We met the South Korean 'League of Legends' national team after they wrapped up the finals and medal ceremony at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. With the players, Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon, and the analysts all gathered together, stories unfolded that hadn't been heard in individual post-match interviews. From the hardships of preparing for the gold medal to behind-the-scenes moments from their boot camp, there was plenty to share despite the short time spent together.
What began as standard victory reflections quickly turned into a casual session of banter and chiming in on each other's stories. Players jumped in during the head coach's explanations, and banter flew back and forth between teammates. While they had been reliable allies in match play, they refused to yield an inch when choosing who they wanted to defeat at Worlds.
This time, we included not just their answers to the questions, but also the jokes and laughter shared in between. Through their conversation, we convey what these gold medalists endured and what memories they built together.
Congratulations once again on winning the gold medal. You've likely shared this many times already, but could each of you say a few words on how you feel?
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'Zeus': Winning my second gold medal is a huge honor, and I feel like I'm taking away a lot of positive energy from this experience.
'Canyon': This was my first Asian Games, so winning gold on my first try makes me extremely happy and grateful.
'Zeka': In a short time, I got to work with new teammates, coaches, and the head coach. Everyone played so well and synergy was great, which I think led to this good result.
'Gumayusi': Wearing my first gold medal makes me feel immensely proud and honored.
'Keria': The process was fun and the outcome was great, so I'm thrilled.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: I'm incredibly happy and honored. It was a joy to be together with such great players and staff.
Analyst Yeon Hyeong-mo: It's a huge honor, and I'm happy we could come out here together and achieve such a great result.
Analyst Kim 'Khan' Dong-ha: I feel like I'm taking home a lot of fun memories, so it was a great experience.
On the flip side, what was the hardest part about reaching the gold medal? Starting with the Head Coach, please.
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Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: When we first arrived in Japan to practice, there were ping issues.
Was the ping around 30 ms or so?
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Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: It was around 48 to 50. Practicing on that ping caused some issues at first.
Also, because of anti-doping regulations, we had to be very careful with outside food, so the players couldn't really eat what they wanted. Watching them from the side, I felt bad for them, but seeing them handle it responsibly as national team representatives made me proud. Those aspects were a bit tough.
For the players, what was the hardest part of the Asian Games journey?
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'Zeka': It was very different from our normal schedule as pro gamers. We lived on almost the complete opposite schedule, so struggling to adapt was the hardest part.
'Gumayusi': Ping and sleeping schedules were factors, but the food situation was the hardest for me.
'Keria': The period was shorter than expected, so I don't recall anything being too tough. Honestly, our accommodation in Busan was so good that I just want to live there.
(Group laughs)
'Keria': It wasn't a hotel, but something similar to a residence. It didn't feel like a hotel—it felt like home, which was great.
Did the two of you experience any difficulties?
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'Zeus': I was worried when I heard we'd be sharing double rooms in Japan, but luckily we all ended up with single rooms, so it was smooth.
'Canyon': When we first gathered, each team had different champion tier lists and playstyles, so aligning on those was a bit difficult at first. But I think we adjusted to each other quickly.
Faker, what was the hardest part for you on the journey to gold?
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'Faker': Waking up in the morning is the hardest.
You shared a similar struggle. For the analysts, which part was the hardest?
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Analyst Kim 'Khan' Dong-ha: Honestly, waking up in the morning was definitely the hardest part. Other than that, the players and head coach took care of all the heavy lifting, so nothing was too tough for me.
Analyst Yeon Hyeong-mo: Compared to the players, our hardships were minimal. What stays in my mind is having almost no days off while communicating with the head coach and preparing even during the regular season. The players went through much more than we did.
Head Coach, you mentioned it in previous interviews, but could you speak again about those who helped with preparations, like VicLa?
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Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Dplus KIA and BNK FearX helped us out.
At the end, BRION also helped. On open practice days, some players stepped in even while on vacation. I bought them good food, but I'm truly grateful to players like PerfecT and VicLa who helped without hesitation.
Dplus KIA's 'Career' Oh Hyeong-seok helped a lot as well, as did Raptor, Smash, T1 Academy's Guardian, Hype, Way, 'Reaper' Choi Gi-myeong, and Hambak.
So you had scrims every single day, and the practice partners and teams like Dplus KIA played on the official tournament patch version for you?
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Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Yes, so that we could practice on the Asian Games patch.
Outside of the matches and the medal ceremony, were there any memorable moments from the time the players spent together?
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'Gumayusi': Working out and eating together in Busan.
'Zeka': Having late-night snacks comes to mind. Towards the end, we had a lot of late-night snack parties. It was fun.
'Gumayusi': We also watched documentaries.
What kind of documentary did you watch?
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Players: About fish. Catching fish.
'Keria': Something about fish going extinct by 2038... Wait, was it not 2038?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: 2028... Sang-hyeok [Faker] likes documentaries, so he put it on and we all watched together. We watched a movie too, right?
'Gumayusi': We shouldn't mention the movie.
'Keria': That's enough. If we say we watched a movie, it sounds like a corporate retreat.
Attendee: Since we weren't here just to play around (laughs).
You mentioned working out in the morning a lot. How did you do your workouts?
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'Gumayusi': At the gym.
Reporter: On your own at the fitness center?
Attendee: We adjusted our daily schedule earlier to prepare in advance.
Another attendee: Yes.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: We had workout sessions when we woke up too.
'Gumayusi': Zeka gave the guys some coaching.
Reporters: (Looking at Zeka) Of course.
We heard the chair adjustments, monitors, and headsets were different from LCK or official Riot Games tournaments. Did that cause any issues?
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'Zeus': Zeka is a bit sensitive about those things.
'Keria': That's why we started really late.
'Zeka': No, the desk suddenly sank down. It wasn't like that in the semifinals, but in the finals the desk dipped down, so it caught on my arm when I moved my mouse. We had to make sure it was right.
Was the desk height different between the side stage and the main finals stage?
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'Zeka': The height was the same, but the desk was a bit weird.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: It was supposed to be flat, but there was an edge sticking out. We went in and solved it on the spot.
'Gumayusi': My mouse pad got banned.
'Faker': Because it was excessive.
'Gumayusi': It wasn't excessive...
'Keria': It was Razer. Gumayusi custom.
'Faker': That's just pure facts, no exaggeration.
So what did you do?
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'Gumayusi': KeSPA urgently prepared the same mouse pad I used to use, so I used that.
'Keria': I was told I couldn't use mine because the Razer logo was too big, so I used a different one too.
Attendee: There were a lot of restrictions, but we handled it well.
The final match was delayed by about 30 minutes. Were there computer issues as well?
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'Zeka': The PC lagged so we had to reset it, and we were thinking about swapping the desk. But the Head Coach wedged wet wipes between the desk sections to adjust the height alignment.
Reporter: Ah, so you leveled it out with that.
Attendee: He helped us out a lot.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Without that, it wouldn't have been easy. When I looked, the mouse was getting caught on the edge.
Reporter: Watching from the press area, I was nervous. I was worried a 30-minute delay might affect the players' mental focus.
Attendee: It definitely took a toll.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The mouse kept catching because of the desk seam. Looking at it, I realized elevating the desk slightly would fix it.
If you had to pick one person you were most grateful to in winning the gold medal?
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'Gumayusi': For me, the Head Coach.
'Zeka': I'll say the Head Coach too.
Reporter: How about the others?
'Canyon': For me, Dr. Ahn Hyo-yeon. Coach introduced us to Dr. Ahn Hyo-yeon, who gave us a lot of great words that really helped our mental state.
Players: Respect.
'Keria': For me, the KeSPA staff. The accommodation was so good I'm still touched. It left a big impression on me.
Reporter: You really loved the Busan accommodation, didn't you?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: It had a real ocean view.
'Keria': It was great. So great.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The living room was huge too.
Reporter: Do the remaining two have anyone else to thank?
'Faker': The physical therapist. They worked really hard for us.
'Zeus': For me, 'Deft' and 'Rascal'. They helped out so hard and so much in Busan that I was truly touched.
Reporter: What about you, Head Coach?
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Our staff. Not just the analysts who came to the venue, but Deft, Rascal, 'PS', and everyone who supported us online in Busan. Of course, I'm grateful to KeSPA as well.
They weren't getting paid for this—in a way, they spent their own money to help us. It wasn't easy, so I want to express my deepest gratitude for joining us, as their help was immense.
We heard it was difficult to obtain VODs/footage of other countries' games. How did you prepare?
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Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: We referenced existing videos. For Saudi Arabia, the topside players were the same ones who played in the previous Asian Games, so we could reference videos from Hangzhou. In addition to matches played in Japan, we referenced footage from the Hong Kong regional qualifiers. We prepared based on those materials.
You've had to manage your diet strictly until now. What do you want to eat most right now?
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'Keria': Pizza School Aussie Cheese Potato and Carbo Buldak.
'Gumayusi': For me, just plain fried chicken.
Reporter: How about Zeka?
'Zeka': I want to eat yakiniku.
'Faker': I'll have whatever Zeka wants.
'Canyon': I want meat.
'Zeus': BHC Hot Fried chicken.
'Zeka': Hot Fried is really good.
Players: True. We enjoyed it so much back then.
Where are you going for your team dinner?
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Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: I'm not sure of the exact place.
KeSPA Official: Korean food.
(Everyone groans)
'Zeka': That's a total disaster. A real disaster... We've been eating nothing but chili tuna since coming to Japan.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Eating chili tuna every day... The players couldn't eat Japanese food outside even if they wanted to. Eating instant rice, Yukgaejang cup noodles, chili tuna, seaweed, and kimchi, and now suddenly a Korean restaurant? Hold on...
'Zeka': Seriously, Coach, this is on you...
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Why me...
(Flustered Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon)
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Can we change the dinner venue?
KeSPA Official: I'll check right now.
(In the end, the team went out for yakiniku.)
For the players winning their first gold medal, how did it feel to see the Taegeukgi raised and hear the national anthem on the podium?
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'Gumayusi': Seeing South Korea's flag rise to the very top—that felt deeply meaningful and special.
'Zeka': When the national anthem played, I definitely felt a surge of pride. I felt so proud of South Korea and filled with national pride.
'Canyon': I never imagined I'd be doing what I used to watch on TV as a kid. It was emotional and really great.
Once you return to your respective teams, you'll meet as opponents again. Which team or player do you want to beat next time? If I recall, you each picked someone last year... or rather back during Hangzhou too.
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'Gumayusi': Gen.G in semifinals. T1 in finals.
'Keria': I think we can just leave it at that.
'Zeus': Let's end it right here.
(Everyone laughs)
'Faker': Geon-bu [Canyon] says he's never seeing us again.
'Gumayusi': In semifinals, Hanwha Life Esports vs. Gen.G, and T1 vs. BLG. Then beating T1 in finals after they beat BLG.
Do you find Gumayusi's prediction convincing?
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'Canyon': I think he just said whatever came to mind first.
As T1's captain, Faker, do you think this prediction is reasonable?
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'Faker': I think it's unreasonable.
Then back to the original question: please pick one team or player you want to defeat most. Among your teammates here, is there a specific team or player you want to beat at Worlds?
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'Keria': There are three Hanwha Life Esports players here, so I'll go with Hanwha Life.
'Gumayusi': I think facing T1 creates a better storyline.
Reporter: Are you looking out for Riot's narrative like that?
'Keria': No, but the finals teaser trailer would definitely turn out well.
'Zeka': I'll pick Gen.G. We lost in the LCK finals, so getting revenge would be great.
'Faker': I'll pick TSM.
'Canyon': I remember losing to T1 at 2024 Worlds, so I want to beat them this time.
'Zeus': I'll pick Head Coach 'Hirai'.
'Keria': Coach, please say a final word on behalf of the team.
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Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The gold-medalist players worked so hard, but there were also so many people who worked behind the scenes to let them shine. I believe this result was created together through the hard work of countlessly many people. On behalf of the players, I want to thank everyone. The players are deeply grateful too.
Thank you to the KeSPA staff, office members, and all the staff members I mentioned earlier. If given another opportunity next time, I'd love to build a great, wonderful team together again.
'Keria': Next opportunity? Where?
(Everyone laughs)
Attendee: Where? The Doha Asian Games?
'Gumayusi': I also want to thank everyone who worked hard for our gold medal.
Attendees: Me too. Me too, me too.
Attendee: Same here.
Another attendee: There are really so many. The physical therapists, managers...
'Keria': Gelato. And...
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'Zeus': We went to get gelato, but it was past closing time. When Coach went, it was closed, but when Zeka went, the shop magically reopened.
(Laughter)
'Keria': He traded an autograph for it.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: They were closing at 10 or 11... so I ran over at around 9:55 PM. After eating, the players said they wanted gelato, so I said "I'll check," and ran over.
I asked, "Are you closed?" and they said, "Yes, we're closed." I told the players it was closed, but Zeka said, "Let me try," went in, and asked, "Are you closed?"
The staff member said, "NO!!!!"
(Everyone laughs)
'Keria': They say Zeka has quite the influence in Busan.
'Zeus': Running around Haeundae shouting.
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'Keria': At Haeundae, someone asked Zeus for a photo, and he said he'd take it if they caught him and ran off. They were filming 'Running Man'.
'Zeus': Someone caught up to me and asked for a picture, so I agreed, but the three guys I was with ran away, so I said, "You have to catch them over there."
'Zeka': Geon-bu [Canyon] sprinted at full speed.
'Keria': He really was fast though.
