On the 24th, at the special stage of '2026 PlayX4' held at KINTEX in Ilsan, 'Jjapje' Park Sang-hyun defeated the returning 'Ultimate Weapon' Lee Young-ho 4-3 in the 'Google Play ASL Season 21' finals, securing his second consecutive ASL championship. The match drew immense attention as it featured the return of Lee Young-ho after six years against the rising star 'Jjapje,' who emerged after the SOOP and ASL era began. Park reached the pinnacle after a grueling seven-set series defined by high-level psychological warfare against Lee.

To fans who only remember the golden age of StarCraft 1, the name 'Jjapje' Park Sang-hyun might be unfamiliar. However, in the current StarCraft scene, which has been reorganized around SOOP since the end of the Starleague and Proleague eras, Park's emergence—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with legendary players without a 'former pro' title—was a fresh shock. With two consecutive championships under his belt, where is Park looking next? About two weeks after his ASL Season 21 victory, we sat down to hear his thoughts and current status.

You are currently considered the best Zerg player in StarCraft 1, but fans who enjoyed the Starleague era might not know you. Could you briefly introduce yourself?

"I am 32 years old this year. I pursued a career as a pro gamer until I was 17, then chose to focus on my studies when the scene shifted to StarCraft 2. I started playing StarCraft again at 24 and have been streaming it on SOOP ever since. My nickname is 'Jjapje' Park Sang-hyun.

How have you been since winning ASL Season 21?

"On the day I won, I only felt pure joy. It’s been over two weeks now, and lately, I’ve been pondering a lot of things. I’m 32, so I’m thinking about my future. Looking back, the ASL was my biggest goal. Having won it twice, I’ve essentially achieved that dream.

However, while I believe this is an achievement earned through hard work, I sometimes hear people dismiss my win, saying it was only because I’m younger or belittling the ASL itself. I don't think that way at all, but it’s disheartening to hear such comments.

If I were to try something else, I feel like 32 is the last chance to do so. Even if I don't switch careers, I’m currently focused on high-level gameplay for my streams, but I’m also considering shifting my direction toward being more of an entertainer, or perhaps just reflecting on my path as a streamer.

What is the origin of the nickname 'Jjapje'? Could you explain it for those who don't know.

"Of course, as a Zerg user, I’ve always liked and been a fan of Lee Jae-dong, but I didn't choose the nickname 'Jjapje' just because I was a fan.

Back in the old Fish server days, you needed a high number of melee wins to play ladder games. I was studying at the time, so I borrowed an ID from an acquaintance, and the ID was 'Jaedong.' I then met 'Honggu' on the ladder, and after gaining some fame, I became known as 'Jjap-Jaedong' (Fake Jaedong). I started streaming under the nickname 'Jjapje.' Even though I was just an amateur, I felt bad about using the 'Jjap-Jaedong' image, so I asked for his permission, and he graciously agreed.

You tried to be a pro gamer in your teens; why did you try again at 24?

"The perception of pro gamers wasn't great when I was 17. My parents were strongly opposed, but my will was so strong that they gave me permission one day before my high school entrance ceremony, on the condition that I attend mandatory night study sessions. My routine back then was to go to school at 6 AM, return at 10 PM, and practice StarCraft. That’s how I won the Courage Match and became a semi-pro.

That was right when StarCraft 1 was starting to fade. I even became an STX trainee, but as the game declined, I felt anxious. I gave up on StarCraft 1 after hearing that newcomers should focus on StarCraft 2. I still remember Coach Park Jae-seok (currently CEO of Shadow Corporation), who was my coach at STX, giving me advice and telling me I could return anytime. I’m grateful for that memory.

I was studying for the CSAT for four years and occasionally streamed StarCraft as a hobby. As I started getting attention, I found it incredibly fun. As I spent more time streaming, I naturally failed the CSAT (laughs). I thought that if I became the best player in the StarCraft scene, more people would watch my stream. I also had a strong desire to challenge my own limits, which I hadn't achieved when I was younger.

I was studying, but as I started streaming and getting attention, I found it so enjoyable. I ended up failing the CSAT because of the gaming (laughs). Still, I thought if I became the best at StarCraft, more people would watch my stream, and I began to challenge the limits I hadn't reached in my youth.

In an era when 3-Hatchery was the standard against Terran, you effectively perfected the operational 2-Hatchery build on SOOP?

"Go player Lee Sedol attended this final. When he played against AlphaGo, AlphaGo showed moves that completely shattered the fundamental framework of a game with such a long history. I learned a lot from watching that. When I learned StarCraft, 3-Hatchery was just the default, so that’s how I learned to play.

I wanted to break that mold. Of course, there were players who played with 2-Hatchery to take the initiative back then, but I developed and optimized it further. The most important thing in 2-Hatchery operation is mineral optimization. Everyone uses the concept of 'boosting' now, but back then, that didn't exist at all.

It’s a miracle that StarCraft 1 content is still being consumed through SOOP. Many players are approaching their 40s, and people often say it’s the end. What are your thoughts on that?

"Honestly, since I started in my mid-20s, I haven't thought much about age. Looking back, I’m in the youngest bracket, and I’m 32. The older players are nearing 40. I think the biggest reason people still watch StarCraft is 'nostalgia.' So, I think the longevity of the game depends most on how much longer superstars like 'Taek - Bang - Lee - Ssang' can keep playing.

With two consecutive ASL wins, you are a strong favorite for the next season. If you reach the finals again, who would you like to face?

"In Season 21, Lee Young-ho said that Lee Jae-ho, Jang Yoon-chul, and Park Sang-hyun were the most difficult opponents for each race, and he wanted to beat them all to prove himself. In that sense, I think it would be fun to face Lee Jae-ho, whom I haven't met in the finals yet.

Lastly, a word for your fans.

"The dream of a young boy that ended at 17 was able to be revived solely because of the interest of StarCraft fans. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the fans who created an environment where I can still challenge myself in my early 30s.