated many players and built their faith in me. ▲Savior= There was a time where I acted however I liked to. But I realized that the team could be jeopardized by my behavior.
- Let's wrap up this interview. We have talked about various things. How do you feel? ▲ Savior= I'm worried that we focused too much on heavy topics. These are kind of things that aren't mentioned easily in any given place. ▲ Boxer= But I think what we talked about today also applies to other sports. If athletes in different sports hear this, I'm sure they will nod their head in agreement. There isn't any resentment between players of sports. Although I'm not sure if they would regard us as one of their kind (Smiles).
- I know it is bit random, but who is Savior to Boxer? ▲ Boxer= I have once shifted my focus from game after putting myself in best position, but nevertheless I was diligent and I believe that has enabled me to become a 30's gamer. Savior shares similar story with me after claiming top. However, he is young and a new Bonjwa has not come out yet at this point so I believe he can reclaim his position. Since I understand his situation very well, I believe he can be in a position much better than the one I was in. I wish he becomes an exemplary player that other players look up to.
- Then who is Boxer to Savior? ▲ Savior = Few years ago when the 30's gamer talk came out, I doubted it. But Boxer is doing it now. Boxer as of now is already enough. In my first years of progamer career, I couldn't talk about a player Boxer, but I got to know him as we played games against each other and now we are actually doing an interview together. If you think about all this processes, it is quite interesting. This suddenly came across my mind. (Smiles)
(interview's words) It was a question to end the interview but these two seemed to have more to ask each other. Savior said he had last question to ask and extended life of this interview.
- (Savior to Boxer) I get asked a lot about next Bonjwa, what do you think about it? I personally think that once one gets to high class, his distance from gaming accelerates. There could be some that is already in such process.
▲ Boxer= The fact is, it is funny for me to talk about Bonjwa. I'm not in top level, I'm just practicing like all other entering progamers now. ▲ Savior= E-Sports wants to put one person on top. In other sports like soccer, it seems like they respect each other pretty well but I don't see that in E-Sports. No recognition for vast majority excluding few top players. Other players are trying very hard but people are ignoring them. ▲ Boxer= It is because E-Sports has room to grow. It is good to have one player on top to spread this sports.
-(Boxer to Savior) I ask you to do me a favor. I tried to do this before I went to army but I think it is late for me to do it now. I hope you can create a player union type of thing where influential players gather to create a better environment for less known player base.
▲ Savior= It is impossible to even imagine players from different teams to gather. Too much team based... ▲ Boxer= But if no action is taken, it will only get worse. Even after I returned from army, I thought that it was very unfair for players. ▲ Shim Hyun Team Manager= I think it is best if we make another time to discuss this matter. In the case of baseball league, a lot of places and people provided help for player association. I think it is same for e-Sports that we need a lot of help from people to do this.
- Through this interview we have shared alot of thoughts. How do you feel. ▲ Savior= It was a thing to worry about.. It was difficult to let this kind of thing out. Only someone who experienced this can understand it and I thought only Boxer has experienced this. After many talks, I can relate to and agree with a lot of things that he has said. It was short but I liked it a lot. I wish we could meet again privately (no gay talk plz). I'm happy this is over but at the same time, disappointed that it was short. ▲ Boxer= I think Savior is future of many players. I wish Savior's generation can achieve a lot that their previous generation couldn't achieve. I wish e-Sports-like e-sports scene becomes reality. I seem like asking too much favor. (Smiles). I wish many interesting events to occur in e-Sports. I was in basketball game recently and witnessed so many entertaining events. I hope e-Sports to improve in various areas. We lack number of stadiums and events that will prevents fans from getting bored. ▲ Boxer= Oh, and later we do this with "LimLeeChoiMa" all 4 together. ▲ Savior= I'm worried I talked too serious. Although It will be fresh to readers. (Smiles)
- INTERVIEWING SEPERATELY.
After the interview, the photo session for photos to be used in interview proceeded. Savior's solo cuts were proceeding and Boxer was interviewed while resting on a chair.
(During Savior's photo session...) - You recently revealed you had a girfriend. ▲ Boxer= My girlfriend felt insecure. I wanted to announce whether I had gf or not to make her feel comfortable. I don't want to reveal any details. But I made it known because I had many girls approaching me.
- How is your practice going. ▲ Boxer= At first, I revised many strats and used them to win a lot. Recently, I'm working on fundamentals and am losing because of that. I'm working on basic stuff. When I get basics improved I'll use strats from past. I need basics the most at the moment.
- Many fans wait for your game in Winner's League.
▲ Boxer= If it was proleague system, sniping would have been possible. But now basics are more important with this system. If I'm in entry to play a zerg, we wouldn't know the next player from opponent so I don't think the coach will use me to get 1 kill. I need to try harder to meet coach's expectation.
- You are practicing in a proteam again after practicing in army. Isn't it any difficult? ▲ Boxer = I know how to climb back up to top but the first step was really tough. But it got better as I kept practicing more and more. I'm confident I can build a decent basics. My ambition is bigger though to be honest.
- As you get older is it physically harder? ▲ Boxer= My vision got bad. You have to make decision after analyzing given situation but because of bad eye vision I sometimes make delayed decision. I started to get bad results since wearing glasses which is really sad. Eye vision is important. I was 1.5 but now I'm 0.1. And it was measured 2 years ago. I tried playing without glasses but it felt like playing in a fog.
(During Boxer's session...) - Don't you feel pressured about returning to top? ▲ Savior= I know a lot of people want my return. It's not that I know that. I also want to do good (Smiles). Some say they can't find a desire to win on my face but if I was such player, I would never have been recognized in the first place. I want to be recognized again, and work hard to feel that feeling again. I know the answer lies on me. I never said this but I'm also struggling mentally from this.
-You have many nicks. You get a nick whatever you do. ▲ Savior= I have many nicks. I can't even name them all. I get 2~3 nicks every time something happens. I like MaAeGuk one. I think I just have to go with these nicks whether I like them or not. But I can't compromise my privacy. I can take it because I'm a progamer but it depresses me when people around me get hurt because of me.
- Playing vs Bisu and FBH could be a lot of pressure. ▲ Savior= In recent MSL grp selection, FHB said "Now playing with Savior is not helpful for me". But the fact that he was carrying that thought in his head was surprising. I don't understand why he would think like that. For one player to surpass another player is not simply about records vs each other but overall career. Even if I beat Boxer 100 times now I'm not actually winning him. That is my opinion.
I get pressure from extra attention and tension in playing vs FBH. When I said "I want to avoid FBH" in previous interview, that is what I meant. It is not simply 1 loss but I get more harms that affect my future games. I'm not afraid of defeat. But I meant that I don't want to pay it any attention since it could bring me more detrimental affect.
Bisu is different. Bisu can't be compared with FBH. He was good career with many wins in tournaments. Playing vs Bisu is different feeling from playing FBH. You wait for that game even if you lose.
- Your recent matches show poor performance in late game management. ▲ Savior= I wish the stadiums could be designed for played to focus better. I mean most efficient environment for players to concentrate on game. I believe stadium environment affects game performance. I personally wish a playing booth where you can't see outside from inside yet the other way is possible. Some players will agree and some will not but if that happens we will get better games. This can be criticized as an excuse but it's okay. Unlike past, I want a situation that I won't regret at all later.
- Nowadays, zergs are having hard time. JaeDong, however, is standing out with Queen usage. ▲ Savior= Complaining about race is not something that I can do now. To talk about JD's queen, queen looked good because JD used it. Anything looks good when used by good players. Starcraft race balance have never been fair regardless of map. Now we have maps playable for zergs but Protoss is still stronger. This is kind of thing players must overcome. Making map more favorable to zerg just because they are struggling is not right. I believe zerg era MUST come back. I'm confident about it, and I hope I play main role in that.
- Anything to fans? ▲ Savior= I have been progamer for long so there are many fans cheering for me. Although I also have anti-fans (Smiles). It gives me strength when I wonder If I can get this much people cheering for me if I did something other than gaming. I used to thank fans with generic sentences but I think I know for real now. It has been really helpful in resolving my mind.
yep its done. Completed. and its fuking long. god.
to be a top gamer you must give up a lot of your personal life / a so-called normal life. I am really glad they emphasize that so much and that they talk about how it psycologically mind-fucks you personally.
i have experienced a good portion of this in my life to just becoming a decent foreigner. Add in the fame and even harder work / isolation these guys have gone through... its just amazing to think about the dedication and pure shit these guys go through to reach there goals. I sincerly hope we see more of these type of interviews.
Read some of it, and wow is this really interesting. Savior and Boxer in the same interview is awesomeeeeeee. But isn't it Ma Jae Yoon? No "h" in the Ma. You know a lot more korean than me, so I probably have no say in this.
Can't wait for the full interview. And wow, Rekrul was right about the path of night......? More comments when I read the full interview. Thanks for translating MrHoon.
I appreciated their honesty, I found it kind of surprising when they talked about how esports has a poor image and worried others would deem them no lifers even though they live in the esports capital of the world. Interesting.
Also, I didn't realize sAviOr viewed Lim Yo Hwan as Boxer-hyung...Although maybe it's just for the interview? Still, it's quite nice to see this tenderer side of both of them. I hope they do well.
On January 19 2009 14:33 Hazz wrote: I appreciated their honesty, I found it kind of surprising when they talked about how esports has a poor image and worried others would deem them no lifers even though they live in the esports capital of the world. Interesting.
Yeah. I found this surprising when I first realised too.. Of course, the stigma attached to being a gamer is nowhere as negative as in the West but it is STILL negative.
Although the interview is really great.. Boxer and Savior are on completely different levels of fame IMO. Lim Yo Hwan is almost a household name here... but Ma Jae Yoon?? outside of the SC circle.. I think very few people have heard of him..
On January 19 2009 14:33 Hazz wrote: I appreciated their honesty, I found it kind of surprising when they talked about how esports has a poor image and worried others would deem them no lifers even though they live in the esports capital of the world. Interesting.
Yeah. I found this surprising when I first realised too.. Of course, the stigma attached to being a gamer is nowhere as negative as in the West but it is STILL negative.
Although the interview is really great.. Boxer and Savior are on completely different levels of fame IMO. Lim Yo Hwan is almost a household name here... but Ma Jae Yoon?? outside of the SC circle.. I think very few people have heard of him..
Trust me, it got ALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT better
Now it is accepted because so many large companies sponsor it and shit
With Woongjin, KTF, Samsung, SKT and CJ the image of SC got so much better.
i just read through the entire interview, and it's REALLY REALLY long. please give MrHoon some slack in terms of time =) Translation takes a lot of time, you know =P
On January 19 2009 14:45 joohyunee wrote: i just read through the entire interview, and it's REALLY REALLY long. please give MrHoon some slack in terms of time =) Translation takes a lot of time, you know =P
yeah I thought I was halfway done only to find out WTF ITS HUEG
but goddamn one of the best reads I've read on Fomos next to the OSL commentator and MBC commentator interview.
On January 19 2009 14:36 talismania wrote: is littering really common in korea or something? Somehow I had the idea in my head that Seoul was really clean.
theres throw up on the streets from drunks at night -_-;;
Littering is so common in Korean that people dont even think its bad.
On January 19 2009 14:45 joohyunee wrote: i just read through the entire interview, and it's REALLY REALLY long. please give MrHoon some slack in terms of time =) Translation takes a lot of time, you know =P
yeah I thought I was halfway done only to find out WTF ITS HUEG
but goddamn one of the best reads I've read on Fomos next to the OSL commentator and MBC commentator interview.
On January 19 2009 14:33 Hazz wrote: I appreciated their honesty, I found it kind of surprising when they talked about how esports has a poor image and worried others would deem them no lifers even though they live in the esports capital of the world. Interesting.
Yeah. I found this surprising when I first realised too.. Of course, the stigma attached to being a gamer is nowhere as negative as in the West but it is STILL negative.
Although the interview is really great.. Boxer and Savior are on completely different levels of fame IMO. Lim Yo Hwan is almost a household name here... but Ma Jae Yoon?? outside of the SC circle.. I think very few people have heard of him..
Trust me, it got ALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT better
Now it is accepted because so many large companies sponsor it and shit
With Woongjin, KTF, Samsung, SKT and CJ the image of SC got so much better.
Also to add, legit media coverage (Daum Sports has a little section for e-Sports news now).
Wow I loved this interview. It's good to see a nice down to earth interview instead of standard robot-answer responses.
With all this being said, I wonder if either of them will climb back to the top, and if they do, will they now have the mindset and experience to consistently stay there that they now know what to avoid?
that was a phenomenal interview and i can't wait for the last third, i didn't know a lot of the stuff they were talking about and a long interview with 2 bonjwas discussing things like this is really rare and really interesting. THANK YOU MRHOON!
On January 19 2009 15:09 ShaperofDreams wrote: that was a phenomenal interview and i can't wait for the last third, i didn't know a lot of the stuff they were talking about and a long interview with 2 bonjwas discussing things like this is really rare and really interesting. THANK YOU MRHOON!
On January 19 2009 15:09 ShaperofDreams wrote: that was a phenomenal interview and i can't wait for the last third, i didn't know a lot of the stuff they were talking about and a long interview with 2 bonjwas discussing things like this is really rare and really interesting. THANK YOU MRHOON!
you mean there is even more :D:D:D awesome! please stay strong though the translation, know that we all appreciate what you are doing (a lot!) this already is the best interview of SC i have ever read, it's so deep and honest.
EDIT: also, i think i should stop looking at the pictures, my hand is getting dangerously close to my pelvic region...
HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!! The pics are so awesome. Mind blowing even. Savior keeps mentioning his girlfriend........is it the same girl as that girl from Singapore in his long distance relationship? I remember seeing a thread on that. I really have no idea what to put in the search bar to find it. Anyone want to help? And maybe if MrHoon can confirm it's the same girl?
On January 19 2009 15:09 ShaperofDreams wrote: that was a phenomenal interview and i can't wait for the last third, i didn't know a lot of the stuff they were talking about and a long interview with 2 bonjwas discussing things like this is really rare and really interesting. THANK YOU MRHOON!
On January 19 2009 15:25 JIJIyO wrote: HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!! The pics are so awesome. Mind blowing even. Savior keeps mentioning his girlfriend........is it the same girl as that girl from Singapore in his long distance relationship? I remember seeing a thread on that. I really have no idea what to put in the search bar to find it. Anyone want to help? And maybe if MrHoon can confirm it's the same girl?
Thank you very much for translating, looking forward to the rest. This is gold for the esports community, really powerful insight into fame and temptation to lead some sort normal life after progaming.
Yeah I'm really suprised at the honesty in this interview, instead of the usual "I love my fans and will work hard" mess. I guess Boxer really feels comfortable talking about this since he's been through so many experiences, including military training, and has really matured.
what is this term '30s progamer'? Even in Korean age BoxeR is still 29. Is this more of a generational term than specifically labeling BoxeR as 30 yrs old?
On January 19 2009 16:07 []p4NDemik[] wrote: what is this term '30s progamer'? Even in Korean age BoxeR is still 29. Is this more of a generational term than specifically labeling BoxeR as 30 yrs old?
in korea you are considered a year older when it's the new year. so you are actually 2 years older than your actual age until your birthday comes along, and then you are 1 year older.
so for example i'm 20, but in korea i'm 22 since it's 2009. when my birthday comes by i'll be 21 in america but i'll still be 22 in korea.
On January 19 2009 15:35 eth0x wrote: Thanks a lot for the interview, MrHoon.
By the way, what was Rekrul correct about?
He was right about how Progamers get distracted and partially how they ignore fans, etc.
And about how when good players start sucking its because their spending their time in whore houses, drinking and gambling for some, just holy shit.
i can relate to that. like a week or so after partying and you get this godawful itch and a rash that just won't go away, you worry so much that it starts affecting your performance at work.
Boxer is 30? wow I'm amazed he lasted this long as pro-gamer to still play starcraft. thank you for the translation i saw this in fomos and i wonder TL has this translated yet, you did!.
On January 19 2009 16:15 Kinky wrote: What exactly is a Hyung?
In progaming houses a Hyung is the older experienced player newbies learn the ropes from, for example in the wemade house Nada is a Hyung. Basically the vets/older players.
Just for clarification, is the interview done or is it 60% completed as it says on the first page? More interview can't hurt. Except for MrHoon's brain and fingers. :D
okay guys back from work, yes the interview is only 60% completed I'll try finishing to rest as soon as possible but for now I have something else to finish
and also yes, although we tried laughing rekrul's gossips off, he is very correct. Although this is one of the first interviews translated that shows the "Night Path" there has been many stories of Boxer and Savior going around in korea before this.
Hence the reason why when people make fun of Savior in korea they always say "IS IT MADE FROM DIOR?!" or something along the lines of that.
thank you for translating this mrhoon, sucks that it was longer than you thought and turned out to be mega hard.
boxer definitely set a very candid pace for the interview, i cant imagine that kespa/teams' management are happy about some of the de-disneyifing of progaming that occurs in it. but it's very refreshing to hear some honesty and i really enjoyed it.
wow this is so frickin good and wow, so rekrul was right and everything about path of night... and by.hero for next bonjwa? and poor boxer having run-ins with rabid fans. and is boxer hinting that flash might possibly be falling to the path of night? and wow they dress so good. dang, i want their clothes.
On January 19 2009 14:14 MrHoon wrote: ▲ Savior: I believe the same. I think I'm better now than I was at my prime (LOL ANTI-SAVIOR FANBOYS ARE RIGHT).
That's so wrong. :/
Slightly better mechanically, maybe--like everyone became--but that's it. :o
Wow..Being a progamer in Korea is not so easy as people think..the sacrifices they have to make and stuff ..Respect to these 2 ! Hope Bisu can be the next Bonjwa
Very nice article! I enjoyed it and at the same time weighted out some things in my head. I understand most of what they are saying through my own experience, of course there are parts I haven't experienced nor do I strive for it. Point being - they both are wise, strong and thus charming personalities. And what I like the best is that they don't try to prove anything, they just are what they are. And when you understand that, you start to admire them, because it's not fake, it's what they are to the core.
This is a really awesome interview. They are talking about how their real lives are, not some well-prepared decent words. When Boxer talked about those "celebrity" days, I can sense his impression. I've seen him doing lots of things other than StarCraft but I think it's time to let it go. Being a professional gramer, that's the very original reason I love this man.
I do wish Fomos could do a Ra/Bisu or Garimto/Stork interview
lol im reading the orig now to fill in the rest and it says they asked a question as a throwaway to end the interview but both players expressed reluctance at ending it so quickly and savior asks another question to boxer and then it just keeps freaking going for so long after i just loled ;o omg too freaking late i gotta finish the rest later ;o
On January 19 2009 14:45 joohyunee wrote: i just read through the entire interview, and it's REALLY REALLY long. please give MrHoon some slack in terms of time =) Translation takes a lot of time, you know =P
yeah I thought I was halfway done only to find out WTF ITS HUEG
but goddamn one of the best reads I've read on Fomos next to the OSL commentator and MBC commentator interview.
I will do my best to translate this guys
do you have a link to the commentator interviews if theyre still active? >> damn i gotta check fomos more regularly...
One of the most interesting interviews not only sc-related that I've read in a long time. It is probably the most insightful sc interview up to date. Great job Mr.Hoon.
This is easily the best interview I've ever read...the candidness, the content and the quality of the answers is just mind-boggling. We're getting a look into what we only speculated endlessly about.
Thanks SO MUCH MrHoon.
(also I can't believe rekrul's troll post is actually so true...-____-;; )
I decided on 1 thing. I don't want to screw around anymore and I think I can give up everything for gaming. Like the first time I came onto the e-sports scene, I want to sacrifice everything to get back to my original state.
GO BOXER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And lol Savior is better now than he is in his prime.
SICK INTERVIEW! this was alot better then all the other interviews who were mainly for laughs it seems. This wasn't about "OMG WHY DID YOU DO THIS AND THAT THERE?" it was about the persons behind! Thanks for the awesome translation!
On January 19 2009 14:14 MrHoon wrote: ▲ Savior: I believe the same. I think I'm better now than I was at my prime (LOL ANTI-SAVIOR FANBOYS ARE RIGHT).
That's so wrong. :/
Slightly better mechanically, maybe--like everyone became--but that's it. :o
yeah savior is lying to himself here, he surely was better at his prime than he is now. especially during his hardcore slump phase he certainly was way worse than at his prime, you could easily see in his games how many mistakes and carelessness was involved which simply weren't involved in his prime.
Awesome, the content as well as you translating it. :o Tx for the continuous effort. Nice to be able to finally read about the temptation of the dark side, which is of course natural, but gets talked about so little. This also shows they're human, I mean who wouldn't fall for the temptation when you've got fame and money? And also nice to see how much they respect each other. And they dress nice. :D
On January 19 2009 17:56 PoP wrote: Great interview MrHoon. Thanks!
On January 19 2009 14:14 MrHoon wrote: ▲ Savior: I believe the same. I think I'm better now than I was at my prime (LOL ANTI-SAVIOR FANBOYS ARE RIGHT).
That's so wrong. :/
Slightly better mechanically, maybe--like everyone became--but that's it. :o
yeah savior is lying to himself here, he surely was better at his prime than he is now. especially during his hardcore slump phase he certainly was way worse than at his prime, you could easily see in his games how many mistakes and carelessness was involved which simply weren't involved in his prime.
And how do you know things like this? Do you practice with him in the CJ Entus progaming house? I think Savior knows more about how he plays when he practices everyday for 10 hours? No?
On January 19 2009 22:35 LemOn wrote: Epic Interview. Boxer's charisma is so awesome, poor Savior just agreed on everything what boxer said.
And of course, whoring and alcohol ARE THEMSELVES the Osl curse.
Great interview. Thank you. It is really interesting to hear about real life problems, emotions and hardship for a change instead of build orders and timings.
Wow thanks a lot for this. Really interesting read. It's great to hear how much those two legends have in common. Boxer sounds so wise for such a young guy! What he says is pretty much true for anything in life, not just pro-gaming.
On January 19 2009 23:58 nataziel wrote: Awesome translation, I just wish I could read the original rekrul post, for some reason it's gone missing from the original topic.
this.
i cobbled something together from the replies in that thread, but i'd really like to read the original post with all the dirt in it :D
and, of course, an exelent interview and a great translation never read a progamer interview that was near as interesting as this one
I almost never read interviews for some reason, but I have zero regrets regarding this one. Probably the greatest one I have ever read. Thank you so much!
▲ Boxer: For players who reach their peak and fall back down it is very difficult to get back to their original state. You can't concentrate, and when practice isn't working out you seek for other pleasures. Women and alcohol mainly. Players who were at the top know the way back, but it is still very difficult. Players like us know how harsh reality is, and that is probably why it is the biggest factor.
On January 20 2009 15:22 0xDEADBEEF wrote: Boxer is 28 in normal age, 29 in Korean because they add 1... I think this was a wrong translation? Born on September 4, 1980
On January 19 2009 16:07 []p4NDemik[] wrote: what is this term '30s progamer'? Even in Korean age BoxeR is still 29. Is this more of a generational term than specifically labeling BoxeR as 30 yrs old?
in korea you are considered a year older when it's the new year. so you are actually 2 years older than your actual age until your birthday comes along, and then you are 1 year older.
so for example i'm 20, but in korea i'm 22 since it's 2009. when my birthday comes by i'll be 21 in america but i'll still be 22 in korea.
Crazy good interview, I think the brutal honesty in their answers is refreshing. Outside of all the gaming Stardom is some harsh realities. Also, thanks a lot for your translating services MrHoon. We owe you!
On January 21 2009 06:48 Xenixx wrote: Interview says BoxeR is 30 in korean? How old is he actually on my calendar, anyone know the deal?
Koreans count the day they're born as being one year old. Therefore, he's 29.
In addition to this, you're a year older at the beginning of a new year, rather than being a year older at your birthday.
Example:
Birthday: March 3rd, 1990 United states age: 18 Korean age: 1 (the count starts at 1) + 18 + 1 (even though it's not your birthday yet, it's new year 2009) = 20
Thanks Mr.Hoon for the translation! It was really epic. These materials are really things you can't find except in forums and due to your massive personal efforts.
I think it was really interesting how they both view success as requiring total sacrifice. I think, from talking with my Korean friends in Korea, that's very common. I think that it really dispels the idea that progamers just play video games all day and it's fun. It really is a huge amount of discipline and effort to get to this level. I remember hearing Daniel Lee say that this is why Guillaume Patry (Grrrr...) didn't get even better or stay good; he didn't have the discipline to practice enough.
But in the U.S. most pro athletes or even our best scientists, etc. don't have the single-minded devotion and focus to their chosen passion, and yet seem to achieve great results. I wonder if it's just a cultural difference that is psychological (people think that they cannot succeed unless they are utterly devoted).
kinda funny that the best players in the world have a revelation about what it means to be a professional player and to dedicate your life to something, when they've already been a "professional" for so many years. korean e-sports has a LONG way to go, and perhaps may never achieve, the level of professional attitude of a league like NBA or NFL, or even that of many collegiate athletic programs in the USA.
well i dunno about professional athletes but its true alot of progamers arent as dedicated as the public sees them the foreign public at least, dunno bout the koreans.
of course there are some that are as insanely focused as everyone thinks like lux and jaedong and some others
On January 21 2009 15:20 a-game wrote: korean progamers are less professional than nba players?
i find that extremely hard to believe. korean pros practice what, 10-12 hours per day?
i can't even watch NBA the players are so damn lazy, and you know 90% of the stars barely practice at all and smoke as much weed as possible with jay-z in their off-hours. that is when they're not getting arrested for carrying a firearm in a public place or getting 5 new tattoos.
This interview does show how it is more difficult for pro gamers than other professional athletes for one incredibly important reason, respect. Professional athletes enjoy significant respect infact many of them join the sport for exactly that reason however being a pro gamer even in Korea is something that is frowned down upon.
For this reason pro gamers deserve far more respect than pro athletes in any other sport, whats more they also earn less, your average NFL player earns alot of money more than even the top players in Starcraft. Pro gamers sacrifice education and a life really in exchange for what, a chance at stardom I suppose, but the gains are far less than other sports and the practice routine for more intense and the chances of being the greatest much lower, and if you do gain this than it is incredibly short lived. In NFL etc you can physically only practice so much so you inherently have significant time to rest up but in Starcraft you spend basically your entire life practicing Starcraft. Progamers are in my opinion people to be admired far more than any footballer.
Awesome interview! Thanks, MrHoon - I know how hard it is to translate something as long as this one. Great work.
On January 21 2009 15:20 a-game wrote: i can't even watch NBA the players are so damn lazy, and you know 90% of the stars barely practice at all and smoke as much weed as possible with jay-z in their off-hours. that is when they're not getting arrested for carrying a firearm in a public place or getting 5 new tattoos.
If you have no idea what you are talking about, please don't act like you do. NBA players, especially the stars, have to consistently practice to maintain their level and compete with other players. Or maybe even to keep their starting/roster spot. I don't know how much you were exaggerating, but my goodness, this is simply ignorant. Just because there are rare exceptions doesn't mean this is how the NBA works.
it's a shame this NBA derail has even lasted 5 posts and i apologize for that in advance. i'm not used to being around people who are NBA fans and so normally if i'd say something like that nobody would really care because where i'm from the NBA has only a fringe following. it's easy to forget that you're on an international board where the NBA or any other sport could be (and apparently is) pretty huge so you should be respectful for that, so for that i apologize.
back to the interview now please mrhoon did an epic translation in the OP and this thread deserves respect. i honestly didn't intend to troll so yeah my apologies =/
I'm from Canada, I don't give a damn about the NBA, but who are you to say that all NBA players are lazy? How the fuck can anyone say that being a Starcraft progamer is harder than all other professional athletes?
Do you even realize how fucking minuscule the chances of becoming an NBA professional is? Don't throw shit about how people are calling you out because this is some American site. Don't use some pathetic excuse like that. I am calling you out simply because what you said is absolutely moronic.
People on this forum so often cry and throw "BM" when a lot of the time when someone gets shit thrown at them shit gets thrown at them for a reason. Don't spew bullshit if you don't want to get shit on.
On January 21 2009 15:20 a-game wrote: korean progamers are less professional than nba players?
i find that extremely hard to believe. korean pros practice what, 10-12 hours per day?
i can't even watch NBA the players are so damn lazy, and you know 90% of the stars barely practice at all and smoke as much weed as possible with jay-z in their off-hours. that is when they're not getting arrested for carrying a firearm in a public place or getting 5 new tattoos.
i think your description of NBA players is pretty inaccurate for the average player. especially for most of the best players. even if you have some prejudice against the NBA, then you can substitute it for any other professional league that is the best for its sport.
it's funny that you should mention practicing a lot as a way that marks them as professionals, when i think it's one of the worst things about this scene. there is an idea that more practice is better, no matter what. perhaps some people don't care what's best, and instead only what looks best to outsiders, or perhaps some are just ignorant of what's best. either way, it's very unprofessional.
anyway, in the interview, they aren't talking about practicing 10-12 hours a day. they talk about getting bad results and then seeking pleasure in girls/alcohol. that is incredibly unprofessional. it's especially bad when you consider the structure of these teams, where everyone lives together, so the people responsible for savior would know what's going on. yet it happened.
Boxer is now a 30s gamer, how do you feel ▲ Savior: Boxer was a progamer since his 20s and now to his 30s. I am still young so there are still very many lustrous traps for me, but for Boxer to be a progamer still is quite amazing.
This Savior/Boxer interview is a breath of fresh air from the usual "I promise to practice harder and show better results next time for my fans" rehash that most Korean progamers seem to put out. I'm glad we're finally getting some insight into what's really going on. The interview is so much more honest and straight up, I wish we had more of it.
E-sports in Korea may be the most advanced in the world and it's come a long long way but it's still a relatively young industry.
as for what a-game said, its probably true that progamers practice more than basketball players. Wouldn't it be like fysically impossible to practice some athletic sport for like 12 hours a day... You need to rest much more as the body takes more damage and gets exhausted. I also agree with nony, practice doesn't make proffesionalism.
On January 19 2009 14:36 talismania wrote: is littering really common in korea or something? Somehow I had the idea in my head that Seoul was really clean.
there r like literally NO TRASHCANS in korea....
im from korea but I got soo used to America having trashcans and me recycling properly and all that stuff
i remember when i went back i ate a popsicle and held on to the stick for i think 1hr... b4 finding a trashcan to throw it away in
haha all my krn friends thought that was pretty funny
On January 21 2009 15:20 a-game wrote: korean progamers are less professional than nba players?
i find that extremely hard to believe. korean pros practice what, 10-12 hours per day?
i can't even watch NBA the players are so damn lazy, and you know 90% of the stars barely practice at all and smoke as much weed as possible with jay-z in their off-hours. that is when they're not getting arrested for carrying a firearm in a public place or getting 5 new tattoos.
i think your description of NBA players is pretty inaccurate for the average player. especially for most of the best players. even if you have some prejudice against the NBA, then you can substitute it for any other professional league that is the best for its sport.
it's funny that you should mention practicing a lot as a way that marks them as professionals, when i think it's one of the worst things about this scene. there is an idea that more practice is better, no matter what. perhaps some people don't care what's best, and instead only what looks best to outsiders, or perhaps some are just ignorant of what's best. either way, it's very unprofessional.
anyway, in the interview, they aren't talking about practicing 10-12 hours a day. they talk about getting bad results and then seeking pleasure in girls/alcohol. that is incredibly unprofessional. it's especially bad when you consider the structure of these teams, where everyone lives together, so the people responsible for savior would know what's going on. yet it happened.
These were exactly my thoughts. How come the coaching team let these things happen given all the control they have...
Also as in any sport practicing more not necessarily will cause improvement and actually it can be detrimental to the results. You don't want to overwork yourself. Being tired doesn't help to achieve results. Though 10 hours of practicing in my opinion is doable and sustainable. And I mean real 10 hours of practicing.
On January 21 2009 16:02 OneOther wrote: Awesome interview! Thanks, MrHoon - I know how hard it is to translate something as long as this one. Great work.
On January 21 2009 15:20 a-game wrote: i can't even watch NBA the players are so damn lazy, and you know 90% of the stars barely practice at all and smoke as much weed as possible with jay-z in their off-hours. that is when they're not getting arrested for carrying a firearm in a public place or getting 5 new tattoos.
If you have no idea what you are talking about, please don't act like you do. NBA players, especially the stars, have to consistently practice to maintain their level and compete with other players. Or maybe even to keep their starting/roster spot. I don't know how much you were exaggerating, but my goodness, this is simply ignorant. Just because there are rare exceptions doesn't mean this is how the NBA works.
I don't know. From what announcers and the like say (I have no inside information), you really don't practice all that much during the season. What are you going to do, kill yourself sprinting a day before a game and lose your legs? There is a lot of travel, but it's not like they don't go in style.
Of course there's the nice long offseason, too. Which is where I think most players "get better." But there's a limit to how much your body can do. You can't workout (at least as I understand it, w/ my ltd knowledge) much more than an hour a day. And even "practice" (jumpshots and the like) would have a ceiling; do you really want to get great at shooting a flat jumpshot? I honestly can't see a basketball player working more than like... 5 hours a day? Again, this is just me trying to work it out, but it makes sense.
So while I don't think basketball players intend to be lazy, the fact that they have such a specialized talent prevents them from working too much. Leaving them time to smoke weed and hange out w/ hova.
man, i was so excited seeing this thread on the sidebar, thinking Mrhoon updated it, only to find some people comparing Starcraft to the NBA (whatthefuck?) a completely different sport with completely different limitations and paths to success. NBA/=Starcraft.
- Then doesn't Savior have ambition to be one himself (30's gamer)? ▲ Savior= Honestly, I haven't thought about it. But I have wondered whether I can do it or not. I couldn't reach conclusion. ▲ Boxer= You have to answer that question on your own. You have to first decide if playing game is best for you. To help Savior decide that, I suggest him to ask himself a question, "What can I excel at other than gaming?" I came to think about this kind of thing more since I returned from military duty. Like, "it has to be better than army (Smiles)," This way of thinking helps me to see things in a positive way.
(interviewer's words) Who is Savior to Boxer, and Boxer to Savior? After some serious conversations, Boxer and Savior seemed to have become close. Boxer shared his past stories and didn't hesitate to give out helpful advises to Savior. Savior agreed with Boxer's words and opened his mind in an effort to benefit from Boxer's advises. As they did this they started to throw questions at each other, continuing the interview by themselves.
-(Boxer to Savior) How did your coach treat you when the people crowned you as a Bonjwa? And how was your life at the team lodge? ▲ Savior= The coach didn't 'touch' me. Back then, I honestly thought I deserved such treatment. I was very proud, but not arrogant. I had many Hyungs (seniors) in the team, so I couldn't act easily regardless of how well I was playing. But I still had total freedom to enjoy my time after scheduled practice session.
-(Boxer to Savior) Some juniors probably have you during that time as their role model. ▲ Savior= I didn't know it back then. But I think I know now. I thought deciding for myself and scheduling my own schedule was better for me. But those juniors could have thought "It is ok to do such things when you are good".
- Was it similar for Boxer? ▲ Boxer= My coach gave me same kind of freedom. However, when you take a captain responsibility, it is hard to enjoy your free time outside. I didn't go partying because I was afraid I would lose my focus from gaming. I sat in front of computer screen even in my free times. But I didn't do that to 'show' it off to my juniors. Recently, assistant coach Park told me that such behavior had motivated many players back then and built their faith in me. ▲Savior= There was a time when I acted however I liked to. But I realized that the team could be jeopardized by my behavior.
- Let's wrap up this interview. We have talked about various things. How do you feel? ▲ Savior= I'm worried that we focused too much on heavy topics. These are kind of things that aren't mentioned easily in any given place. ▲ Boxer= But I think what we talked about today also applies to other sports. If athletes in different sports hear this, I'm sure they will nod their head in agreement. There isn't any resentment between players of sports. Although I'm not sure if they would regard us as one of their kind (Smiles).
- I know it is a bit random, but who is Savior to Boxer? ▲ Boxer= I have once shifted my focus from gaming after putting myself in best position, but nevertheless I was diligent and I believe that is what enabled me to become a 30's gamer. Savior shares a similar story with me especially after claiming top. However, he is young and a new Bonjwa has not come out yet at this point so I believe he can reclaim his position. Since I understand his situation very well, I believe he can be in a position much better than the one I was in. I wish he becomes an exemplary player that other players look up to.
- Then who is Boxer to Savior? ▲ Savior = Few years ago when the 30's gamer talk came out, I doubted it. But Boxer is doing it now. Boxer as of now is already enough. In my first years of progamer career, I couldn't talk about a player Boxer, but I got to know him as we played games against each other and now we are actually doing an interview together. If you think about all this processes, it is quite interesting. This suddenly came across my mind (Smiles).
(interview's words) It was a question to end the interview but these two seemed to have more to ask each other. Savior said he had last question to ask and extended life of this interview.
- (Savior to Boxer) I get asked a lot about next Bonjwa, what do you think about it? I personally think that once one gets to high class, his distance from gaming accelerates. There could be some who are already in such process.
▲ Boxer= The fact is, it is funny for me to talk about Bonjwa. I'm not at top level, I'm just practicing like all other entering progamers now. ▲ Savior= E-Sports wants to put one person on top. In other sports like soccer, it seems like respect and recognition they get is more evenly distributed but I don't see that in E-Sports. No recognition for vast majority except few top players. Other players are trying very hard but people are ignoring them. ▲ Boxer= It is because E-Sports has room to grow. It is good to have one player on top to spread this sports.
-(Boxer to Savior) I ask you to do me a favor. I tried to do this before I went to army but I think it is too late for me to do it now. I hope you can create a player union type of thing where influential players gather to create a better environment for less known player base.
▲ Savior= It is impossible to even imagine players from different teams to gather. Too much team based nowadays... ▲ Boxer= But if no action is taken, it will only get worse. Even after I returned from army, I felt that it was very unfair for players. ▲ Shim Hyun Team Manager= I think it is best if we make another time to discuss this matter. In the case of baseball league, a lot of places and people provided help for player association to form. I think it is same for e-Sports that we need a lot of help from people to do this.
- Through this interview we have shared alot of thoughts. How do you feel. ▲ Savior= It(topics discussed in interview) was always something I was concerned.. It was difficult to let this kind of things out. Only someone who has experienced this can understand it and I thought only Boxer had experienced this. After many talks, I can relate to and agree with a lot of things that he has said. It was short but I liked it a lot. I wish we could meet again privately (no gay talk plz). I'm happy this is over but at the same time, disappointed that it was short. ▲ Boxer= I think Savior is future of many players. I wish Savior's generation can achieve a lot that their previous generation couldn't achieve. I wish a e-sports-like e-sports scene becomes a reality. I seem like asking too much favor (Smiles). I wish many interesting events to occur in e-Sports. I was in basketball game recently and I witnessed so many entertaining events. I hope e-Sports to improve in various areas. We lack number of stadiums and events that will prevent fans from getting bored. ▲ Boxer= Oh, and later we do this with "LimLeeChoiMa" all 4 together (Boxer, Nada, iloveoov, Savior) . ▲ Savior= I'm worried that I talked too serious. Although It will be fresh to readers (Smiles).
- INTERVIEWING SEPERATELY.
After the interview, the photo session for photos to be used in interview followed. Savior's solo cuts were proceeding and Boxer was interviewed while resting on a chair.
(During Savior's photo session...) - You recently revealed you had a girfriend. ▲ Boxer= My girlfriend felt insecure. I wanted to make it public whether I had a girlfriend or not to make her feel more comfortable. I don't want to reveal any details about it. But I made it known because I had many girls approaching me, not knowing this.
- How is your practice going. ▲ Boxer= At first, I revised many strats and used them to win a lot. Recently, I'm working on fundamentals and am losing because of that. I'm working on basic stuff. When I get basics improved I'll use strats from past. I need basics improved the most at the moment.
- Many fans wait for your game in Winner's League.
▲ Boxer= If it was proleague system, sniping would have been possible. But now basics are more important with this system. If I get into our team's entry to snipe a zerg, we wouldn't know the next player from opponent so I don't think the coach will use me to get 1 kill. I need to try harder to meet the coach's expectation.
- You are practicing in a proteam again after practicing in army. Isn't it any difficult? ▲ Boxer = I know how to climb back up to top but the first step was really tough. But it got better as I kept practicing more and more. I'm confident I can build a decent basics. My ambition is bigger though, to be honest.
- As you get older is it physically harder? ▲ Boxer= My vision got bad. You have to make decision after analyzing given situation but because of bad vision I sometimes make delayed decision. I started to get bad results since wearing glasses which is really sad. Eye vision is important. I was 1.5 but now I'm 0.1. And it was measured 2 years ago. I tried playing without glasses but it felt like playing in a fog.
(During Boxer's session...) - Don't you feel pressured about returning to top? ▲ Savior= I know a lot of people wants to see my return. It's not that I don't know that. I also want to do good (Smiles). Some say that they can't see a desire to win on my face but if I was such a unmotivated player, I would never have been recognized in the first place. I want to be recognized again, and work hard to feel that feeling again. I know the answer lies on me. I never said this but I'm also struggling mentally from this.
-You have many nicks. It seems like you get a nick whatever you do. ▲ Savior= I have many nicks. I can't even name them all. I get 2~3 nicks every time something happens. I like MaAeGuk one. I think I just have to go with these nicks whether I like them or not. But I can't compromise my privacy. I can take anything because I'm a progamer but it depresses me when people around me gets hurt because of what I did.
- Playing vs Bisu and FBH could be a lot of pressure. ▲ Savior= In recent MSL group selection, FHB said "Now playing with Savior is not helpful for me". But the fact that he was carrying that kind of thought in his head was surprising. I don't understand why he would think that way. For one player to surpass another player, it is not simply about records against playing each other but about their overall career. Even if I beat Boxer 100 times now I'm not actually winning him. That is my opinion.
I get pressure from extra attention and tension in playing vs FBH. When I said "I want to avoid FBH" in previous interview, that is what I meant. It is not simply 1 loss but I get more harms that affect my future games. I'm not afraid of defeat. But I meant that I don't want to pay it any attention since it could bring me more detrimental effects in games afterwards.
Bisu is different. Bisu can't be compared with FBH. He has good career with many wins in tournaments. Playing vs Bisu is a different feeling from playing FBH. You wait for that game even if you lose.
- Your recent matches show poor performance in late game management. ▲ Savior= I wish the stadiums could be designed for players to focus better. I mean most efficient environment for players to concentrate on game is needed. I believe a stadium environment affects game performance. I personally wish for a playing booth where you can't see outside from inside yet the other way is possible. Some players will agree and some will not but if that happens we will get better games. Saying this might be criticized as an excuse but it's okay. Unlike past, I want to create a situation that I won't regret later.
- Nowadays, zergs are having hard time. JaeDong, however, is standing out with Queen usage. ▲ Savior= Complaining about race is not something that I can do now. To talk about JD's queen, his queen looked good because JD played it. Anything looks good when used by good players. Starcraft race balance have never been fair regardless of map. Now we have maps playable for zergs but Protoss is still stronger. This is a kind of thing that players must overcome. Making map more favorable to zerg just because they are struggling is not right. I believe that a zerg era MUST come back. I'm confident about it coming, and I hope I can play main role in that.
- Anything to fans? ▲ Savior= I have been progamer for long so there are many fans cheering for me. Although I also have anti-fans (Smiles). It gives me strength when I wonder if I can get this much people cheering for me if I did anything other than gaming. I used to thank fans with generic sentences but I think I know for real now. It has been really helpful in resolving my mind.
yep its done. Completed. and its fuking long. god. grammar edited.
Wow this interview is really deep and is probably the best progaming interview I've read yet. I have so much more respect for these already legendary players.
I get pressure from extra attention and tension in playing vs FBH. When I said "I want to avoid FBH" in previous interview, that is what I meant. It is not simply 1 loss but I get more harms that affect my future games. I'm not afraid of defeat. But I meant that I don't want to pay it any attention since it could bring me more detrimental affect.
Bisu is different. Bisu can't be compared with FBH. He was good career with many wins in tournaments. Playing vs Bisu is different feeling from playing FBH. You wait for that game even if you lose.
Such an awesome interview. I really hope the 'progamer circle' thing comes true. The life of a progamer must be really hard with giving so much up. And when you don't even accomplish anything and gain no fans, it must be even harder. And I like how Boxer wants Savior back on top ^^
Oh my god thank you so much, and now there will be an interview with four of the greats! hopefully it will be as deep as this one, im warming up my thighs already!
guys I fixed grammar errors and other areas to add clarity please refer to my post in page 14 untill Mr.Hoon sees this and edits his original post with edited translation.
I loved how Boxer is "right on" when it comes to starcraft. He is practicing fundamentals.. The emperor working on his "BASICS". You might say wtf but he is so damn talented to know exactly what he needs to have competency. Such a talented mind. This is what makes me actually believe I can see another final with Boxer in it.
On January 24 2009 09:44 AloneInDaBunker wrote: guys I fixed grammar errors and other areas to add clarity please refer to my post in page 14 untill Mr.Hoon sees this and edits his original post with edited translation.
I loved how Boxer is "right on" when it comes to starcraft. He is practicing fundamentals.. The emperor working on his "BASICS". You might say wtf but he is so damn talented to know exactly what he needs to have competency. Such a talented mind. This is what makes me actually believe I can see another final with Boxer in it.
He said he will give up everything to get back to his top skill, I believe in Boxer!
Man this is like when you get a bag of really tasty chips from the chip vendor thing and 2 fall down, Great interview! Took long to read since it wasnt posted at once But thanks for putting that up. Savior Boxer Going on top 10!
nony, you mentioned how unprofessional these guys sound - it's more of a youth thing. there have been countless stories in professional sports about coked out over-sexed 20 something year olds, playing in games with hangovers or the like. the bottom line is, most young men are reckless, and if they have a glut of excess thrust upon them, they will revel in it.
you went to duke, you probably saw this even on that sub-professional level. at boston college, the athletes are ridiculous, even the shitty baseball team. tons of partying, tons of girls.
progamers are younger both physically and mentally than the typical athlete - i don't think it's a matter of unprofessionalism, but immaturity and human nature.
Damn, is this a typical korean mentality or something reserved for the super dedicated. I would think they would take home a few more olympic medals, I remembering hearing something about how Phelps swam like every day for 4years and I thought that it would be fucking impossible. I can't think of anything on earth I can see myself doing for even 6hours plus a day every single day. Granted I'm finishing up highschool and trying to find what I'm going to do with my life, but how do these guys find the motivation, can't most of them make more money with less pressure working the same hours in some office or whatever (500apm typist).
Boxer always seemed to have a mature point of view about starcraft and progaming, it is not strange that the man that ignited it all, seems to have the power to calm down the fires too
I apologize for the bump, but truly, it was an interview I immediately thought of once I found out about the scandal, and it is also one I think is worth just wondering about again. I remember reading this article quite long ago and thinking, like many of you, that Savior was trying to get his act together. It gives perspective on to what degree of temptation he had with other things, and I truly now sit and wonder if his promises of a comeback and his belief in his skill truly had warrant at all.
With Boxer not even attending the MSL qualifiers this year, I think that even if he never plays in a major competition again, he truly gave it his all. All I can do is wonder if Savior really did the same.