[BW interviews] Compilation

Q: How does it feel to win 3 matches in a row?
A: It's been a long time coming, feels as happy as my first win streak in progaming.

Q: The team is on a 5 win streak
A: Overall, the team's atmosphere is great. I didn't have wins before either, the recent 3 win streak at least helped the team.

Q: Talk about the game against RorO
A: Recently against zergs I lost alot, if I meet zergs in the future I will definitely play out my famous PvZ, today overall I played decently.

Q: Next opponent is STX
A: Last match we won with an ace match, our SC2 is great too, so I don't feel that we are disadvantaged compared to other teams. Also our team's atmosphere is better.

Q: STX's mini said that he has a grasp on SC2 protoss
A: I haven't fully understood it myself, but I have confidence. Losing games in practice often crushes my spirit, also I found out I have alot of areas I don't understand fully.

Q: Who's the biggest help (to you) in SC2 on the team
A: Some protoss' started SC2 earlier than I do, so they gave me alot of help. Jaehoon, Sang, By.Han, even trainees will help me answer questions. The assistant coach is also a protoss so we converse alot. Because of the help from teammates my ability is improving more quickly than imagined.

Q: Do you watch GSL players matches?
A: Watching the match I discovered alot of areas that I didn't understand, but playing myself still has alot of areas I can't handle, seems that I need to work on my fundamentals.

Q: WCS preliminaries will meet GSL players.
A: Honestly even though we have to catch up to then, playing in matches I still have alot of confidence. If not for the multiple games rule, in a Bo1 I feel that there is possibility to win. Tomorrow's preliminaries I have confidence.

Q: How do you feel about the groups?
A: I feel that it will be difficult regardless of what group I'm in (laugh) I will go bit by bit, I will play with a mentality of studying.

Q: Anything else?
A: I want to thank all the fans who cheer and encourage me. It's my mom's birthday soon, I want to celebrate her in advance, I don't know if I can get an interview that day (laugh)

Q: how does it feel ending a 5 loss
A: It's my first 5 loss, I felt really bad before, winning today is great,

Q: Why did you lose 5 times in a row?
A: I don't know myself, I started with a 3 win streak this season, I never thought I would loss streak, regardless of how I explain it, I didn't open up in my plays in games.

Q: What was your most regretful match in the 5 loss
A: Recently against Hydra, I had a huge advantage in the early game, I thought I won for sure, but I got supply blocked. After the match ended I felt really regretful.

Q: Talk about today's match
A: First meeting Horang2 I felt I might lose, watching normal matches I felt he was really strong, so I felt really tense.

Q: How did you feel after (you) broke the natural?
A: I made a mistake, my robotics was late. Because at first engaging with dragoons I was afraid I would lose so I spent all my money on units and delayed the upgrade timing. Afterwards I knew he would bring a reaver but I still couldn't block it, it was disorienting.

Q: What was the drive to come back?
A: I know that Horang2 is going to contain / pressure me still. So if I dropped reavers to kill workers I might win so I did that, and I did kill alot of probes. My strategy pulled his army / tempo and equalized the situation, after that I played smoothly.

Q: Do you have confidence to end your loss streak in SC2 too?
A: 3 loss' out of the 5 are SC2, because I understand the concept of SC2's protoss, I've been playing well. I want to play SC2 in SPL quickly/ soon.

Q: Playing in the WCS soon
A: Tomorrow I will meet GSL players in the preliminaries, I hope that Kespa players can win alot, I will try my best not to lose to GSL players. Even though there is a gap, but we are catching up, I think (we) can win.

Q: Anything else?
A: 5 loss streak was really difficult, and there wasn't a place to relief stress, today's victory let me throw away all my pressures, I'm really happy. Starting next match I will play more interesting matches.

Q: Airforce ACE ended its 3 loss streak
A: We ended the loss streak surprisingly, I'm very glad. We have a 8 loss streak against SKT, so this time we wanted to win extra badly, I'm really happy.

Q: Losing the second game in the second half (SC2) was regreful
A: The match was going decent, my +2 just finished, reached 200 pop too, 3 templars, so I thought that I needed to engage. But in the engagement I didn't have a grasp on how well I was doing, so it got really heated. I'm better with an aggressive style, I can't calm down easily, losing was really regretful.

Q: Was it that regret that sent you in Ace match?
A: I was scheduled to play the ace any way. I told myself that if I'm disadvantaged I will turtle, unless I can secure a 100% advantage I won't break out, I'm trying to create space for myself.

Q: During the ace match you tried a 2 gate zealot strategy
A: My mind got heated and I wanted to try it (laugh). Playing against By.Sun-hyung in the second match I lost because of impatience, so I prepared in advance. When I've already lost a match, he will definitely think that I would try to macro safely, I studied By.Sun-hyung's VOD and got a grasp on his habits, so I felt that I could win this way.

Q: After this match round 2 is ending
A: luckily I'm feeling that I'm slowly improving, with a better record than round 1. But we lost in the ace match alot, now the record is better, we will definitely not go lax for round 3, we will keep this momentum, even if we lose we won't lose with out a fight / attitude.

Q: Compared with BW it seems that SC2 fits you better?
A: I don't know if it fits, more importantly I felt an interest. Been playing BW for a long time, so it will definitely lack interest. But practicing in SC2 feels invigorating, so even when practice time is over I will try extra, because of having interest the record is improving.

Q: M18M and firebathero are being discharged from the military soon
A: (losing) These two lively veterans we will feel really empty. Not just because of practice partners, our normal day life will become quiet, it's so regretful. firebathero is an atmosphere creator, (laugh) I hope that things will be fine/go well after they leave (for them).

Q: Last words?
A: Thanks to the fans who've always been supporting us, it's only 1 round left now, we will definitely work to the last moment. Cheers everyone (laugh)

Q: how do you feel about Woongjin winning
A: I haven't gotten an interview in a long time, it's great, helping the team win makes me doubly happy.

Q: You won with a proxy robotics
A: I wanted to use proxy robotics when ever I play PvT, I've been thinking up this opener for a long time.

Q: When you know your opponent was flash, did you feel alot of pressure?
A: It's not BW any more, it's SC2, so I have confidence~ no pressure.

Q: Today's victory will allow woongin to hold the top ranking for round 2
A: The team's record wasn't good in round 2, but in the final stages it got better. If we can keep this atmosphere we can play well in round 3 too.

Q: You got famous with the GomTV cross match, did your life change after that?
A: Alot more people started paying attention to me, so I have pressure to perform now, but it also gave me more motivation to work hard.

Q: You regretfully didn't qualify through the OSL qualifiers
A: When I was playing the prelims, just seeing the group I knew that it would be hard to qualify. I originally had an easy mentality going into the matches, but I met Ryul2 in the Ro4, I wanted to make it into the finals but he played too well, in comparison I'm too noob. So I was really angry with myself, if I had prepared more seriously I would qualify for sure.

Q: How are you going to prepare for the WCS preliminaries?
A: Tomorrow the prelims are starting, so I can only play with my fundamentals, qualifying seems really hard (laugh). This time it's not just Kespa players, so my practice ratio isn't that big.

Q: Today's victory makes your SC2 record 5-1
A: It's not how well I played, mostly still luck. Right now I'm still easily stressed, it's gotten better than before though. I've won alot so it gave me some confidence that I didn't have in BW.

Q: What's your goal for round 3?
A: Right now my official matches highest streak is still only 3 wins in a row, I want to get past 3 wins for longer streaks. Compared with other major leagues I'm still going to focus on SPL, definitely going to let the team go straight to the finals, I hope that I can help the team as much as possible.

Q: The first game against CJ in round 3 is going to be played at eStars convention center
A: not playing at Yongsan and playing at an outdoors stage makes me a bit tense. If I get to play I will definitely practice alot and use a good record as the compensation (For letting me play).

Q: Last words?
A: I want to congratulate Ryul2 who made it out of our OSL group, because he qualified after beating me I hope he can go further (laugh). Also congratulations to BisAnG for qualifying. Recently I recieved too much attention, I will definitely work harder to repay that anticipation. I hope everyone can cheer for me, and join my fan cafe ~ (laugh)

Q: How does it feel after the retirement ceremonies ended?
A: It feels really happy but also difficult to let go, I didn't think that so many fans would come live during the day on a Tuesday. Thanks to everyone who came to participate in my retirement ceremony, I couldn't repay the support of the fans, I'm really thankful for everyone's love to the end.



Q: Why did you decide to retire?
A: It's the era of the end of BW which I devoted everything to, for 10 years I put all of my feelings into it, but in SC2 I don't have the confidence to keep doing that, so I decided to retire quickly.
I started playing SC2 in January of this year (2012), even though I tried really hard in team to practice, but perhaps because all my memories of BW run too deep, I feel that it's a completely new game. Things are all different after all.
I also thought, female players might meet their second peak (in the future), but I don't have the drive anymore, it's really hard to catch up to those SC2 players. So even though it's really regretful, but I still decided to retire.

Q: You are the last female BW player, but you've retired now (too)
A: It's really regretful, out of all the female progamers who are still around, the ones who are actually active are basically gone. I also want female leagues in other categories (games), let more female players challenge male (dominated) territories, and also for more female players who are better than me to appear.

Q: You couldn't play a farewell match
A: Even though (I) talked about this issue too, but I said first that it's best if (we) don't play one. I didn't leave much regret, but maybe the fans were really anticipating it, sorry everyone~



Q: As a progamer what was the most memorable (event)?
A: Going with BoxeR to Cheongwadae and entering into the "2030 female hope leader top 29" award. I thought that the majority of my fans were guys, but I didn't think that I was also a top 20 contestant in female consumers, it was very meaningful.
Also, beating Reach for the first time in a televised game I was really happy~ originally I had planned / prepared alot of cheese', but I won with macro, it made a big/deep impression.

Q: What are your plans now?
A: My sister is an actress, I'm going to run a website store (web retailer) with her~ I want to try some new experiences, so I started, I will use my nick "tossgirl" to name it, right now I'm working on it with fervor and feelings of responsibility.
Also, if esports can give me another chance to be active, I will try my best. Details are really hard to say still, but nothing has come out of the broadcasting stations yet. If i can challenge (esports scene) again, I will become another enthusiastic progamer.

Q: Now you are going to be a member of society (non esports)
A: I know that there aren't easy things in the world. Regardless of what it is, I will challenge it, regardless of rather I fail or succeed, I just want to challenge more things while I'm young. Right now it's still a stage where I want to challenge / try, I don't have plans to get married.

Q: Anything else?
A: I want to thank the fans who still cheer for me, I hope that they can also support my endeavors into my new dreams. I also think that I'm with esports, I love esports, if I can come back, I hope that everyone can continue cheering for me.

In the round of 4 of the tving Starleague, which is now attracting attention for its "repeat finals," the battle between SK Telecom T1's Fantasy and KT Rolster's Flash ended with a sweeping victory by Fantasy. Going against everyone's expectations, Fantasy crushed Flash 3-0. After the match, Fantasy said, "I'm confident I won't lose to Protoss. I want to capture this championship and maintain the SKT Terran legacy."

Q: What are your thoughts on defeating Flash and climbing your way to the finals?
A: I came here with the goal of 3-0, but when it actually turned out that way, it just didn't seem real. I can't even describe how happy I am. I prepared hard and made it through.

Q: You played your games in front of many fans.
A: I thought a lot of fans would come. But even then, the number of people that came to the stadium to watch was way more than I expected. To have won on such a stage, I'm so happy. It was really exciting.

Q: It seems that now you can finally rid yourself of the 2nd place/Kongline image.
A: Because SC:BW is ending, if I don't win this time, then I'll forever remain as the guy in 2nd. I grit my teeth and practiced, and the results were good, so I'm satisfied.

Q: How were your preparations for the Ro4 match?
A: Every time Flash plays a game, there are patterns in his play. I analyzed those patterns and prepared for them. But as we were playing Game 1, it seemed Flash had prepared very well as well. Up until the 2nd set, everything was the same but when approaching the 3rd set, I thought it would be disadvantageous to do the same thing again, so I consulted with Ssak-hyung and JyJ. I decided to change my build, and we saw the results of that.

Q: You had a 2 starport build prepared for Set 3.
A: Sets 1 and 2 were the same, so I became familiar with the build that Flash was using. I changed my build to something else in Set 3, which led to my victory. It was some really fierce psychological warfare.

Q: You're going to be facing JangBi in a revenge finals match.
A: I always have confidence in my versus Protoss. In the year following my defeat to Jangbi in the Jin Air OSL finals, I haven't lost a single game against Protoss. Last time, I was in the position of the Defending Champion, so I think I went into the games with defensive builds and mindset. This time, I'm the Challenger, so I will prepare hard accordingly.

Q: Have you thought about getting a perfect win? (That is, not dropping a single game throughout the entire OSL tournament. Fantasy is currently 9-0 in this OSL)
A: To be honest, prior to the Round of 8, I didn't really consider it, and only said it on a whim. The truth is, I thought the Ro4 would be the danger zone, where I would drop a game. But now that I've won that 3-0, it's a record that I think is actually possible. But it's not something I'm overly worried about, so I'll just practice like I normally do.

Q: In your post-game TV interview, you said that if BoxeR and iloveoov came to your finals match, you would win. (?? not sure, correct if wrong please)
A: Up until now, my SKT Terran seniors have all been 2-time OSL winners. In the past when I reached the finals, I would hear fans say things like "Fantasy is really an SKT Terran now," but because I could only win silvers, it was like the SKT Terran line was dying out. This time, I will definitely win and keep the SKT Terran legacy alive.

Q: Your thoughts on the map order for the finals?
A: I don't think the maps make a huge difference. Because there are no maps like last season's "Pathfinder," I'll be able to crush with just my skill.

Q: What do you think the score for the finals will be?
A: The best scenario would be a 3-0 or even a 3-1 win.

Q: Your resolutions for the finals?
A: Everyone is playing SC2 while I'm still practicing BW, so it feels like I'm being left behind. For the Ro4 though our Terran line helped me a lot. For the finals, our Protoss line will also help me, and because the four of them are so good, I feel at ease. It should be easier than the Ro4.

Q: Jangbi said in his interview that he wanted Flash for his opponent in the finals.
A: It's just my personal thought, but it seems that Jangbi's game style when he's playing against me is very particular, so he chose Flash instead. But I'm confident that I won't lose to a Protoss. I want to work hard and win another gold.

Q: Any last words?
A: I've been preparing for this my whole life. I went in thinking, "If I lose this, it's over." But I got through. The team's situation isn't that great right now, but everyone still gave me a lot of help. I will repay them for their kindness in the future. I want to thank Ssak and JYJ for their help, even though they do not play much BW anymore, as well as Yoon Moonsoo, and Kim Ji Sung. I was able to change my build in the 3rd set thanks to Ssak and JYJ. I'm so happy that my games have received so much attention. Please continue to give your support and interest for the finals. I will strive to give Terran the championship.

Q: You achieved 2 wins today again, how do you feel?
A: The team is getting back to the middle of the brackets again, this is a very important match, I'm very happy to help the team achieve today's victory. Because I didn't systematically link it to BW (I think the original text means to say that he didn't link his mentality playing SC2 to BW), I'm very happy to win, I'm very lucky.

Q: Now you are the firm team ace
A: In SC2 my performance is good, but as time passes I believe that other players will catch up. Today playing in the ace match I was confident as always.

Q: Always appearing in the ace match aren't you worried that other players will snipe you?
A: There are alot of play styles in SC2, so it is very worrying that the opponent will snipe me. In PvP, if your strategy is countered, then you basically lost from the opener.

Q: Today you won against hyvaa twice, how did you feel about the last match
A: I was always holding a defensive posture and harassed his expansions. I made alot of immortals to counter the roach rush. The deciding point of the game was the timing of my push.

Q: Next match is against Airforce ACE
A: Next match I'm playing SC2, so I'm very confident.

Q: OSL prelims are starting soon
A: I had never qualified from the OSL prelims before, so I don't have alot of confidence. But if I just let it play out as usual I think I have a good chance.

Q: Before, SOS played against GSL palyers and won
A: Kespa players will have a terrific show in SC2, please believe in our ability. Against GSL players, it's natural for either to win or lose.

Q: Last words?
A: fans had come out even with in the pouring rain to cheer for us, I'm very thankful. Everyone is trying to practice SC2, so practicing BW I'm really embarrassed to ask people to help, I'm very thankful for teammates who helped me with BW. I believe that if everyone works together our team can make it into the playoffs.

Q: How does it feel to win today
A: The team had suffered 3 consecutive losses, and we dropped to 3rd place, getting back to the top of the rankings with a 4:0 is really great and happy.

Q: Losing in the OSL must be really hard on you
A: I still feel really regretful now, like before, losing the last match wouldn't affect the next match, it's just 1 loss. But I just feel regret for not being able to make the finals. Even though I was disqualified, but for the team I'm still always practicing, I said that I have to practice for the OSL, and the team didn't even let me play in the SPL, after being disqualified I didn't go rest but rather focused on helping teammates practice, I've always been practicing recently.

Q: Neo.G_Soulkey suffered a loss streak in the ace match and cause the team to also loss streak
A: Neo.G_Soulkey did suffer 3 losses, but it wasn't because of him that we lost. Ace match is for the best player on the team, so if we sent someone else we would also lose. I feel that it's a failure on the part of the whole team.

Q: Today you fought a long grueling game
A: Initially the condition was really good, but starting at the mid game I didn't play well, it's mainly because of the advantage I secured in the early game that I won. In the late game firebathero-hyun played better.

Q: Neo.G_Soulkey is being sent out on ace consecutively
A: He's really good, so the coaching team also really trusts him. Honestly speaking, every time Neo.G_Soulkey gets sent out I wanted to play too, but I had matches that I want to win more to play, so I think that sending Neo.G_Soulkey is the correct decision. But 3 loss is too disappointing ~ We already sent our best and still lost, couldn't do match, next time it seems we need to change it up (laugh) ~

Q: Last game in round 2 is against KT
A: Because we ended our loss streak today and won with a 4:0 the team's spirit is up, so next match we can still keep a good spirit. Flash has to play SC2, so it's more advantageous for us. Our team had 5 loss in BW this round, but today we won easily. If we can also win BW against KT then we will win unconditionally ~

Q: Kespa players' OSL qualifiers is starting soon
A: I want to get a seed into the Ro16, so I really wanted to get into the finals. Preparing for the OSL (BW) I purposefully didn't watch any SC2 vods and just focused on BW. During this period my SC2 skill did decline, so I feel that giving us a seed is reasonable, we try so hard for BW, so it should be warranted. Teammates are all really strong, our team is seen as the strongeest SC2 team, so if I just play well, our team should be the team with the most qualifying players, hope that everyone can play like they usually do.

Q: Predict the ODT
A: Honestly, I think it's going to be difficult (laugh) ~ Not just in team, I'm not good in terms of SC2 generally. If I can play well, I can get a line-up, but I haven't even gotten into the top 3 (in team), so I don't have a chance to be sent out. I don't have a definite confidence on getting out of the ODT, I definitely have confidence, but preparing for the OSL I put down SC2 for too long, so it might be a bit difficult. It seems that the players going into the finals are really tiring / committed, but they can get a seed so in some degrees it decreases the effect on the next season, so I hope that both of them will try hard (the finalists) and show us a spectacular match~

Q: Last words
A: The team gave me alot of support preparing for the OSL, the company employees also had alot of people cheering for me, but I was disqualified, I really let everyone down, I'm very sorry. But in terms of SPL I will definitely seal with a 1 win perfect record (lol because you won't be sent out again?), I hope that everyone can cheer for me. Even though I couldn't get into the finals, I still wish that the finals will be more spectacular (laugh) ~ I also tried really hard, losing the match is so regretful, it's the most saddening event in my professional career, ofcourse losing in the SPL playoffs was also really regretful, I'm being honest (laugh)~

Q: How does it feel to win your first SC2 game?
A: It's a new game after all, winning in SC2 for the first time feels really different. Felt similar to when I won at BW the first time.

Q: Team captured the top ranking with a clean 4:0
A: Even though I suffered a lose streak, teammates all played really well and captured the first place. Recently teammates are really working hard, that's how we kept a good record.

Q: How do you assess your performance today?
A: The opponent didn't play to my expectations, but I still responded well. Stats thought he had the advantage so he got lax, and I capitalized on the weakness, the timing was great.

Q: Was the ninja expo planned?
Yes. I had used the same strategy against Flying, that that my ninja expo was exposed due to a mistake. I was really angry myself. This time the plan was similar to last time, and Stats was hit hard by it.

Q: At the last moment you pulled workers for a rush
A: The situation was getting increasingly bleak. So I canned Stats' natural and thought that I could end the game in 1 push, it was a on the spot decision. I captured the timing of the weakpoint of the protoss well.

Q: You dropped mules to celebrate
A: I always wanted to show off in the game. Seeing that the mule come down looks really cool, so every game I want to celebrate (laugh).

Q: How is your SC2 practice (ability)
A: It feels like that in terms of ability I can win now. I've been playing decent recently, so I'm still very interested. Recently the atmosphere is great.

Q: Your first SC2 win came really late.
A: I haven't ever won in SC2 before, so I felt really tense and on-the-edge during matches, and I was very worried, but I've already got the first win, so this won't happen any more. In the future I should play better.

Q: Anything else?
A: As a professional gamer I've never entered the OSL. The new season of SC2 OSL I need to work hard to prepare, I have to qualify. I won't let go for the OSL dream, I will prepare alot for the preliminaries.

As one of the TBLS, Bisu seemingly has clipped his wings in SC2 wings of liberty.

Bisu hasn't gotten 1 win in the SC2 category of SK planet SPL Season 2, even though he still holds a good record in BW, he's 4-1 in the 5 matches he's been sent out, only losing to T8's Movie, but he hasn't gotten any wins in SC2. Since may 27, he's lost to CJ's hero, Samsung's KOP, KT's P7GAB, CJ's Leta, and most recently lost to KT's Flash. The only person to not have won in the TBLS.

Detrimental effect from a lack of professional SC2 assistant coach?

SKT hasn't imported/employed an SC2 assistant coach at the start of the league announcements, because they won the SPL championship even with out assistant coach iloveoov, so they haven't changed their assistant coach roster at all.

But the situation became more and more dire, an important member who contributed to the team's success last season, assistant coach Che(?) switched to Team 8, to compliment the position SKT brought back former member MuJuk as assistant coach, but he doesn't have any experience as a coach, he's only recently retired and isn't too familiar with BW or SC2.

At the time, the assistant coach responsible for coaching protoss bul_T is also serving his military sentence, which creates more problems. He had left the team in season 1 for insomnia, and coming back to the team he's waiting for news about military sentence, interview timings and rather he will be exempt from military service is delayed time and time again, making bul_T unable to focus fully on coaching. SKT's coaching would as such be difficult to compliment. And more regretfully they haven't been able to hire a SC2 specialty coach yet.

Unable to adapt to SC2 creates a burden

Bisu wasn't given much time to adjust to SC2, in the last SPL, SKT was going into the finals, to prepare for it thy had practiced only BW till April 8th, then they went for a vacation in hawaii, so the amount of time given for them to adjust to SC2 wasn't much.

Because the season started, the main coach also said worryingly: "We left very little time for our main line to adjust to SC2, this might burden them". Where as other teams, like woongjin who didn't make the playoffs and STX had started formal practicing for SC2 in late March, longer than the time given to SKT or KT.

This disadvantage is displayed well on Bisu, Bisu had shown poorer understanding of the game compared to other players, he wasn't able to use a decent composition against CJ Hero, and against Samsung's KOP he didn't have an correct understanding of terran firepower / damage output.

After losing twice on SC2, Bisu lost confidence, SPL's themarine has said "because he started later than others and had suffered losses he's seemingly carrying alot more pressure with him. Bisu's performance playing BW and playing SC2 are miles apart."

Going to MLG actually became a poison

Bisu attended MLG at early June, TBLS were all present for the event. Bisu defeated Calm and Jaedong to make the finals. And wasn't lost to Flash 0-2 in the finals. It showed his adaptation to SC2 in some respects.

But this league actually because detrimental, his two opponents Calm and Jaedong were mid level players, it gave Bisu the wrong impression about his own ability. Calm had switched to terran due to not being able to adapt to zerg, and Jaedong despite the hype did not play to his expected potential. If he had lost to real competitors Bisu would have been able to figure out his situation.

One of the SC2 experts who watched Bisu's gamse said "Bisu has strong fundamentals, so he can win with BW style compositions, but this isn't the way / essence of SC2's protoss."

Chances for Bisu's revival (in SC2)?

SKT had hidden (not allow him to play) in the game against Samsung on the 7th.

SKT's viewpoint was that, compared with 1 win in a televised match, it's more important to understand SC2 better, hence not playing him.

Two days later, Bisu played SC2 against KT, but he lost against Flash again, even though he had 2 extra days to prepare for SC2, the result didn't chance, but one thing is for sure, Bisu is trying many different things to improve his SC2 ability.

SKT's main coach (park) says " I can't deny that Bisu has decreased in ability due to lack of ability to adapt to SC2, he isn't able to be ranked in the upper bracket in in-team matches either. But he's still very motivated to succeed in SC2, and the team has to also try to find a specialist assistant coach, I think that he will go through a revival."

As someone who's reached the top in BW, Bisu needs break out from his SC2 Slump quickly and come back to the top circle, it's very necessary for the zeitgeist of eSports.

Q: How does it feel to win?
Ty: Woongjin is the top team in the rankings right now, winning against a team like this is really delightful, if we can beat the top team right now, we don't have much to be scared of. (laugh)
Jaedong: Because today's match was against woongjin who is very strong, I thought that it would be really hard. We need to keep win streak, but meeting a really good team was worrying. I'm just glad we got over this hurdle, hope that we can finish round 2 with this performance.

Q: After winning 3 times in a row the win rate broke 50%
Ty: We were 2-5 before, I was worried that we would be ranked #7 like last season, now we are #6, and don't have a big gap from the upper bracket teams, we even have hopes of making it to #1.
Jaedong: We got 3 wins in a row today, and broke 50% win rate, we've captured the momentum in competing for rankings. So I think the most important thing now is to keep a sense of urgency. Now that the season is half over, the rest of the time we must keep a sense of urgency like we do now.

Q: You got a 7 win streak in SPL
Ty: I practiced alot in resting periods, I designed alot of openers then, and used them one by one during the season. I lived with Midas and NaDa "strategy pro's" together for a long time, so I learned how to design strategies (laugh), all the things I learned then I'm using in SC2.

Q: You've adjusted to SC2 to some degree?
Ty: In kespa terms i'm relatively good.
Jaedong: Tyson isn't "relatively good", he's definitely a top player.
Ty: I adjusted well enough, and I played okay. I could have played better but patches came out too much, terran is more and more difficult (laugh). Zergs are the most powerful, but I feel that protoss are even more so, I think a balance patch is really needed.

Q: How does Jaedong think (in respect to adjusting to racial balance)
Jaedong: I think that good players can win, so I don't want to say much in regards to this (laugh).

Q: Recently your chance to appear in the ace match is very high
Jaedong: I never lost confidence, in regards to ability, I don't think I'm better than my teammates compared to players like Ty or terminator. But I have more experience so I'm advantaged in televised games.

Q: You both prepared for ace match
Jaedong: I didn't say that I wanted to play, I actually wanted to give it to Ty, he hasn't slot recently, he could have won for sure. I've played alot recently, I felt that letting Ty play was also good.
Ty: I didn't want to play either. I just been winning recently so I could have won in ace, but I believe that Jaedong-hyung playing could also win for us.

Q: As a ZvZ master in BW, talk about SC2's ZvZ
Jaedong: SC2's ZvZ is still really difficult, playing BW ZvZ I have absolute confidence, if I lose once then next match I will win it back unconditionally. I can't do that in SC2 yet, my ability is average, but I still believe myself as always. Really hope that I can play out ZvZ's lik in BW, I believe that as long as you can win mirrors your half way to succeeding, so ZvZ I need to have a good record.

Q: In today's ace match your early game defensive ability was rare (impressive)
A: I never ran into a situation like this during practice, but I lost in the first encounter already, so I needed to handle it more calmly, so I blocked the first rush. The assistant coach (kim?) came to the team and the first thing he did was he told me how to handle this situation, it helped me greatly. Woongjin's Ryo assistant coach also helped their ability greatly, and we have also benefited much from assistant coach kim.

Q: Last words?
Ty: I will try my best to at least get a 10 win streak.
Jaedong:I won today, but it wasn't because I played well, it was because of Assistant coach Kim. Also the coach who consistently contributed with out reserve Che(?) assistant coach, and also the assistant coach Han who trusted me to play today. Also fans cheering particularly loudly today (laugh). These cheers gave us alot of motivation, thanks to everyone.

Q: Why did you cry during the match?
A: The match was too spectacular, I couldn't control my emotions at all, it was like I was inside the game. Even though I couldn't break the spell (kim carrier's predictions), I still committed all of my emotions into it.

Q: This is the last BW OSL
A: Honestly, since the start of this OSL I've had complicated emotions, I know that as a caster I shouldn't - but I can't control my tears. It's like breaking up with your girlfriend, you won't ever see her with an empty heart again. BW is a game, but he(she) has feelings/emotions like a person.

Q: What is OSL to you?
A: It's the start of esports, I was with it the whole way, I love / devote it so much, it's like a part of me (my body).

Q: How was today's match?
A: OSL often has emotionally touching moments, but today's games were no doubt the greatest. JangBi's performance was naturally great, but with out ZerO's performance it wouldn't have made for such a great match.

Q: What's your opinion on the finals?
A: Honestly I thought that ZerO would win~ Had I said this before had it would have been another curse. The maps are disadvantageous for protoss' too, but seeing today's match and JangBi's performance I think he will win in the finals, his momentum can break my curse.

Q: It was a tough match. Thoughts?
A: It was just as tough as the last OSL final but I also got lucky. In Game 4, I really shouldn't have been able to win that (laughs). I attacked with the intention of just focusing on one instant, and I believe I won because of that. I knew that there was no question I would win Game 5.

Q: Why did you choke up after the game?
A: I was happy because I won, sure, but the fans' cheers made me tear up. I won way too dramatically. Just as much as the last finals.

Q: When did you sense victory in Game 5?
A: Spectators may have thought that Zerg was ahead in the game, but as soon as I got my unit composition, I tried to end it. But because Zero made so many sunkens, I changed my strategy to try and drag it out. I eventually scored some points with HT and DT drops, and as soon as my deathball was finished, I could taste victory.

Q: Did you not know about the 7 o' clock expansion?
A: I didn't see it myself, but I was anticipating it. I first tried to break through Zero's critical areas but because his defense was so solid, I tried to match his expansions and his overall game plan. When the Hydralisks were pounding on my cannons early on, it was a dangerous situation.

Q: Any pressure that you are the last Protoss?
A: Before, there would have been pressure. But now I feel much more mature. Now that I am receiving more attention, I can enjoy it more. I believe these things allow me to grow more.

Q: How did you prepare for the semi-finals?
A: There was nothing too difficult. I played mindgames in the first three sets. Because I tried to make my opponent think, Zero must have had a big headache playing.

Q: You lost Games 2 and 3 after winning the first.
A: I was so mad at myself for losing Game 3. I knew what he was going to do but I couldn't defend it. After the game was over, I sat in the booth to regain composure.

Q: It's the last OSL played in BW, and you're in the final.
A: I think there's a bigger responsibility. No matter whoever reaches the final, there will be great games. I don't perform to the best of my ability when I'm under pressure, so I'm planning to enjoy it.

Q: Honestly, who would you prefer to play?
A: It doesn't matter. Flash and Fantasy are both top Terrans. Because I beat Fantasy last season, it wouldn't be bad to face Flash either. Because Flash has been so good consistently, my victory would shine more if I beat him.

Q: Kim Carrier asked you to use Carriers in the final.
A: Honestly, before, there were maps where Carriers are viable. But now, because the maps have so much open ground, it's tough. I want to use them too. If I prepare for them, I guess I might try. Because Kim Carrier is asking, I'm thinking that I should use them at least once (laughs). Last OSL final, I used them in the first and last set to great effect.

Q: How are you planning to prepare for the final?
A: I don't have much time. I was practicing BW and played SC2, and I lost all my games (laughs). My team's place is on the line too, and I need to practice SC2 for my own future as well, so there isn't much leeway.

Q: It's the final tournament played in Brood War.
A: I'm really sad. It's like your girlfriend leaving you. I'm devastated to think that a game that I've loved so much is leaving me. Even if the tournaments fully switch to SC2 in the future, I'm planning to play Brood War at PC Bangs. Brood War was the best game. Playing SC2, I realize how difficult Brood War really was.

Q: What does reaching the final mean for you?
A: It would be great to win, but it's a big honor just to reach the final. I want to win and relish the glory.

Q: What does OSL mean to you?
A: To be honest, I worried a lot after the last OSL. "What if OSL ends like this?" OSL was what made me dream as a progamer. When I was little, I went and watched the quarterfinals of MyCube OSL in Pusan and also watched the semi-finals held in Sajik Stadium. OSL helped me grow my dreams.

Q: Final words?
A: First, thanks to Roro, Shine, Juni, Odin, all the other coaches and Coach January. It's the last OSL played in BW, and if a lot of fans show up to support me, I know I can win with just as much excitement as the final for JinAir OSL. Sincere thanks to all the fans that showed up today. Also, I'm sorry that I won, but I also want to thank Zero who helped create such amazing games today.

Q: You won against JangBi
A: I kept a 50% win rate consistently, I finally broke 50% today, and the team is on a win streak which makes me doubly glad. I haven't had a good momentum recently, often I'm greatly disadvantaged just from the opening. JangBi-hyung's micro/control is great, (laugh( it was really difficult to play, I don't even know how I won.

Q: Your record is worse than before
A: I've been in a slump. (laugh) Been thinking too much recently, can't even concentrate during games. Also my style isn't too suited for SC2, so I haven't been able to perform my specialty.

Q: The team also broke out of the bottom half / 50% and came into a win streak
A: Honestly, it's all credited to EffOrt-hyung solely. Even if EffOrt-hyung is just playing by himself there still isn't any sign or sense of pressure, he performs great. This also gave the other players confidence and motivation, so we finally started a win streak.

Q: How is the SC2 training being conducted
A: SC2 protoss is difficult to adapt to in terms of micro, i'm really not in agreement with auto-mine workers, and even just making gateways doesn't feel right. Also, SC2 protoss needs to play defensively, but I have a short temper and like to attack, so it's really frustrating. So I have to practice from the basics.

Q: Predict the results from the OSL SC2 qualifiers
A: Right now the line-up isn't out yet, but I have confidence I can make it through. All I have is confidence, regarding this fact I'm helpless/forced.

Q: Next opponent is Airforce Ace
A: Though the rankings is important, but recently we've always gone win-lose-win-lose, can't pick up the momentum. To keep our winstreak the next match is very important, so everyone will train hard.

Q: Last words?
A: I want to thank the trainees who helped me practice BW, and all the fans who still cheered for me when I couldn't play.

Q: You helped the team secure the win.
A: I was in a 5 loss streak, the most recent one against Neo.G_Soulkey, my mood feels really strange. It's like I could never win again, this strange feeling never occured during my "pae-wang" period. So I was very worried, but at last I won. But this feeling still hasn't left me.

Q: What's the reason for the 5 loss streak?
A: Firstly, I think that my ability is lacking, especially losing at my personal confident category - BW. Today even though I won I can only give myself a 30% grade. My warpgate upgrade was slow, I had mistakes in the mid game, alot of supply blocks. Today's game is only meaningful in that it ended my loss streak.

Q: It's important to stabilize your mentality for future matches
A: My improvement in SC2 isn't as fast as expected, this is very worrying for me. So I can only play seriously, there aren't other options. The team's record is bad, but the atmosphere isn't too bad, everyone is still trying, if we can motivate ourselves I'm confident we can climb back to the upper bracket.

Q: KT's new employees all came to cheer, it was impressive
A: I asked our company, it seems that SKT didn't have new employees (laugh). Or maybe they don't come to the live studio, I believe that SKT's employees / community still cheer for us routinely. Ironically we won in front of KT's new trainees today, it feels even better.

Q: Teammate Bisu hasn't won at SC2 yet.
A: He's still great in practice, but always hard pressed for a win in official games. It looks like he's always anxious / impatient, he plays well, so just wait a bit longer, I believe his SC2 skill can improve more then.

Q: Talk about why you changed your hair style
A: After I dyed this colour I got a 5 loss streak, so I wanted to change it immediately at the salon. A forum was saying that any player with the "XArche" hair style will lose, and Juni and I were both exactly like this. So after that "beating" I wanted to change colours even more, I wanted a lighter/reserved colour.

Q: In Round 3 the rule set might change to all SC2, do you have any opinions?
A: Changing the rule set in the middle of the season isn't a good thing, but from the player's standpoint, it's better to focus on 1 category. Regardless of rather it's BW or SC2, but SC2 has a higher probability. If we can just focus on 1 game then I can definitely bring a more competitive performance. Personally I think that SC1 and SC2 are only similar in name, they are completely different games, it's too hard to play both at the same time.

Q: You should be preparing for OSL's qualifiers (SC2)
A: I just signed up (only signed up), my ability isn't up to par yet, so i'm not too ambitious. But if I can make it out of the preliminaries, then I will recieve more motivation and incentive to play better after.

Q: Anything else?
A: Recently every time I play Starcraft I would think that "This might be the last match". Because I've been through so many loss streaks, it's very unsettling / uncomfortable. I really don't want any match to be my last, I need to work hard. I hope that fans can cheer for me too.

Airforce Ace:
It's very regretful that we lost in the ace match, but in regards to the player ability displayed in the matches it's not entirely negative/dissatisfactory. Especially the charismatic terran Iris' win, I think it is very meaningful. Feels like our zerg line needs to be improved a bit still. Next match we will correct these flaws and weaknesses.

Team 8:
For the ace match, the decision of who to send gave me a headache/caused alot of mental strain. On Ohana Jaedong had a previous all-loss record, and it's considered a protoss advantaged map. Even then, I think that I should trust the team's ACE again, the fact that Jaedong won was great and a happy occasion. Sea and Movie had regretfully shown dissapointing performances but as everyone's SC2 ability improves, we will get on a win streak.

CJ Entus:
Today EffOrt's gave a strong showing (alot of Effort~) and was very important for the win. Snow's loss in the second half was very regretful. After winning many times, it's important to still improve while at the apex of your play; in comparison, EffOrt when he's sent out only uses it to motivate his fighting spirit, and he's got huge potential and skill as insurance, so for ace matches I have to use him. Regardless of how players themselves want to play matches, the success of the team is the first priority. For the future do I have to only look at the skill level to pick the player line-up -like today-? Today was a good test of the player's ability, I'm very satisfied.

Woongjin Stars:
Keeping the first place position is a bit hard, it's very regretful (that we lost). Even then, we need to prepare well for the next match, we have to win!

Q: How does it feel to win twice in one day
A: It's a long awaited two wins in 1 day, I don't remember the last time I recieved an interview. Now my spirit is great, but I still need to say that I have flaws (in my play)? I didn't play that well, today I won't talk about my competitiveness, but it's still exciting.

Q: You almost lost in the first match
A: My luck was good. Just from the opening it's basically a GG situation, but I still come back with some split second decision making. The opponent kept making marines, so I kept making zerglings, this back and forth trade worked out well, so I got the win in the end.

Q: During the TV interview you looked like you were crying
A: Personally I'm a guy that doesn't cry watching sad/melodrama movies, in regards to regulating my emotions I'm very introverted. But when everyone of the caster's words went straight to the bottom of my heart, and seeing all these fans before my eyes, I was extremely emotional.
So my tears came out immediately, but I absolutely did not cry (laugh). Yes, my eyes were wet, but tears did not flow, I just want to stress that (laugh).

Q: You must have alot of pressure in regards to your record?
A: I really regret that my performance/record hasn't met the expectations, and seeing that other players are playing so well, I thought "I'm already very far behind". I did alot of introspective thinking, and I blame myself for alot (of my performance).

Q: Were you planned to play in the ace match?
A: Yes, Airforce Ace's GuemChi is their best player, so we also predicted that he would play.

Q: Feels like your grasp on SC2 has improved, and you have matured personally too
A: I also felt that my ability was improving, but I still feel like there's a 2% flaw. Until I can reach a level of competitiveness and ability that I can be satisfied with, I still have alot of flaws even if I win. I feel that today I made alot of mistakes. Ofcourse the growth in ability is true.

Q: OSL is switching to SC2, how do you feel?
A: I'm not too sure, but I feel that it's not going to be easy. Even though there are alot of flaws right now, but players are improving rapidly, so if we can wait a bit longer we should be able to reach a level to compete with the GSL players. But if we start immediately, I can't say for sure.

Q: Assistant coach Jin(? T8''s SC2 coach) coming has helped with the rate of improvement?
A: Because I never got a chance to have an interview I couldn't talk about it, the new assistant coach taught us alot. In particularly they told us about the traits/quirks of the races, and how to play against/with them, alot of things I didn't play out in the televised games, some times he wishes that he could personally play for us. In the future we will have a better performance, right now our ability has improved alot.

Q: Now the team's ranking is slowly climbing
A: Overall our team has improved, I have confidence that we can overcome the strong teams. Actually since Movie and HerO came to the team, I was expecting good results. These players haven't shown results in televised matches, but they are great in practice, so I'm still looking forward to it. No matter what, to avoid a similar situation/tragedy like last season, we are practicing hard now, so I just need to do my part and we will definitely have good results.

Q: Anything else？
A: There's so much I want to say. (laugh) I wan tto thank the assistant coach Che(?) for helping us create a friendly and positive atmosphere. After his arrival the team's atmosphere got alot more active. He also recommended alot of openings to me, I'm sorry that I'm thanking him so late. I also have to thank the assistant coach Han who trusted me with the ace match, and also the aforementioned assistant coach Jin. Also, because we are short on trainees/practice partners, a player has helped me prepare for BW, so I have to thank Cure who despite having to play himself also diligently helped me practice. I also want to thank all the teammates. Talking like this it's as if I've won something big, but I still need to talk a bit more. (laugh) Also, my cousin (older sister) is having a wedding at Pusan, I really want to go, but because of my schedule I can't make it. I want to say in this interview that I wish her a happy wedding. Also, my record this season isn't to expectations, but fans are still cheering for me, it's because of them that I didn't lose my confidence. It's because of your loud cheering that I got a sense of guilt and aggravation, and that motivated me. I'm really thankful, I will keep trying hard. Ah... I talked alot. (laugh)

7/8 Tyrant's tears



In today's SPL match, Jaedong won a difficult come back against Canata's BBS strategy. During the tv interview he couldn't restrain himself and let out tears, surprising everyone. He said "I did not think that just one win would be so hard to come by now." Jaedong was 5-6 before today's matches.

Q: You fought against Neo.G_Soulkey in the ace match.
A: Before the match Neo.G_Soulkey said that he will snipe those who are close to the top of the rankings, so I was a bit worried, I wanted to break that curse. So I prepared quite fully, the result was naturally good.

Q: When did you feel that you could win in the ace match?
A: When I play ZvZ I'm most comfortable with roach-infestor battles (laugh). So after I won a roach-infestor encounter I thought that I could win if I just play calmly.

Q: Did you want to catch up in the rankings and that's why you played in the ace match?
A: I never said that I wanted to play in the ace match, getting 2 wins in a day has to be according to the day's situation, in this case RorO has gotten a big advantage, multiple times he won 2 times in 1 day.

Q: You are fighting with RorO for the top spot
A: I unconsciously makes a note of this, but it seems to be a goo thing.
Before when I was playing well I had thought that, if I had an opponent, then I would play even better, but then I didn't have a rival like that, so I was dissatisfied myself.
Now there is the conditions for rivalries, so it can help me alot, the same for these (this) player. We can motivate each other to improve.

Q: This season zergs are all very active, why is that?
A: Since it's a BW /SC2 simultaneous-play season, zergs are the most adaptive. The zergs who are close to the top were also good in BW, it means that Zergs adjust easily.

Q: You are always coughing, your condition isn't great?
A: Recently my physical condition isn't good, I'm adjusting, after that cold I never got better, it's very painful. But it's alright, now it's basically cleared, by the next match it should be gone entirely.
This time I don't think I caught the cold from someone, but from excessive exposure to fans(translator note: he's been using fans excessively, also bad jokes). (laugh) But recently my mentality is stable, and my play has been natural and reliable, and everything about life is going well.

Q: last words?
A: I want to thank the trainees who have been helping me, and thanks to the fans who have always been cheering for CJ. We will have better performances in the future.

Q: Talk about how winning felt for you
Stork：I'm happy to win, and this is the first time this season getting an interview, it makes me even happier. Last time both JangBi and I won but we couldn't get an interview.
JangBi： First of all, it feels like my SC2 ability is slowly improving, it makes me very happy. I need to continue working to catch up to the GSL players.

Q: This season the ace match position has been given to RorO
Stork: Seeing our teammate play so well makes me glad too. But my SC2 isn't satisfactory right now, and my record isn't good either. Currently I can't judge at all what level I'm playing at.
JangBi: RorO has achieved his record through hard work, so I'm not too unmotivated because of it. I need to work harder, I hope every player on the team can perform well.

Q: Bisu who is also a protoss has still not won at SC2 yet, how do you feel about this?
Stork: Honestly, it's a good sign (laugh) I can't find any feel for the game either, and my arch rival is also slumping, it gave me some comfort. But Bisu is a player who has a firm grasp on things, so I believe he will recover to his potential quickly.

Q: Next match is against CJ
Stork: EffOrt and HerO are all excellent, if I meet them I'm going to have alot of trouble. (laugh) But regardless of how well they play, they are still with in reach, so as long as I prepare well I should have a chance to win. Even now I don't think there is a player who isn't pressured if he plays me in SC2.

Q: You are catching up to woongjin soon.
JangBi: In retrospect, losing to woongjin was so regretful. If we had won then, our momentum would be alot better. Now the team has great momentum, so we still have chances.

Q: The OSL semi's are starting soon
JangBi: I have confidence to play well in both OSL and SPL. Regardless of how tiring it is, I have to play in the SPL, to gather momentum for myself, this way it's also good for OSL. Instead of being stressed over the semi's opponent, I might as well adjust my mentality and just play well.

Q: You have your own understanding of playing against hydras
JangBi: It's strange, I lost a couple of times in broadcasted matches against them, so fans always feel danger when they see hydralisks. But I'm always on the offensive/kept the momentum (laugh). If fans can just calm down when they see hydralisks, I also think you can win (not sure if he's referring to fans or himself). Also I understand the hydralisk well. (laugh)

Q: How do you feel about SC2 in OSL
JangBi: Honestly, we are behind in ability, but it won't be a landslide, let's see what happens in the matches before passing judgement.
Stork: After seeing the interviews of SC2(GSL) players after OSL preliminaries, I agree with what those players said. Right now we can't improve enough yet, but I think we are playing decently enough. We's won when meeting these GSL players on ladder. In the future we will win more, so it's completely possible to make a breakthrough.

Q: Anything else?
Stork: It's been a long time since I've accepted an interview, I don't know what to say any more. I hope that I can have better performance in SC2 in the future.
JangBi: I wanted to say more in the tv interview but they cut away really fast. Today's strategy was recommended by Woo assistant coach. It felt like the opponent was completely overpowered by me, such a perfect strategy wasn't given enough time to be talked about was regretful.

Q: How does it feel to win?
A: I had a bad record recently so I had alot of pressure. Beating a strong opponent like Flash for my long awaited win feels great. During practice I always have confidence to beat anyone, but in televised games I can never play to my full potential.
I will improve on this in the future, try my best to adjust to televised games.

Q: Did you predict you will meet Flash?
A: Because Flash-hyung really likes Electrical circuit, so I thought he would come out for the second game, seeing the line-up before the match made me worry a little. (laugh)

Q: Talk about today's game
A: Today according to the strategy I maximized on economy and was ahead in upgrades, and finally won. Luckily everything went according to plan in the late game which gave me the win.

Q: Recently Trap is very active, do you feel threantened? (as team ace)
A: Trap is a trainee at the same time period as me, he actually started progaming earlier, and is only starting to shine now, honestly i'm very happy. I hope he can play well in the future.

Q: Your SC2 performance is still not great
A: SC2 has a faster tempo than BW, and more delicate control. But televised games are very different to practice, my hands are not as responsive. But with practice my SC2 skill is improving daily, I have more confidence than ever, please anticipate me~

Q: Next opponent is SKT
A: SKT's Rain play SC2 really well. So I feel that it will be a hard match, but if I don't panick I can still get a good result.

Q: Anything else?
A: My effort and fundamentals are not good enough yet, I need to improve my mentality and perform better.

Head of KT Rolster visited the player practice house in Seocho-gu to give condolences and motivate the team.

It's been a publicized fact that Head of KT Rolster 权仕日 is always generous and glad to support the team, this visit by him greatly motivated the team. Recently KT has achieved a 4 win streak, and climbed to second place in the SPL rankings.

The head of KT shared a lunch with the whole team and inquired about player needs, (the highlight of which was) and gave players bonuses.

He also says that, the company apologizes for not being able to visit the players -who were working hard to get good results- often, and is trying to understand the needs of the team, the company (KT) will do its best to ensure that the team can concentrate on practicing for future matches.

Coach Lee of KT says: recently as lead by the CEO of KT, numerous important personnel such as the general manager and the head of KT Rolster have come to cheer for the team, I am very grateful, last season it was very regretful that (we) only captured second place, this time (we) will try to capture the championship.

Translator's joke: Flash says, KT is a good place, I love my grandfather (Head of KT).
(note: once during an interview, Flash said that winning his match he wanted to thank the most: his mother, father, grandfather, and some high official in KT)

Also, Happy be-lated birthday Flash!
Flash is 20 on 7/5/2012.

Genius Terran NaDa has retired formally after yesterday's OSL legends match, after which he is expected to serve his military duty. In the interview NaDa expresses that he wants to create a new SC2 team, and that he wants to be the manager of the team and help the team grow.

Q: What are your plans after retirement?
A: I've been a model/representative for S-Culture fashion brand fora few months. I also want to create a SC2 team called MJ team, I will be the manager and direct my teammates. I want to create a great SC2 team with my efforts.
S-Culture fashion's director Mr.Sun(?) is also MJ brand's director, we are trying to find appropriate coaches and players, alot of people have signed up with us.
After that (creating the team) I need to serve the military duty, after that I want to get married.

Q: Why do you want to be a manager rather than a coach?
A: Director Sun asked this of me. He gave me a very good reason, and told me the importance of being a leader.
He also promised me that during my military duty I will be the honourary manager of the team. After it ends I can assume formal duties as team manager.
And I've already accepted personal sponsorship from S-Culture fashions, so when Mr. Sun found me I agreed with him immediately.

Q: Are there difficulties with your new endeavers?
A: Mr. Sun and I are both working towards this plan. Alot of professional players lose their direction easily after retiring, I want to through my efforts and this event let them see a road to success, and fill them with confidence of the future.
Lastly, Mr.Sun has said that since a new team joining the SPL is basically impossible, we will consider joining the GSTL, the time of which will probably be after HOTS is released.

Q: Winning in the ace match decisively and finally pulling the team out of a loss-streak, how does it feel?
A: Being a key player in an important match is very gratifying. The team is really not performing, the records right now makes people gulp. In reality, today making it to the ace match wasn't desirable, we wanted to win in the 3rd match of SC2. As of now, my SC2 is stronger, so at the clutch moments the coach would send me out to play. Even though the other hyungs are playing very well, so right now it's not me carrying the team any more. Zergs and terrans can all be sent out. Out of the protoss' I have the best record, so I have to be sent out as a main team member with alot of difficulty.

Q: Meeting Neo.G_Soulkey head to head, did you have confidence?
A: I met him several times in SPL, I won 1 out of several. Normally I had alot of confidence but the result was always cruel. Recently I lose all the time and didn't play well, so this time I need to celebrate. It has to be said that during previous matches his decision making was a bit better, so I couldn't beat him. Last time it was also in SC2 that I gave away the match while having a big advantage. Thanks to him I lost twice in the same day (laugh).

Q: Last season's champion SKT has dropped to 7th place
A: Players were all unimpressive, the head coach and coaching team are all worried, so this game against woongjin was especially important. Our team has never been the second in command (not first place), so if we lost this time then it would have been bad (mentality / publicity wise).

Q: Today SKT's SC2 looked impressive
A: I don't think today was impressive. Records are more important than excuses, KT also started at the same place as we did, but they are so much better, I think that using "not enough time" as an excuse is inappropriate. We need to practice with more emotional fervor than other teams. Our team's recent bad record has made us worry that we are being looked down by other teams. So we have to find the conviction to play well from now on.

Q: Bisu has been losing in SC2, why do you think that is?
A: I don't sit next to him in the practice room, so I don't know. (laugh) If he can find the confidence I think he can play well. Bisu's SC2 I don't know anything about. Probably because my BW was weak so I didn't have much attachment to it, I was able to adjust to SC2 quickly and find its quirks. If I run into Bisu I will ask him for you.

Q: 7 wins this season, you have a chance at getting most wins
A: Most wins award I can't even think about. Compared to that, I don't even have a 50% win rate, from this season on I just want to get >50% win rate.

Q: Anything else?
A: In the match, I didn't use forcefields to stop the zerg's army, but used it for show. So it wasn't because I can't use forcefields, I just wanted to clarify that. Losing to woongjin's players and Neo.G_Soulkey many times made me want to celebrate this win especially. My normal forcefield usage is very good. Us protoss' are all winning by our forcefield control (laugh).

Q: You've made the Ro4 3 seasons in a row, how do you feel?
A: OSL has been inconsistently timed, I didnt think that it's been 3 seasons. I think that the Ro4 is a bump in the road, I have to try hard and play a match that I won't regret.

Q: Who do you want to meet in the finals?
A: It doesn't matter who I meet in the finals, as long as I win the semi's I have confidence that I can win regardless of who I meet. I didn't think that I had to get revenge for the last season, I'm only thinking of the semi's now.

Q: Alot of experts are(were) predicting Fantasy for the win.
A: Even though others were all predicting that I would win easily, but n.Die_soO is still above average in in-team games, he also helps me often. So I was very tense. Alot of people left remarks like "Fantasy would you give him a win?" It gave me tremendous pressure. I think that n.Die_soO like other players is just another zerg, this mentality helped me alot. n.Die_soO has great hopes and dreams, and he's a good little brother, I will carry his dreams and work harder.

Q: Why are you so strong at team kill?
A: I can see how much the opponent practiced and how he practiced. I think that as long as you practice more than your opponent then you can win, so I had a relieved mentality.

Q: The Ro4 you have to face By.Flash
A: I did not prepare much for the Ro16 or Ro8, but for the semis I have to try my hardest. This is my last show down with By.Flash in the BW OSL, I hope that the team can give me some alone practice time (for BW). Winning fully is too difficult (3:0), I have to think about game 5. By.Flash is also an excellent player, there won't be a game that's easy. I predict that it will be as difficult as BigFile MSL's Ro4. If I can fight to the last moment, I won't have regrets. Even if I can't be the best player, I can still be a BW player I'm satisfied with.

Q: You have to get the champion this time right
A: SC2 OSL is starting soon, under this situation I really want to win this OSL. In SC2 I also have confidence that I can catch up quickly, so I'm not too worried.

Q: Are you confident in TvT?
A: TvT has so many variables, it's tiring. But Flash also has the same stance. I think that it's 5:5 even split, so I have the confidence to win.

Q: Not have a good record in SPL, you don't have alot of practice time for OSL?
A: But since the main coach is also considerate of it being the last OSL, he's been helping me the whole time. I hope that he could also help me for the semi's (laugh).

Q: Say a word to Flash
A: I don't have much to say to him. Even if I don't say anything alot of fans will come, but I still want all the Terran fans from Korea to come watch this match.

Q: How do you feel witnessing the retirement ceremony of your idol, NaDa?
A: When I first started playing BW, it felt like NaDa was an introversible mountain, and also my idol. Seeing a player like this retire before my own eyes made me feel really bad. I also hope that I could recieve the same treatment when I retire, so I need to work hard.

Q: Last words?
A: I need to thank the teammates that came to cheer for me after SPL ended, and apologize to n.Die_soO, I will treat him to nice food, hope that he can calm his temper. I want to thank all the fans who have been supporting me, I will give a gift to them in the form of a spectacular semi's. I hope that everyone can cheer for me.

Kim Jaehoon has definitely changed. Despite becoming Team 8's captain, he does not break down mentally after a single loss. His skill has increased and whether he plays against Flash or anyone else, he has the confidence to believe he should win that match. Because he thinks that if he does well individually, Team 8 will perform better as well, Jaehoon is determined to work his hardest.


Q. Your team won. How do feel about that?
A. We could have had 2 consecutive victories if we had beaten KT in the previous match so I felt really sorry that due to my mistake we lost. However, I'm happy that my victory in BW today helped pave the path for the team's victory. I want to keep on winning in the future.


Q. Today you went head to head against Horang2 yet again.
A. I was really taken aback. I listened to the entry in advance and heard that my opponent would be Horang2. Suddenly I thought of our battle in round 1 [If I remember correctly, Jaehoon's keyboard malfunctioned during that game and the Kespa referee didn't notice him signalling this with his hands for 10-20 seconds. However despite their own mistake, a rematch was not called. Coach Han was quite upset with that decision.] My teammates said that if it's this bad [that they meet so often], then we should be called best friends (laugh). Truthfully, I don't like playing against Horang2 and I wanted to avoid him today but we were fated to meet again. Despite this, I thought that I have to beat him by out-macroing him.

Q. You won by repeatedly fending off your opponent's attacks.
A. I'm confident in warding off attacks even while expanding. Nevertheless, I was a little bit shaken as I didn't expect the opponent to have upgraded shuttle speed yet. However, because I was feeling confident and warded off the first attack, I thought that I would be able to win.

Q. In round 1, you lost after the referee's decision and your willpower seemed to have been shaken.
A. My willpower collapsed. I really hate this Proleague. In round 1, I was scheduled to play in the Ace set against CJ so I was happy that I had the chance to win 2 games in one day. But because of the referee's decision, this chance was taken away and that made me really angry. However, because I have to perform well for the team's sake, I picked myself up again.

Q. The referee made another bad call during a Starleague match.
A. In all honesty, it wasn't the same situation as mine and I didn't see exactly what took place but I roughly understand what happened. Seeing Flash recover his composure to win, I know why
Flash is called the best player.

Q. It had been a long time since your teammate Tyson made an appearance.
A. He's been practicing hard but unfortunately wasn't able to obtain an opportunity to play. Still, he won today despite making centre nexus which he shouldn't have, so it's clear that he's confident (laugh). He wanted to make some kind of impact today and he thought he'd won unconditionally when he actually didn't know that his opponent had an expo at 10 o'clock (laugh). Next time, he definitely mustn't do this and as captain, I'll have to have a word with him for sure (laugh). If he had lost, it would have been horrible.

Q. It feels like you've resolved that nervousness that used to be your weakness since your younger days at MBCGame.
A. To be honest, recently, miraculously my fears have disappeared as I've grown older. I no longer tremble during live matches. No matter who I play against, I have no fear. Even with Ace matches, I'm confident enough to feel comfortable. I'm looking forward to becoming a player who develops even further (laugh).

Q. Jaedong seems to be slumping.
A. It's a pity that these days, everything is judged based on the eventually outcome of the match. However, based on his skill, I think that Jaedong will rise once again. Therefore I don't think I need to say anything to him. I always have the feeling during his matches that because he's Jaedong, he can win so I'm definitely not worried. He's a player who practices really hard so I believe in him.

Q. Your form in round 2 is good.
A. Although it's not a bad record to have won 2 out of 3 games, it's a pity that I wasn't able to show better form in round 1. [Jaehoon currently has 6 wins and 4 losses.] I'll have to win even more games in the future and fulfill this pledge through my matches.

Q. Anything else you'd like to say in conclusion?
A. Because of the hybrid league, all players would like to focus their practice on SC2. Despite this, my juniors really worked hard to help me prepare for this match. I want to tell them that I'm always grateful to them and I'll buy them something nice to eat on our rest day. I hope that there will be good days to come and we can all cheer up.

In the SPL team league, Woongjin won with Neo.G_Soulkey's ace match against Samsung Khan, after the interview Neo.G_Soulkey says he is confident in his SC2, and because he was disqualified from the OSL it made him switch his attention to SC2, the matches at MLG also made Neo.G_Soulkey more mature. Neo.G_Soulkey also comments that though playing BW and SC2 at the same time is very difficult, if he only played SC2 he's confident that he will catch up to GSL players very quickly.

Q: Ended RorO's 7 win streak and won the match for Stars
A: It feels like it's been a long time since I've won a match, today's BW loss was regretful, if I had won I would have gotten 2 wins in the same day for the first time (this is surprising, though I guess it makes sense since Neo.G_Soulkey never goes out on ace match). But in SC2 I'm very confident, I predicted that the opponent would be RorO, so I practiced ZvZ mainly.

Q: Ace match was very clever
A: I was always frustrated over what opening to use, from the spectator's point of view I might have seemed indecisive, but I believed in my multi-tasking, and fortunately my hands were also responsive / reliable this time.



Q: Did you run into anything fun while in America?
A: I went to universal studios, and I went to shop in outlet stores, using the MLG as a chance to get closer with other players, it felt great. I always wanted to get closer to Jaedong / By.Flash, it feels like my affectionate side caught on with them. (laugh) Honestly, I'm not a very affectionate / open person, but Leta-hyung approached me first. The food in America was very salty, and the jet lag was hard to deal with, I'm a bit tired. Usually I'm the latest to wake up in the team, but because of jet lag I became the earliest.

Q: Compared with last season, this season you aren't as active.
A: When they first said that SC2 was going to be introduced into the league, I just wanted to play BW, but now I just want to play SC2. My BW skill has declined alot, and I lost in OSL, my love for BW has slowly disappeared. Now I just want to focus entirely into SC2, I'm still very interested in the game, so I'm using my enthusiasm when playing.
The trip to America for MLG helped me quite alot, when I lost the match I became more mature. I also want to go to tournaments like Stephano. I was waiting / anticipating for cheers during the match, in the end I lost. (laugh) But it was a good experience, I haven't had experience playing matches in front of so many people before.

Q: Today's victory helped woongjin secure the top spot.
A: Recently I didn't think I would lose. (laugh) Not just me, every teammate is ace (match material), everyone is great, anyone can go for the ace match. But seems like I play a bit better, so I went. (laugh)

Q: Next opponent is SKT, who do you want to meet?
A: I haven't shown my ZvT yet, ofcourse I lost in MLG, but in SPL I haven't shown my ZvT skill, so I want to meet a terran, especially Fantasy. But it's not possible, I know that I need to play SC2 next time (Fantasy has to play BW I think).
Actually regardless of what race I have to fight it's no problem. I'm fully confident right now, basically I won't lose.

Q: OSL is also going to be SC2
A: Dual game format is very tiring, in this situation it's hard to catch up to GSL players, I carry alot of pressure. If I only play SC2 I think I can catch up quickly. OSL's preliminaries I'm not too worried about, more so the ODT group / preliminary stages.

Q: Last words?
A: Thanks for the head coach for constantly motivating me and making me work hard, thanks for the assistant coach for giving me tips and strategies. ZerO-hyung received an interview lately, I can't catch up to him in BW already, but in SC2 ZerO-hyung needs to catch up to me~ Then I will be his mentor, I'm looking forward to that day (laugh).
Also preparing for OSL preliminaries I also have to be observer (in team), I hope it doesn't take up my holiday time. There's alot to do during th break, we have so many protoss' with alot of practice time, why did they do it this way I just can't figure out, why do they have to pick me?
I think that ZerO-hyung won't lose, you just try qualifying yourself on the fly~ If you want me to help, then you should take me out for food first, if you take me out for cheap food, then I will leave immediately. (laugh)

Oh god it's like a bro-mance square between Soulkey, Zero, Leta, and MMA, esports korean dramas. Also Kal

He was the coach for the prolific terran MMA on SlayerS, after his arrival at Woongjin Stars, woongjin has kept the best SC2 record in SPL. To this achievement Coach Ryo modestly attributes the result to efforts by the whole team. Also he claims that MMA and ZerO are two players that he is most personally fond of, and that Woongjin' Light[aLive] is capable of by-passing the likes of Flash and Fantasy in SC2.Lastly he presents Jaedong as woongjin's biggset threat.

Q: You were originally an assistant coach for Slayers
A: The official position was strategy coach, but since we only had 2 assistant coaches we had to do everything, even buying supplies, it was very tiring. (laugh). Essentially right now I'm doing what Woongjin's assistant manager had been doing. My primary role was coaching terran, but I have to watch gamse for protoss players too. At woongjin I also have to handle not only terran, but also a few players of other races.

Q: It's a rumour that you've known ZerO for a long time.
A: 5, 6 years ago we were part of the same team (non-pro), ZerO and MMA met in that team, It feels like we met at the right time, and played well (happily) together, ZerO actually became a progamer faster than MMA.
During that period I was responsible (coaching) for macro, MMA was responsible for micro, we helped ZerO train this way.

Q: So old friend ZerO recommended you to coach at Woongjin
A: Even during temporary rest periods I would meet occasionally with players, during that time hOn_sin - I'm not sure if he was joking or serious - said that since I've left the team (Slayers), why don't I come try out at woongjin?
Afterwards, Zero sat down with me and had a serious discussion, asked me what I was thinking of (the offer), we had met a few times before too, but that time was very thorough and detailed. He said that the head coach wanted a assistant coach just like me, it was a good fit for woongjin, and woongjin (company) gave me very satisfactory conditions (work, salary, etc).

Q: How did it feel when you first switched (to woongjin)?
A: The equipment and setup was great, I exclaimed that "So ZerO was living in these conditions". ZerO had asked me questions about SC2 before, but he still had alot of areas that he didn't understand. So I thought then that I needed to coach them thoroughly. Thinking that it was a team where a close little brother ZerO was playing SC2 game me more motivation.
Out of all the progamers that I had coached, the players that gave me the most "I have to let him become a progamer" feel has to be ZerO and MMA.

Q: Having to guide / coach players that were always playing BW to start SC2, was there any difference (from players who had a blank slate)?
A: When I first came into the team, there were already 3 masters rank players, it gave me a surprise.
So I was very excited/ anticipating, I taught them alot of fundamentals. I thought that if I coached this way I would give them alot of room to develop, but they also gave me alot of pleasant surprises.

Q: Because of you, woongjin has achieved good records in SC2
A: Woongjin was playing well in SC2 before I came, now they have a 70-80% win-rate (in SPL).
Especially Sun (?) Assistant Coach has to stay in the practice room till 3-4 o'clock in the morning, he's very hard working, I didn't think that there would be such a hard working coach. We studied the strengths of each other, that part is good.
I came into the team before SC2 was officially announced as a part of the league, so I took all the credit, I felt very sorry. Alot of people thought that Woongjin played well because of my attendance, but in reality I just joined at the right time.

Q: Do the players listen to you (follow your instructions)?
A: The players are all very attentive, I don't know if they would once they play even better, but at least right now they do. (laugh).
I heard that woongjin players are very attentive to the coaching staff, one of the reasons that I joined was because of this. ZerO however is a player that might listen to you 1 our of 10 times. (laugh) But after he came to woongjin he did become attentive / disciplines, you only need to tell him 2 or 3 times. (laugh)

Q: The players that learn the fastest from woongjin are?
A: Flying is the player improving the fastest, hOn_sin makes up for his weaknesses by amount of practice and trying hard, but because he practiced too much it actually negatively affected his condition, his control has problems, but his over-all macro is acceptable.

Q: What's the most satisfying match in SPL so far?
A: The game between Neo.G_Soulkey and By.Sun was the most memorable, even though it was a game won by the opponent's weakness, regardless it was very satisfying.
Neo.G_Soulkey's competitiveness is very good, Light[aLive] often pretends that my words are just air, but during official matches he still listens to my instructions. (laugh)



Q: Would the players improve faster if they were just playing SC2?
A: They would reach GSL level in half a year, but in reality the practice partner is very important, Woongjin's players are all exceptional, so practicing with each other is very effective.

Q: Which players are the strongest right now?
A: Neo.G_Soulkey, Flying, Light[aLive] have all improved greatly. During MLG, Neo.G_Soulkey may have played under excited conditions (laugh). After he saw Stephano's match he got really excited, and used ultralisks which he never uses during practice, it became a reason that he lost.
Playing this way in the first match was understandeable, I thought that he would clear up immediately after, but he was still so lost (laugh). It's a completely unuseable unit type, if not for that, he could have won easily.
Flying on the other hand, if you teach him different openings he can digest them immediately. He can also macro well out of standard openings. Light[aLive] I've known since BW, his fundamentals are great. If your fundamentals are good, then you have big advantages in SC2. Even though some areas still need wor, but Light[aLive] has the potential to overcome Fantasy and By.Flash in SC2.

Q: What are the most contentious areas for your play (coaching)?
A: I don't like to use observer's view to watch matches, i prefer to stand behind them. This way I can maximally see the player's first person view, and know what the player is thinking. I don't simply have to teach them micro, but also macro.
Some different judgement/decisions also need to be corrected. During matches you need to make split second decisions, there are times when you have to go in for the kill. And making the correct decisions between the two choices. But the skill level in this regard is difficult to improve by practice, it's the part that is most related to talent, ZerO and free are outstanding in this regard.


Q: Predict woongjin's record this season
A: Main Coach and assistant coach Sun are always rambling about not making the playoffs last season due to low rankings. So we are trying to get as many points as possible now. The main coach, assistant coaches, players, and managers have to all work together, so it feels like BW is the key.
Because we are ahead in SC2, so we need to put more energy into BW, but if other teams also catch up in SC2 then we can't prepare for BW. In reality being ahead in round 1 also had luck elements.

Q: The next OSL is also SC2.
A: I did not predict this, playing against GSL players is very difficult. These players are only just starting to prepare for the OSL now, and we need to prepare for the SPL first.
Even thoguh we will meet in September, catching up to them is still difficult. Strategies are important, but if rushes/all-ins fail then it's even more difficult to plan. I'm in a tough position.

Q: What teams are the biggest threat to Woongjin?
A: Jaedong is catching up soon. T8 has also bought their SC2 assistant coach specialist, so their ability is improving. By.Flash is already talented, so his skill is improving quickly. BW players who are excellent have a bigger chance at being good at SC2.
Talent is a problem, but your own mental development is an even bigger one. Even if you hate the new style you have to accept, for example protoss has an offensive strategy in BW, but you need to switch to defensive style in SC2, these changes need to be accepted quickly.

Q: Last words to woongjin's fans.
A: Because of Zero, woongjin has been consistently compeittive. I didn't come here by coincidence, but standing on the top of the rankings is still very proud.
Woongjin fans are also very emotional. Even though we don't meet alot of them in person, but I know that everyone is hiding. (laugh) I hope that the fans at home watching TV can come to the
live stage and cheer for us more.

* I think the question was printed wrong between the first 2 questions so i swapped them
Q: Why did you apply for an interview?
A: A discontent / disagreement at the referee can not be publicized, if there is dissatisfaction it should be discussed afterwards. Under these rules I wasn't going to talk about it before, but I think that this time the issue can't just be glanced over, so I applied for an interview. I know that the commitee and referees are all very dillegent and hard working, but for eSports to progress, referees must make the correct judgements that if not satisfies at least convinces everyone.

Q: Why did (you allow them) they give a regame then?
A: Since they already gave the decision of continuing the match, I don't think they should have changed that decision to regame. And also if you were to change the decision it should have been to give the side with the advantage the win. To us when a referee gives a regame the referee should take all responsibility, but I'm not sure how that responsibility could be handled. If the regame was lost (by flash), then (the player's) mentality would be affected greatly, so I feel that the referee should have been punished as a consequence of the responsibility that he had.

Q: What's the point that you want to make?
A: Before during a preliminaries, one of our players also experienced the same problem. The mutalisks couldn't be grouped, so he asked for a pause, but it (our player) was given an immediate loss. Just thinking about it makes me feel frustrated, that referee judged completely differently. Today's situation is a bit different, but I also didn't think that they would give a re-game. There needs to be a solid standard, I'm very suspicious about rather the committee (kespa) has trained referees properly, rather the referees are qualified.

Q: The referee says that he will handle the responsibility (fall out)
A: As to how referees are punished we are not told (don't know anything). This time they also said that the referee himself will handle the responsibility, how the committee (kespa) handles it is hard to say. Events like this might happen again, I hope that the situation today doesn't occur again.

Q: Hery[Hyo] assistant coach was expelled from the stage for standing up against the referee
A: If you stand up / argue with the referee for no valid reason / argument you should be expelled from the stage, that part is fine. But under this situation we can only forfeit / strike against the match. Good thing that Flash's mentality was very stable, so he played well.

Q: Anything else you want to say?
A: Had Flash lost in the rematch, then this situation might have escaladed even more, after the match I also talked with coach January, she also thought that the game should have been awarded win/loss (win to flash) based on game advantage. as to what criterias referees use to issue a re-match I really want to know. This decision for a rematch must be followed up with consequences for the referee's responsibility.

KeSPA started an emergency referee committee meeting on the 27th, and discussed matters regarding the pause and judgement (re-judgement) in the game between Flash and Shine on the 26th in the Tving OSL, and has admitted that the referee responsible (Woo ?) had made mistakes in his judgement.

Referee Woo had decided at the time that "the match could be continued after bring out (loading) the save", but then immediately after because the save file didn't respond and encountered technical problems, he thought that continuing the match would be too difficult, so he announced a re-game.

Kespa elevated the issue and had a committee discuss the event, Referee Woo said "When Shine requested a pause it was possible to give Flash the win, but since the match was already announced to continue, giving Flash the win at that point seemed unreasonable."

But the referee committee thinks, that since a save file problem was confirmed, the game could not be continued, so it should have been judged as a disconnect, so the game would have been paused again, and at this point giving a player the win was more opportune. The referee has also personally apologized on his social medias, saying "There is responsibility with making a judgement call, it's because (I) of following the decision that changes to the rules (ruling) can't be made."

After that, the Kespa committee admitted that the referee made a wrong judgement, and there existed problems of not exposing / making public the details of the event, not making a thorough judgement call, and other problems. As such, the committee fined Referee Woo 500,000 won, and removed him from the referee roster of this OSL.

The committee has also apologized to Team KT Rolster / Samsung Khan, Flash, and main coaches Lee and January.

Q: Thoughts on entering the final 4?
A: I'm definitely glad. With just 2 opponents remaining, I need to put on a must-win mentality and play with even greater competitiveness.

Q: Although the score was 3:1, there was a rematch that caused some delay
A: It is really disappointing that such things can happen in the last OSL. I was really angry. Shine apologized to me, but what made me angry was the referee. I think Shine was a victim as well so I hope he does not feel the need to be apologetic about it.

Q: Were you flustered by the decision to have a rematch?
A: Definitely. It wasted so much time. I felt this was 100% the mistake of the organizers, yet they just rid themselves of all responsibility and simply ordered a rematch. There was not a hint of apology despite them being at fault, and they were constantly using a demanding tone as well. If they would just admit their mistake and offer a simple apology the atmosphere would not have been so horrible. Also, this is not the first time that something like this has happened, and the players have been mentioning such issues for some time now. I hope what needs to be changed and improved can be addressed.

Q: You looked extremely emotional during the incident, how did you face the remaining matches?
A: Assistant coach Hery and the head coach came to help me calm my mental state and focus on the match. They told be that it was definitely a bad call and that I had to win. That made me really want to finish the match.

Q: Talk of the rematch aside, you got hit by a proxy Nydus Canal
A: I have not performed well on that map during practice either. When I saw the Nydus Canal I thought it was such an impressive strategy, I wanted to applaud Shine for it.



Q: The SCV scout in match 1 turned out to be crucial
A: I'm not sure if people think that was a bug, basically I right clicked a mineral patch to scout. After the first match KHAN requested a check and both the referee and the observer verified it.

Q: Impressively, you managed to discover the burrowed Zerglings in the final set
A: It's a key aspect of my play, a "sense" to put it in words. If I sense that something seems off, I scan. I was quite confused at first when I saw his army strength. It was a good match for me.

Q: Your TvZ streak stops at 15.
A: I felt I was capable of a 20 streak, but sadly I was sniped. Though disappointing, I've already mentioned in the SPL interview that I'm not too concerned about streaks, so it's alright. Compared to streaks, grabbing the 4th title is the most important thing.

Q: How do you feel about the 4th title?
A: I must have it. It's not just the fans that want it, but I myself. I hope everyone will look forward to my performance. Also, with the rematch decision today, coach Hery left the grounds in protest. When the head coach heard of this, he rushed to the studio despite being in the middle of shifting apartments. Same for assistant coach Lee and many of the staff, so thank you to everyone for the support. Finally, thanks to all the Zergs who helped me with practice.

Q: You've achieved 6 wins this season.
A: I'm very happy, I have alot of confidence playing SC2 too, but I lose alot and I've only played well in BW. I will try my best to win both categories and get most wins. After MLG, my SC2 skill has improved rapidly, but regretfully I wasn't able to demonstrate it. I suspect that it's because of my previous losses (in SC2) that still has a lingering effect on my psyche. Honestly speaking, SC2 is very interesting, but BW is my long time project (played it for a long time), so right now I'm want to play BW more.

Q: This match you never gave the zerg a chance to expand.
A: Because of the presence of the defiler, it's very difficult for terrans to win the game, so I chose a slow mech build. And to my expectations I won commandingly, today my hands were smooth (played smoothly), and my competitiveness was also very satisfactory.

Q: Last time you lost to effort, you helped him gain the first place in the rankings
A: I run into that strategy alot, even if I didn't lose to it, it's disappointing losing any ways (think he's expressing disappointment both in losing to the strategy as well as losing in general). In practice I can always defend against it, but strangely I panicked and couldn't play normally, so I couldn't stop the all-in. Normally I can grasp the opponent's intentions quickly, but I couldn't this time. Next time that someone all-ins (or rushes) me, I will defend it no matter what.

Q: Soon you will be playing in the OSL Ro8
A: 3:1, 3:2, these scores won't satisfy me, I want to win with a 3:0, but Shine is also an offensive player, so it's not that easy. Getting to the Ro4 is more important than the score, so I won't think during the match that I've already made a TvZ 13 win streak record. Preparation for the OSL is around the same as the SPL, so I don't think I would lose either, I also have a secret weapon.

Q: Next game in the SPL is against T8
A: T8 is very strong, recently they are playing well, so it will definitely be very interesting. Regardless of who I meet I have to win. In the past watching Motive get sent for Ace match made me feel really bad deep down, I don't know if I can meet Jaedong-hyung in the ace match, but I hope that was can display another LeeSsang-rivalry.

Q: KT has won 3 times in a row and rose to the third spot on the rankings.
A: Even under difficult situations I don't have any doubt that it will get better, so I'm not too worried. It's the middle of the season right now so the immediate matches are the most important. Also just like last time, even if I lose the team can secure the win. This season it's not been smooth regardless of rather it's me or the team. Right now we need to start practicing diligently, hopefully secure the play-offs spot as soon as possible. Right now we aren't too far from the top of the rankings, we must get rank 1 no matter what.

Q: Anything else?
A: I'm playing in the OSL soon, yesterday fans gave us bentos which gave me alot of strength and motivation, I must win in the OSL. The bento that was given to me was special too, alot bigger than the ones others recieved. It didn't only had fried pork ribs, fried chicken, etc, but even a personal serving of fruit. I ate it in one sitting. I'm very thankful for the fans.

Q: How does it feel to make into the Ro4 (OSL) for the first time?
A: I've never even won in the Ro8 once, this time making it to the Ro4 makes me really glad. The set changing from Bo3 to Bo5 really helped me, especially after losing the first set, if this was the previous Bo3 set it would have been tragic. Luckily I performed after.

Q: You played really well after the second set.
A: Though I lost in the first set, because it's a Bo5 there were still alot of chances, so I wasn't too tense.

Q: How do you feel about (how you won) winning through the Ro8
A: Losing after the first set got my really angry, only after winning the second set did I calm down. I had an experience before, losing the first set in a SL and getting angry actually helped my performance after. So today I didn't really control my emotions, I just played off my natural emotional response and played well.

Q: How did you prepare for the Ro8?
A: With hyvaa-hyung i honestly can't find any specialties or traits, so it was a bit difficult to adjust. Neo.G_Soulkey told me during preparation that the first match I should have used a safe 12 pool. The result was that I lost immediately in the first set. After that match I got angry. The second set I was also using his strategy, and my opening was disadvantaged again. The third match I didn't want to use the pre-set strategy, yet I ended up using it any ways. So I want to say that my advancement doesn't have much to do with Neo.G_Soulkey.

Q: How are you going to prepare for the Ro4
A: The maps are advantageous for the protoss, and we have alot of good protosses on our team to help me prepare. The key point is that Neo.G_Soulkey doesn't have a say finally. Everything is smoother than the Ro8~

Q: The opponent is JangBi
A: In reality if I don't make mistakes myself, I should be able to win. I broke the Ro8 curse already, I can definitely make the finals. The must amazing thing is that both terrans ended up on the other side of the bracket. Even though JangBi is the defending champion, I think he's just that - a protoss that stands out slightly - I have alot of experience winning against him.

Q: Last words?
A: Thank you to my teammates for helping me practice, ofcourse that doesn't include Neo.G_Soulkey, he wasn't really trying to help me. I hope my team's protoss' aren't like him, I will repay you guys.

lol what happened between the bromance of Zero and Soulkey I don't even, then again he could just be being sarcastic.

Q: How does it feel to be attending a Legends match?
Nal_rA: Even though I lost I felt really happy, that might be the first time; if I had lost during the time when I was a progamer I might have gone crazy. (laugh) It's a good experience
XellOs: I've known Nal_rA-hyung for 10 years, I can't believe we have this relationship. (laugh) Nal_rA-hyung during his professional career was a viper, meeting him in a legends match like this will be a beautiful memory for my whole life.

Q: XellOs's opener affected you greatly
Nal_rA: I was laughing at the start that XellOs didn't drop his troops, I thought he made a micro mistake. I'm such an idiot (laugh) I got completely fooled.

Q: How did you prepare this strategy?
XellOs: honestly, I trained 3 games today to get a feel, you can only win if you are a player that changes his playstyle alot, this point Nal_rA was able to do very well during his professional career. When I was playing against him while he's a progammer I often died to strategies like this, today I got my revenge~

Q: You guys were chatting happily
XellOs: We really like to text chat, during team GO in the team residence we usually chat in texts more than chating face to face (laugh).
Nal_rA: It wasn't scripted, we were just having fun.

Q: Nal_rA asked in the chat if you wanted toilet tissue, did you feel embarassed
XellOs: If he used that advantage to use do a counter attack it might have been a psychological attack, good thing I preservered (laugh).

Q: What's your plan for the future Nal_rA?
Nal_rA: I can't reveal much of it now, because I don't know myself.

Q: What do you hope to do?
Nal_rA: What I can say now is that I want to return to OGN, regards to what I want to do specifically, I need to try my best to do what others asked of me first.

Q: Tell something to the fans
Nal_rA: I was honestly surprised that so many fans came, listening to everyone's cheers made me remember the good old days, I was very emotional myself. The post match interview really motivated me to try harder. In the future I will try to have a good show for everyone, please anticipate me.
XellOs: I really think this is my last match. Even though I was really happy, there are still alot of regrets. If Nal_rA-hyung had won it would have been great too, it was a great match. Honestly, it's because of the love from fans that I've gotten to where I am. I will try my best, just like my stay with the eSports world, I hope my efforts will give the fans excitement and enjoyment.(not sure if he means to stay in the esports industry or leave it)

Q: Your team won
A: If I had won in game 5 the match would have been over, but i didn't perform well. I was really worried that my team would lose, luckily I brought it all back.

Q: Why didn't you perform well?
A: Originally I wanted to play a macro game, but from my observation I thought I could win in direct encounter, so I moved my army for the kill. Then the enemy's airdrop came and I panicked, warpgate cooldowns weren't finished yet (didn't sync), so the production was affected, so I lost.

Q: Your ace opponent was Jaedong, were you confident?
A: In the beginning I wasn't planned for the ace match, but father (nice customary word for coach /superior?) Jae trust me and let me play, so I thought I had to win.

Q: You played twice in SC2, looked like it was stronger than your BW
A: I started practicing SC2 a long time ago, now my skill has improved a bit, but preparing for SPL I still need it to be improved faster. Also in SC2 protoss is really (in reality) easier to play, I'm not familiar (experienced) with the behaviours and mechanics of the other races. Now it feels like rock paper scissors with out any specific race fight/war, (SC2 protoss) feels like BW's terran. (Think he was talking about how it doesn't feel like any established race counters have been established)

Q: Rumours are that you are a candidate for best new player.
A: I've been a progamer for a long time, so I didn't think about winning that award. Even though I'm trying really hard now, but if I really did win this award, wouldn't I have more to worry about? (probably talking about the status and the pressure associated to perform).

Q: Next opponent is Woongjin, they have alot of momentum
A: I've seen Woongjin players' SC2, everyone is playing really well. Also their BW is good, regardless of who you meet it's a difficult battle. But regardless of if it's BW or SC2 I have confidence.

Q: Anything else to say?
A: Recently I've been able to play (alot), also feeling more of my family's support. I want to thank them for cheering and motivating me, I will try my best to repay them. Also, I haven't seen my friends in a long time, recently friends from school are all using SNS to cheer for me. I really want to meet them, if I could then I will definitely take us out for food.

Q: How does it feel to win today?
A: I won spectacularly (could mean either his performance or how it looked) in the first half and the second half of the game, makes me really happy. (laugh). Today free-hyung finally won, his last loss was regretful.

Q: The match was a bit difficult
A: I didn't think I was going to lose. I was just frustrated about how to end the game. The process wasn't too smooth, wasn't able to play cleanly. I need to work on this aspect more.

Q: sKyHigh's strategy you should have anticipated
A: It's the start of the SC2 season, so the opening builds are relatively easy to predict. Reacting according to the state of the game wasn't hard, but it was hard closing the game out. Which made it a bit tense.

Q: You should have broken the opponent's siege line.
A: I should have destroyed his entire airforce, but that's a bit hard. Because I had the risk of losing, I gambled with a medivac dropship, at this point I thought I could win. But the opponent was persistent. Looks like I need to concentrate more.

Q: You made a planetary fortress to defend
A: During practice hOn_sin often uses this strategy. I learned from him by watching. While it's slightly harder (slower) to collect resources after making the planetary, it helped my game's situation a bit.

Q: After winning today Woongjin Stars is 1st in the rankings
A: This is my first time since my stay with Stars, I think we have to keep the top spot in the rankings. Everyone has to contribute for us to keep our spot, everyone's performance is better than expected.

Q: We heard that Woongjin's SC2 is very good, what team do you think is the best?
A: Other teams' players when interviewed would unanimously say that "our team is the best", rather this is exaggeration or just speculation I'm not sure. (laugh) I think the skill level is roughly the same, but the preparation does differ.

Q: Next match is against Airforce ACE
A: I have to play BW, I have to win. It's the first time in SPL that we've had such a good start. I hope that we can keep this record and continue our winstreak.

Q: This season's goal?
A: I haven't decided on one. I haven't been able to play regularly this season. So my first goal is to get a spot in the line-up and win the games I get, because we have a good start, so the win ratio is more important than win count.

Q: Last words
A: First time on the top of the rankings feels great. We have to win against Airforce ACE too to keep our spot on top of the rankings longer.

Q: The two of you worked together to seal Woongjin's top spot
Neo.G_Soulkey: I never thought about losing (or that I would lose). Winning makes me happy, the team is on the top spot with 3 win streak, but I still remember the last time when we fell from the top spot. This time we have to keep our rank.
ZerO: Because the ace match is played on SC2 which is our team's advantageous category, I don't think we will lose either. This time I got to play BW, I think, if I can win, then our team doesn't even need to play ace, so I won easily.

Q: What's the reason for Woongjin's strength in SC2?
Neo.G_Soulkey: We are leaving an impression that we play SC2 really well, but we are also performing better than before. I think the main reason is that we started practicing SC2 before other teams, with more dedication, that's the main cause of this result. Alot of players including me have talent in SC2, which is also a contributor. Because of SC2, everyone is more motivated.
ZerO: Though every team is practicing hard, our team has more self control and mutual agreement, everyone is pumped up, and we can gleefully keep our good record.

Q: Talk about your own matches
ZerO: The beginning of the game was a bit back and forth and messy, but since I've played on alot of maps and encountered alot of situations, I won with out much trouble.
Neo.G_Soulkey: During practice I didn't feel like I would lose, and this match was even better than practice, my opening was better. I hoped to meet protoss, and the opponent didn't seem to have ancitipated me, so I felt that this strategy would work. When I saw the block at the opponent's natural I know how he would play, so I was confident in my victory.

Q: Soulkey has to play in the OSL's tie breakers
Neo.G_Soulkey: I missed an easy chance to qualify for the Ro8. The last loss gave me alot of inspiration, so tomorrow's tie breakers I absolutely can't lose. Losing last time damaged my psyche alot. Afterwards I thought about it, I'm also personalyl dissapointed about using games like this. This time I will have a different performance.
ZerO: If Neo.G_Soulkey can also win then we definitely won't meet in the Ro8, but very regrefully (he hasn't yet). But at least there's tie-breakers, if (we) try hard there's still a chance to make it to the Ro8, I'm helping him practice all the time.

Q: Next match is against KT
ZerO: Flash isn't with KT, so even though we both lose a player, our team has strong players all around. But it's also the beginning of the season so it's difficult to gauge who is stronger, so I don't have any players that I want to meet.
Neo.G_Soulkey: Because I'm going to America I can't be with the team. It's my first time in America, I'm so excited. I also have to win the show match, since I'm going already, I'm bringing the price money back.
ZerO: America is a bit cold, so you should leave with plenty of warm clothing. Last time I went to America for a blizzard new year promotion, Lyn with international experience completely owned me (at SC2 I assume). Neo.G_Soulkey just needs to adjust for jetlag and he will definitely play well.

Q: Anything else
Neo.G_Soulkey: It's been a long time since I've had an interview with ZerO-hyung. Tomorrow's OSL tie breakers I will try my best to play. I haven't recieved any interviews before so I want to talk about this, a player on our SF team Lee ??(李雄植) is going do military service, I hope he adjusts well to the military life. I also hope that our new SF team can achieve good records.
ZerO: I hope that Lee ?? (李秀哲)-hyung can adjust well after his transfer to team ITbank, I also hope our SF players can show a good performance. I think now the SF team can play really well, I also help that Neo.G_Soulkey will have a good performance tomorrow.

Q: Firstly, how does it feel to win a comeback
A: I didn't think I would win during the match, it should be luck that I won.

Q: (with) What timing did you think you could comeback
A: After winning an engagement in the center I thought that I could compete. Even though I had less income, my army count was superior, so I felt I could win.

Q: You were disadvantaged but still persisted, why is that?
A: I couldn't confirm the opponent's 5 o'clock expansion, I thought that his 6 o'clock would be much later. So I thought "He's trying to play safe". So I just tried to max out to 200/200 first. Ironically I got back into the game with out knowing much about the situation. (laugh) I thought that the opponent was going to play safe which is why I was calmer.

Q: What was the reaction from the team after you won?
A: They all congratulated me, saying how did you win this kind of match. Ofcourse there's also the obligatory "why didn't you micro during the engagement?" comments. But in the end they all said I played well to come back from a disadvantaged situation, my teammates were all happy.

Q: Rumours that you are the best SC2 player on T8
A: I was always slightly ahead, but now the teammates are catching up. At the start of the season I had a slight advantage, but now it's around the same. Overall everyone's skill has improved.

Q: Is it hard to prepare?
A: Playing BW and SC2 at the same time is difficult for us to grasp. Last time I played BW, this time I had to prepare for SC2, so it feels like there's less time to prepare. It takes time to grasp the feel for the game before you can practice well, so it feels rushed.

Q: Next match is against Samsung Khan
A: I know Stork-hyung hasn't played SC2 yet, so it would be nice to meet him. Before I used to help someone else prepare for matches, and his opponent was Stork-hyung (unofficial friendly matches). At that time I didn't know anything about SC2, yet Stork-hyung was saying in interviews "I heard that all my losses are because of player Sang." So I want to play against him once (laugh).

Q: Last words
A: This match was prepared with help from 양희수-hyung who suggested the opener. I played well because of it. I want to have better performances and continue winning.

Q: After 380 days you finally won.
A: I was so eager for a win, this match my whole thought process was just that I can't lose. I'm very glad I won, last time it designated me to play SC2, but before I got to play the match was over, this time I had another opportunity, I was preparing excitedly.

Q: Was there psychological pressure from not winning
A: I had a 5 loss streak on SPL, even though some games I had the advantage, I was too tense and lost. Capturing the opportunity to get in the line-up is so hard. And my matches were also influenced by outside factors, so it's very painful inside.

Q: What did you think of first after winning
A: I thought about alot of things from the past, my long awaited victory finally came, really cheers me up. A while ago I couldn't get in the line-up, but still alot of fans were cheering for me, I had to win for them today. Last season I had two chances in the line-up, before the match I also was thinking about what to say in an interview, but I made huge mistakes and lost. This time I didn't think about interviews at all, just wanted to win unconditionally.

Q: How did you prepare for the match
A: After looking at the availible BW players list, I thought it might be a protoss. In the beginning when I was getting harassed by DT's I thought "Would I lose so badly again? How can I face people after" but the game could change instantly, and completely tip the balance. So until the last moment I wouldn't give up, always trying me best, finally I got a win.

Q: What was your mentality preparing this season
A: Because BW and SC2 are played at the same time, only the truly hard working progamer could survive. Now I find that practice is also very interesting. In the future if I want better performance I need to put in more effort. I want to prepare well so that even time I get a line-up I can win.

Q: Anything else?
A: I want to thank the fans who are cheering for me, and also the zealot heart (protoss) coaches. I want to thank the teammates and my family. It's been a long time since I've done a winner's interview, I'm really happy. I will always keep trying, to be a player that fans love. Things that I say in the interview might cause misunderstandings, I'm not saying that any player has faults, just that everyone is so stale when they do interviews (like a model student), so I wanted to make it interesting. I always wanted to get interviews yet I never got the chance, how regretful~

Q: First time to get 2 wins in 1 day
A: I'm quite happy, but the matches ended too fast, didn't have a feel for them. But my wins helped my team achieve a reversal, so it feels very meaningful.

Q: Did you think about being on the top of rankings
A: Honestly I imagine it all the time. (laugh) But I never thought it would become reality. This match played out much better than I imagined, I'm so happy.

Q: Looks like you have a cold
A: Even dogs don't get colds in may or june, so I got a cold. (laugh) I didn't even leave the country, must have cought it from teammates. During practice I always try to focus as much as possible, but my physique isn't well, so I haven't been able to practice alot.

Q: Did you prepare the strategy for ace match?
A: When I was playing emtombed valley I liked to use this strategy. During practice I basically never lose with it. Before the match I was worried about how to play, the opponent might have got scared from my dominance. A BW equivalent would be a 9 gas then pool build.

Q: You seem to really like banelings
A: But banelings are a double edged sword, if you don't use it well then you wasted all your money on them, that's why though banelings are cute, some times they are really annoying. Both matches I made banelings. Though it was originally a planned strategy, the opponent was trying to adapt to my strategy, so I used that fact against them, the result worked out well. So I won easily.

Q: Recently the atmosphere is great
A: From the beginning it's always been that if I get on a upward streak, I wouldn't lose my momentum. If I practice well, I can continue it. But since I've played SC2 I haven't met any protoss, so I want to play against a protoss.

Q: Anything else?
A: Today isn't a holiday, yet so many fans still came to the studio to cheer for us. Thank you for everyone. Don't catch a cold like me. In the future I will bring more spectacular matches.

Q: Today you made a mark with your first game (of the season?), how do you feel?
A: Not considering my win, the fact that my team is on a win streak makes me very happy ~ my win allowed this momentum (atmosphere) to continue.

Q: The game was 48 minutes long.
A: I also didn't know it lasted that long (laugh). In reality when I play BW I can play long macro games. Today I wanted to win with wraiths, but protoss is too strong~

Q: Are you not worried about long macro games vs protoss?
A: I am very worried, but my opponent seem to never anticipated (met) a terran air play, seeing that his reaction was so tame, I thought I could fight.

Q: You haven't lost yet
A: I have to play better than last season, I've been a progammer for 3 years, it's time to show my worth.

Q: Now it's time for round 2, what are your thoughts (feelings)?
A: Right now SC2's meta (trend) is that terran is really weak, hard to find opportunities. So I have to work hard to prove what terran is capable of, if I work hard I believe I can have a good record.

Q: Your team gained a SC2 coach and suddenly changed.
A: After coach Ryun Won came it helped us alot, our whole concept and strategy changed. Today's match there wasn't alot of control (planning), but it's already much better than before.

Q: How's the team's atmosphere?
A: The atmosphere in the team is really good, we are very united even when practicing, the teammates are trying harder than last year.

Q: Anything else you want to say?
A: It's a difficult time for terran, I want to thank the coach for trusting me and letting me play. My parents are very worried (caring) of me, I'm doing well, please don't worry. Also, I hope Sharp and Afrotoss can also play well since we are all born in 92.

Q: Rumours are that you like a new song by Defconn and Jeong Hyeong-don
A: Yes, next match I'm changing my theme (laugh).

Q: How does it feel winning today?
RorO: I've always had confidence in my SC2 play, but every time I've played I lost, so I'm very angry with myself. today I finally won, and it's also 2 wins in 1 day, which makes me even happier.
Shine[kaL]: Because I have to prepare for the OSL, I practice SC2 very late at night, so I thought it was really hard to win, but I actually did, really happy about that.

Q: Talk a bit about today's match
tlpd#players#622#Z]RorO[/tlpd]: My starting build selection was good, after the early game I got a significant advantage, so I won easily. In the ace match, when I fight at th 12 o'clock I had alot of mis-micro against zealots, so it was very hard to defend. I was very worried, I thought i was going to lose, but after defending that wave I found myself in the advantage.
Shine[kaL]: We also thought he was going to lose, but RorO-hyung is very persistent, and didn't let the opponent reinforce.
Shine[kaL]: When I started playing I found that it was odd, the opponent didn't expand to his third and didn't attack, so he's definitely preparing something. I was very tense, but after I found the opponent didn't have a strong push/rush, I spent alot of money making spinecrawlers and won.

Q: Staying up late to practice SC2 must have had coach January worried?
RorO: In the beginning other teams were also fierce, so we had to work very hard. Personally I don't feel like we are behind other teams, I'm confident in our SC2.
Shine[kaL]: Our team started rather late, but we caught up faster than we imagined, now there isn't much of a difference. Everyone plays BW so well, SC2 fans shouldn't worry. Also oDin coach is very patient with coaching our zergs and gave us alot of advice, he really took care of us.

Q: Next opponent is KT
RorO: I have to play BW, I will try my best to win.
Shine[kaL]: If I and RorO-hyung are both playing, then we shouldn't lose the BW portion. Because it's the last game of round 1 we have to win. Also if it's possible I want to meet my old teammates Wooki and Mind, that would be very interesting.

Q: Round 1 is at its end, tell us how you feel about the format (proleague)
RorO: When SC2 came up I actually thought it was a very good opportunity, so now the situation is decent.
Shine[kaL]: In the beginning it was depressing and sad, but since we are already at this stage I don't have big grievances any more. As time passes I will try to think on the positive side, since I've already performed in BW and SC2, I won't complain any more.

Q: Anything else you want to say?
RorO: Everyone around me is wondering about my SC2 play, I always answer that I have confidence, but I always lose. Winning today is great, now I want to keep a good showing. Also thanks to oDin for trusting me.
Shine[kaL]: oDin has helped us alot, last time we lost in SC2 so we were really down. Winning this time is great. Before the match today the coach gave us some key points, gave us alot of help, I want to thank our coaching staff~

Q: Winning twice today revived your team.
A: It's my first time to win twice in one day, makes me really happy, the team was on a 3 loss streak, and we won 3 games back, it really makes me glad.

Q: How was the pressure being sent out (ace match)?
A: There was alot of pressure, this shows i'm not ace match material (level) yet. (laugh). Last time I was sent for ace I lose twice in one day, so this time there's alot of pressure, but I won my first game which eased the tension a bit.

Q: Last time you lost twice.
A: It was also the first time ever that I lost twice in a day, it made me really sad. I couldn't sleep at 5 AM and just got up and practiced. If I was like myself in the past I might have collapsed, but now I have some experience and will try to think for the positive and try harder.

Q: Bisu and Fantasy aren't in the team right now.
A: It's a really big crisis, if we lost today it would be 4 loss in a row, we might be last in the rankings, but we were lucky and got through a tough situation.

Q: You have 3 wins in SC2
A: I think I'm playing well. (laugh) But I still have alot to show to everyone, please anticipate my performance.

Q: First game was a bit close.
A: It was originally a planned situation, but I made alot of mistakes. The match was paused for a bit and I was really nervous when it resumed, so after that I made some mistakes too. But afterwards I calmed down and won.

Q: What's your goal for this season?
A: I want to achieve >50% winrate, I should be able to do if I just keep my current condition.

Q: Any last words?
A: Since Bisu-hyung and Fantasy-hyung are both in America playing in MLG, I hope they play well. Also we are the defending champions, but we aren't playing well right now, I hope our team can try our best and get a good record.

Q: You helped your team secure the win
A: It felt like ZerO could end the match, so I thought I didn't need to play today. But I won surprisingly, so I'm really happy. Tomorrow I can play (recreation) with out care now since we are going to the Woongjin theme park, I was worried we would lose today.

Q: You've won 3 times now
A: Including myself, every time I win a match I hear people say "revival". I didn't die, I was always living well (laugh). I will try to win in the future too, but ofcourse i also thought rather i would keep slumping, but I never lost in an embarassing way, and I also been always practicing hard. Feels like results are progressing to the good side, even though it's been tiring, but I'm happy.

Q: Your control in SC2 is good
A: Regardless of rather it's BW or SC2 I always liked to micro units, so I always hear other people compliment me on my zealot micro. Today I made alot of mistakes in my play still, I was worried "can I win after all?" but I was lucky. Next time if I'm sent for SC2 again I will show more competitive play.

Q: The lack of Neo.G_Soulkey is not felt at all, Woongjin is really strong.
A: Neo.G_Soulkey isn't enlisting in military service, he's just leaving temporarily. (laugh) Also Aria sniped KT's SC2 ace Motive. Our team even when losing a player can replace him, rather the replacement is even better. Neo.G_Soulkey also said "even with out me the team can play well". But Neo.G_Soulkey getting disqualified so soon is a bit regretful (laugh) (not sure if talking about OSL or MLG).

Q: Now Woongjin is secured in its first place in the rankings
A: Now is our first challenge, the first round isn't that important. We (our record) are always like riding a rollercoaster, last season and the season before that were no different. The second round is the first real bump in the road. We need to prove that Woongjin's changed, this way we can play even better in round 2. The team hasn't changed much, we are working really hard, this time SC2 being included in proleague actually motivated us more.

Q: Next opponent is Team 8, keeping your first place shouldn't be hard.
A: We always have good showing in round 1, so don't worry (laugh). But Team 8's BW and SC2 play are both good, so we can't be lax, need to prepare properly. Hopefully we can win against T8, Neo.G_Soulkey is also back then, feels like reinforcements arriving (laugh). Our team is getting stronger, so no worries at all.

Q: Neo.G_Soulkey lost in America
A: Neo.G_Soulkey is good regardless of if he is playing BW or SC2, so it helps the team greatly. His opponent was Flash, he's too strong. Resting a while in American then coming back could be good ~

Q: What's the goal this time around?
A: I haven't thought of a goal yet, I was with this team since Hanbit, but the team has never made it to the finals. But this time everybody is confident, so our goal is to reach the finals. Also my record last season was bleak, this season I want to achieve more wins, I want others to say "Ah, that's Free-hyung again (6 dragons)". So I have to show even better games. In reality, because of SC2 recently I couldn't even sleep (laugh). I didn't want other people to say that my skill declined, that's why (practiced hard). Thinking about the next match motivates me to work harder.

Q: Last words
A: First I want to congratulate Aria on his first win. His performance in practice isn't great, but he was calm and played well so he won. He's still young, so I hop he improves. Also I want to get to play a few games too (laugh). Also the team's line-up is great recently, I want to keep that momentum into the second round, so we have to be cautious. Fans should anticipate us and cheer for us~

Q: You won against CJ's Hydra, you have 3 wins this season.
A: At the start of the season and already with 3 wins was unexpected, so I'm very happy. Getting an interview is also long-awaited, feels a bit unnatural.

Q: How long haven't you had an interview?
A: For SL's around a year, for SPL around 2 years.

Q: Playing BW you had alot of potential, now SC2 is also part of proleague is an opportunity for you?
A: For new-comers like me it is a big opportunity. Though my BW is shaky, as long as I have talent, I can definitely play SC2 well. Also I believe that in the start of playing SC2, if I try harder than everyone else I can definitely climb higher.

Q: How did you prepare for this match?
A: Out of CJ there is barely any protoss that can play SC2, so I prepared mainly for PvZ and PvT. So preparing wasn't too hard, today I prepared for a macro game.

Q: You always had an advantage in the game, did you think you were going to win?
A: In the mid-game it was back and forth, so I also thought it was difficult. But I defended CJ Hydra-hyung's roach attack, after that the game was dictated by my tempo.

Q: Since it's this season's first interview, talk about your goals this season.
A: I think this season is an opportunity for me, and I grasped that chance well. If I keep playing well, I should be able to get more than 10 wins.

Q: The team's younger new-comer mini has already shined, do you feel threatened?
A: I've been a progamer for a long time, but I never captured the opportunity. This season I want to grasp that chance firmly and be a part of the team's main line-up.

Q: How does it feel to secure the win for the team?
A: Feels like this is the best I've played since I've become a progamer. I never beat Flash in BW, yet I beat him in SC2, it makes me even happier.

Q: Has it been difficult preparing for SC2?
A: I was preparing little by little for SC2 already, now after winning my efforts are paying off, I'm proud of that.

Q: You won convincingly in the ace match
A: Looking back at the recent ZvT wins, my various army composition in the late game are all very powerful, Broodlords with infestors, banelings, and zerglings. Also Zerg has been performing well in all the leagues recently.

Q: Which match up is the easiest in SC2?
A: ZvZ is the easiset~ though it's my weakest match-up. But anything can happen in it, so it feels very relaxed (laugh). (guess he implies that anyone can win so he's not too stressed about it)

Q: Your skill level increase rapidly
A: After touching SC2 it felt very interesting, also other teammates are all decreasing their sleep time to practice. This effort is paying off now, everyone discussing and investigating strategies together is also very important.

Q: How did it feel to be sent on ace?
A: Playing in SPL I have confidence in my SC2, we already planned for Flash in the ace match, but I was still very tense.

Q: You are on the top of the rankings
A: I've gotten two 2 win streaks, but it's my first time to be on the top of the rankings. Feels so strange~ Season 2's rules are different from before, I hope I can maintain my condition.

Q: Next match is against Airforce ACE
A: Our team's momentum is good, so we should win next match handily. I was confident in my first SC2 match, but I lost against M18M which left me with a painful memory. I hope I can meet him again, I will have a different showing this time.

Q: Anything else?
A: I want to thank everyone on my team.

KT Rolster's P7GAB beat SK Telecom's Bisu in set 2 of the SC2 portion of proleague, putting him on a 2 wins streak (also keeping Bisu from gaining his first win in SC2) and allowing KT to close out the series before ACE match. P7GAB's initial DT attack was held off which put him at a significant disadvantage, however he expanded quickly and capitalized on Bisu's blunder of moving his warp prism with two immortals over his army and won with a chargelot timing attack out of his superior economy.

Q: This season you've also beaten bisu, how do you feel?
A: First it really feels good to win, initially I planned to win the match much more quickly with a perfect win, but the way the match played out left some dissapointments. But still very glad to recieve an interview.

Q: At the end of the last season you suffered a loss streak.
A: In the beginning I didn't think it was a big deal losing once, but after losing so many times I suffered quite alot during the off season.

Q: You were never able to keep a win streak and always broke even (win-lose-win-lose)
A: My results were always inconsistent, looks like I needed to be hit by a club (punished) to be motivated (laugh). Now I've recieved many beatings, so I'm very motivated before the match starts. I just want to win, no more losses.

Q: Everyone is saying protoss is strong in SC2
A: Even though everyone is saying this, haven't they seen Action-hyung's game? (laugh) Recently zergs also are getting stronger, honestly, terran is the hardest to play, then it's protoss, Zergs are the strongest (have the most advantage). (laugh)

Q: You seem to always meet (get matched against) Bisu
A: I've only played 34 official televised matches, and 5 of them are against Bisu. But he's the same race and also an excellent player, so it's very difficult to handle. Winning against him helps me alot (gives me alot).

Q: Your performance in SC2 is decent, do you have confidence in future matches?
A: Everyone's skill level in SC2 is about the same, right now we have to see who is the most hard working to determine the performance in the future. Next match I will have to try harder and win.

Q: KT's round 1 record is not great (up to expectations)
A: Every season we don't open well. (laugh) But we aren't worried. Other players' SC2 skill level are also increasing quickly. So please next round everyone should anticipate better performances from us.

Q: Are you satisfied with your personal round 1 performance?
A: My SC2 performance is satisfactory, but I'm losing really bad in BW which makes me very sad. Looks like I have to improve my competitiveness in BW.

Q: The first match in round 2 is against CJ, who are you hoping to meet?
A: I heard (it's a rumour) that in round 2 there's going to be a rule change, you can play in BW or SC2 set (freely). In the match against CJ I want to play Hero who has a perfect record in SC2 in BW, Hero's BW skill is also excellent.

Q: Any last words.
A: The match against CJ is on Sunday, we (KT) might have a break till wednesday but my SC2 skill is still lacking, so I might practice more for a different result. Even though it's a break period I will still try harder to practice.

Woongjin Star's free's good performance in SC2 earned public speculation that he had "revived". Among many well performing SC2 players, Free is a very rare "post dominance period" player. He had even planned to retire at one point. free due to an injury on his wrist last season, only achieved a 3-6 win ratio, but this season he already has 2 wins and 1 loss. He was plagued by rumours of retirement and joining Airforce ACE, now his chance at revival is the inception of SC2, it gave him a new interest. While studying SC2 he was tireless and restless and almost starving, working very hard.

Woongjin's coach Lee said: "Flying and free are two players who both felt very lost due to bad records, but they successfully preserved, and have good showings in SC2, personally I think their skill has also reached some level." During the public chant of "revival", when free talks about his performance early in the season, he says: "even though I practice more than average, in the real game it's not been displayed fully. In the beginning it felt like SC2 was a brand new game, very difficult to adapt, but recently after learning about units and abilities, it feels very interesting."

He also said "Playing SC2 has given me confidence, this also lets me play BW with more enthusiasm, even though till now I still havent shown my best, but with this momentum, I can play with more style in official matches." After the injury free had an steady decline, "through two seasons I didn't play well, it made me feel very bad / aggravated. In the beginning when I first encountered this situation I felt extreme pressure, my interest in Starcraft also decreased." But through a new learning process he found that interest again, free said, that's the greatest gift SC2 has given him.

free: "I wish that people like me who had given up and lost interest in Starcraft could all revive through SC2. And also wish that more star players could appear to break the legacy of TBLS."

2007/03/03, Bisu won 3-0 against sAviOr and achieved his first SL title, he was called the "miraculous revolutionist" and is now the first protoss to achieve 100 SPL wins, and is the one with 4 SL titles. Bisu and "Commander" Stork have become the two best protoss'. Since 2005, Bisu has been a professional for 8 years, he's not only one of the most successful progammers, but is also one of the aces on SPL's luxurious SKT team, and is a fan favorite for esports representative.

Now he's facing a new challenge. Which is SC2. He still hasn't gotten a win in SPL for SC2, but when he attended MLG in America on the 9th he blew away expectations and got 2nd place, which made everyone say "That's Bisu". After starting the challenge of SC2, Bisu accepted an interview from OSEN. Even though he hasn't gotten a win in SPL yet, his one win in BW on the 16th can also signature his return. Even though he only has 2 wins, he has 50% win rate now, which makes this win significant.

Bisu: "After winning finally I feel really happy. (laugh) It's been roughly 20 days, finally winning is great. I haven't been able to completely adapt to SC2 yet. This win gave me alot of motivation. I'm confident in my BW, but for SC2 I can't say anything yet. I always let the fans see a disappointing game, I feel really regretful and ashamed. Sorry to my fans. Even when I want and try my best to play well, my competitiveness can't satisfy anyone. Seems like I have to focus on practicing SC2 more, till I can play well".



Like he said, in SPL out of the TBLS Bisu is the only one with out a win in SC2. To achieve his own desired competitiveness, he's said that he's already practiced more than 10,000 matches. At this rate of practice, he believes that he will be able to be competitive with other GSL players. In July 2-3, the first SC2 OSL will start, we will see his official declaration.

Bisu: "Even though I still need some time now, I have confidence that I can catch up completely with the good players of the GSL. With my style, it still needs some work. Even though SC2 came out 2 years ago, to me it's no different than if it came out this year. Teammates By.Sun and BeSt ar very good at this field (adapting), so their skill level increased drastically, I'm really jealous. But I don't have any other choice, I have to make up for it in practice time. (laugh)"

Coming back from MLG, Bisu said: "I recieved a warm welcome from my fans which left a deep impression. At the start I just wanted to go to relax, but too many people recognized me, and wanted our signature, fans lined up so long that you can't see the end of the line, this feels really different. Fighting on the big stage also had alot of meaning, gave me the thought that I had to try harder. Also, my english needs alot of training."

Lastly, he wanted to show games against GSL players. Bisu: "From now-on, SC2's practice time (ratio) will increase. Right now playing SC2 still feels like playing BW, until this feeling disappears I have to practice like crazy. Even though the time frame is small, I still have to prepare well for OSL matches. If I run into an active (top) GSL player, it will be very interesting. But no matter what I'm passing through the preliminaries."