Your eyes do not deceive you. Another Code S player has joined our ranks. Words can't do justice to how excited I am to sign Yun "TaeJa" Young Seo, but I'll give it a shot.
This feels like Liquid's biggest acquisition in history. Anyone who has followed the GSL or ESV weekly will know that TaeJa is an incredibly talented, young player. He made his first Code S appearance when he was only sixteen years old, and he will return next season for another run in the world's toughest tournament. He's already proven that he's a top player by qualifying for Code S three times, and he has the talent to do even better in the future. By showing so much ability at such a young age, it's clear to me that TaeJa is a player who will become one of the best in the world.
Some time before the official announcement, we received confirmation that TaeJa had left SlayerS and was seeking to join a non-Korean team.* From his impressive results at a young age, many highlight reel plays, and occasional in-game encounter, we knew that TaeJa was a good player. Personally, he was a player I enjoyed watching, but we had to know more to consider him for recruitment. We scouted him aggressively, re-watching old and recent games alike with a more discerning eye, trying to see if he was truly a player who was up to our standards. With each and every game, a sense of disbelief gradually grew until it became downright shocking: How was someone with such a great natural feel for the game and the amazing mechanics to back it up, now a free agent, and looking for a team outside of Korea no less? TaeJa was an obvious pick up for Liquid, and we approached him regarding joining the team. Talks went smoothly, and not long after, TaeJa put pen to the paper that officially made him Liquid`TaeJa.
I'm excited to see TaeJa don the blue again, but this time in my favorite (and if I might say so myself, more handsome) shade. Here's a shout out to all you Starcraft II hipsters who were yelling Liquid`TaeJa would be a perfect fit; I agree wholeheartedly. He is a player with limitless potential, and I've never been more confident in a player's future.
You'll be able to see TaeJa in action for the first time on Thursday, when he takes on DongRaeGu, TheStC, and Jjakji in Code S. They are some of the best players in the world, and I'm confident that TaeJa will show he deserves to be competing alongside them. Even so, he will need all of your support against these players, so please cheer him on
@LiquidTaeJa and
TL fanclub. The first time our fans outside Korea will be able to see him will be in April at Las Vegas, where he will join the entire Liquid team to take on IPL4.
Welcome, Liquid`TaeJa.
TaeJa means 'heir apparent' in Korean, and we will help you find your crown.
*We would like to thank ESV's Diamond for his efforts in helping TaeJa find a new home, and his consideration of Liquid as the ideal team on which TaeJa could show his talents to the world.Connect to Liquid`TaeJa
Interview with Liquid`TaeJa
Due to Code S preparations, we weren't able to grab Taeja for an extended interview. However, he found the time to answer a few questions to help the fans get to know him a little better, and learn more about his Starcraft II career.
First, could you introduce yourself briefly? How did you start playing Starcraft, and what made you decide to become a progamer?
Liquid`TaeJa:Hello, my name is Yun Young Seo and I'm a 17 year old Terran player.
My parents ran a PC Bang (net cafe) when I was in kindergarten, and that's how I encountered Starcraft. I first tried Starcraft 2 when the open beta started in August of 2010. I thought it was pretty fun so I kept playing the game, and I ended up getting good and placed high on the ladder.
While I was debating whether I should pursue gaming or continue my studies, my Korean teacher suggested I try out for the GSL preliminaries. I was able to make it through the qualifiers, and I made my GSL debut that way. I resumed my studies after that, but I felt that it just didn't fit me. My parents were very against it when I told them I would play Starcraft II professionally, but with my brother's help I was able to become a progamer.You lost in your first official match against eventual championship FruitDealer back in GSL Open Season 1. What did you think about your debut match? What kind of experience was it for you?
Liquid`TaeJa:Back then, I was studying hard, even staying for evening study sessions at school. I was barely able to practice, so I told myself I'd just participate for the sake of the experience. I got a walkover in the RO64, so I think I got too nervous for the RO32 match. Since then, I always tell myself not to get nervous when I play games.You were with SlayerS for a long time. What kind of team was SlayerS? What's your favorite memory with them?
Liquid`TaeJa:SlayerS is better off financially than other teams, and the team has a real mental center. More than anything, Jessica takes good care of all of the members, and I think it was a really great team. The all-kill I scored against ZeNEX in the GSTL would be my most memorable moment.ASUS ROG Assembly Winter was your first tournament outside Korea. What was it like for you? What kind of impression did you receive from the foreign fans?
Liquid`TaeJa:I think foreign fans are very passionate and active. They cheer loudly, clap a lot, and it's just a better atmosphere than Korea. At Assembly Winter, a lot of people asked me for autographs, and it surprised me a lot. It's very different, and I'm really looking forward to going to IPL4.You have a Code S match very soon, and you're going up against some very tough opponents in Group A (Jjakji, TheStC, DongRaeGu). Are you confident in your ability to get through?
Liquid`TaeJa:There are two previous champions in my group, but I think it will go well if I play hard.What are your goals for the long and short term?
Liquid`TaeJa:In the short run, I just want to produce some noticeable results. In the long run, my goal is the same as any progamer, which is to win a championshipFinally, could you say a few words for your fans in English?
Liquid`TaeJa:Hello my fans ! Nice to meet you
My name is YoungSeo Yun.
Please always cheer me
Thanks for everything.
Team Liquid Fighting!
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/HawaiianPig/announce/taeja.jpg)
Bumblebee March 29 2012 06:04. Posts 2149
