The South Korean League of Legends national team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games defeated Vietnam 3-1 on Day 2 of the 'LoL National Team Exhibition Matches' held at the Busan Cinema Center on the 20th. After a shock defeat in Game 1, South Korea rallied from Game 2 onward, securing a dramatic comeback victory in Game 3 and closing out the series with an even more dominant performance in Game 4.
The following is the full transcript of the press conference with the South Korean national team after completing their exhibition match schedule as they head into their final practice week ahead of the upcoming main tournament.
Q. What are your thoughts on concluding the exhibition match schedule?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The exhibition matches were very helpful in many ways. I think we gained a lot of insight into the areas we need to improve going forward.
'Keria': There was a lot to learn. These matches allowed us to address many of our shortcomings.
'Gumayusi': Playing tough matches against opponents we might meet later was very helpful.
'Faker': Vietnam played really well, making it a great series. If we meet them again next time, we'll strive to play an even better match.
'Zeka': It's been a while since I watched from behind, so it felt different. Watching didn't feel entirely disappointing. Through today's games, I felt that our team can do even better.
'Canyon': It was very helpful, and they were fun games.
'Zeus': It was a tough match because Vietnam played well. Apart from that, I'm glad we identified areas where we need to improve.
Q. (To 'Canyon') You picked jungle Dr. Mundo in Game 4. It was your first time playing him in an official match.
'Canyon': Since we had a long-range composition, I thought having a front liner would be good. Dr. Mundo was also a champion we could flex because Zeus plays him well. In-game, I felt our team comp scaled better as time went on, so I think we executed according to our composition well.
Q. What do you think was the reason for losing Game 1?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: There were areas in draft where we could have done better, and the players could have controlled the tempo a bit more, but I think they got overly excited. Overall, it was a helpful game.
Q. (To 'Zeus') In Game 3, you scaled massively on Camille, but the team faced a crisis after losing Elder Dragon. How did you try to play out the game?
'Zeus': With a champion like Camille, if you scale well, it's hard to lose. I had the mindset that I could carry as long as things went normally. When we lost Elder Dragon, it was terrifying, but I stayed focused believing we could win because our composition had good wave clear.
Q. (To 'Keria') You mentioned there was a lot to learn from the matches.
'Keria': During the macro phase, there were moments when we couldn't trade effectively when the opponent committed resources, and we often ended up taking losses instead. Going forward, I think we'll be able to react more flexibly when opponents initiate trades.
Q. (To 'Faker') How was it playing together with your former teammates 'Zeus' and 'Gumayusi' after a while?
'Faker': Reuniting and playing with former teammates after a while felt a bit awkward at first. However, as the games progressed, our team macro improved. I felt there are still areas where we can build even better synergy.
Q. Under the regulations for this Asian Games, players must use wired mice. Professional players mostly use wireless mice; are there any difficulties adapting?
'Zeus': Since I've always used wireless, wired mice aren't familiar to me. I practice with a wired mouse and used wireless on important days like today.
'Canyon': I've actually used a wired mouse for a long time.
'Zeka': I've also only used wireless, so I think it might be uncomfortable. But with about ten days left until the tournament, I plan to practice with a wired mouse as much as possible to adapt.
'Faker': I used a wired mouse for a long time in the past, so I don't think I'll have much trouble adapting.
'Gumayusi': I've also used wired mice for a long time, so I have no problem adapting.
'Keria': I've been practicing with a wired mouse recently. However, in these exhibition matches, aside from the mouse, the venue environment was quite different, so using a wired mouse on top of that felt like it would be too uncomfortable, which is why I used wireless today.
Q. How will you prepare during the remaining time?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: We plan to prepare diligently. Since there isn't much time left, we need to scrim consistently. Because we haven't played together for long, our in-game communication still has shortcomings. I think we have enough time to improve. Regarding drafts, each player and their former teams have slightly different approaches. If we refine these well, I believe we can perform much better.
Q. Are scrims scheduled with professional teams?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The season is over, and with Chuseok as well, it isn't easy to find practice opponents. We've gathered players role-by-role to help us like a project team, and since some teams offered to help, we've fully booked our practice schedule. I had no regrets today. Even if our shortcomings showed, I view it positively because it helped us realize what we need to improve.
Q. There are two mid laners on the roster. How are you approaching player selection?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: They are practicing together. Naturally, I believe the player who is in better form and showing better performance should play. We need to practice more to see.
Q. (To 'Faker') You played on the same team with 'Gumayusi' and 'Zeus' again after a while. What seems to have changed?
'Faker': Both seem the exact same.
Q. (To 'Gumayusi') In Game 4, there was a scene where you turned around and picked up a double kill when the team was facing an ace wipe. How do you look back on that situation?
'Gumayusi': I had just recalled after holding the top tower, so my items were well-developed. I also had all my Summoner Spells. If I played it a bit better, a pentakill might have been possible, so I was disappointed that I only got a double kill.
Q. (To 'Zeus') Vietnam is an opponent you might face again in the main tournament. You played the laning phase against two different players today; what impression did they leave? Also, why did you choose a full AP itemization on top Gragas in Game 1?
'Zeus': I think both 'Kiaya' and 'Pun' are top laners to watch out for. I played two games against each today; Pun plays a lot of unusual champions, which requires more attention during draft. Kiaya plays standard champions much like LCK top laners and seems to have more veteran experience. As for Gragas, I thought a lot about item builds. I believe going for damage can also fulfill a tanking role, so that's why I built that way.
Q. (To 'Zeus', 'Faker', 'Keria') In this Asian Games, all matches except the finals will be played without an audience.
'Zeus': I've played matches without crowds before, so I don't think it'll make a big difference in focusing on the tournament. I've often imagined winning a medal in front of many fans, so I definitely want to reach the finals.
'Faker': Playing in front of a crowd gives a feeling of being cheered on and creates a lively atmosphere with a sense of presence. Playing without an audience carries less pressure, but honestly, the environment doesn't bother me much.
'Keria': Playing in front of fans is enjoyable, but playing without a crowd won't affect our performance. Since the finals will have an audience, I definitely want to play in front of many fans.
Q. We heard local conditions are challenging. How do you plan to manage your condition for this tournament?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The association continues to provide a lot of support. I understand that preparations for everything from food to facilities are ready in Japan. Other sports teams went ahead as advance parties, and we are communicating with coaches there. They say the environment is set up smoothly, so there shouldn't be any issues.
'Canyon': I haven't been there yet, but personally, I'm not very sensitive to environments. However, I'm trying to wake up according to match schedules.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Since match times are early, the players are waking up a bit earlier than usual and working out to get into condition.
Q. What are your resolves heading into the Asian Games?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: We will prepare even harder and repay fans with good results.
'Keria': We will prepare well in the remaining time, elevate our performance, and put on good matches.
'Gumayusi': I'm excited thinking about the main tournament now. During the remaining time, I'll manage my condition well and practice hard to raise my form.
'Faker': We will prepare hard and show a good performance.
'Zeka': I will prepare well for the remaining schedule and definitely bring back a medal.
'Canyon': Both Vietnam, who we played today, and the teams in our group are formidable opponents. I'll work hard to bring home a good result.
'Zeus': The exhibition matches were very helpful. I'll do well when we go to Japan as well.
