Lee Jae-dong has successfully advanced to the quarterfinals in first place after defeating Lee Young-ho and Kim Taek-yong.

In his first match against Lee Young-ho, Lee Jae-dong lost the early build battle but later secured victory by capitalizing on a split-second opening with perfect, clinical play. Against Kim Taek-yong, he dominated the first set with an all-in Zergling-Lurker strategy and controlled the second set through superior macro play.

Q. How do you feel about advancing to the quarterfinals in first place?

I'm incredibly moved. Many people doubted I could make it out of what was called the 'Group of Death.' Advancing in first place feels very significant, and it has given me a huge boost in confidence.

Q. Your performance today seemed significantly improved compared to the Round of 24.

There wasn't anything special. I felt like I hadn't been able to show my true potential in previous tournaments. Today, I just wanted to play my own game and leave with no regrets.

Q. Why did you choose Lee Young-ho during the group selection?

I wanted to put myself in a tough spot. Since we were both active players back in the day, I thought it would be fun to face him again.

Q. Your preparation and game planning were very clean.

I prepared a lot. I spent more time thinking about what my opponents would do than focusing on my own preferred playstyle.

Q. In your match against Lee Young-ho, he looked very strong with his 'no-barracks double' into a mechanical build. It seemed like you would have been in a very difficult spot if not for that first attack. Were you confident that his Siege Tanks wouldn't be ready in time?

I didn't expect him to go for a no-barracks double. It was a worst-case scenario, and I knew it wouldn't be easy. Still, I tried hard to keep my composure. If I had made even a slight mistake during that push, I would have lost. Since Young-ho likes to play without adding a scan, I tried to deny him scouting information, force him to respect the possibility of an all-in Mutalisk play, and somehow time my Hydra push as early as possible.

Q. What does the 'Lee - Ssang - Rok' rivalry mean to Lee Jae-dong?

It had been a long time, so I was very excited and looking forward to it. I think it's a rivalry that is inseparable from my StarCraft career.

Q. Many say the map 'Jade' favors Protoss. Was the 1 - Hatchery Zergling - Lurker build the only solution?

I'm confident in my macro play on Jade as well, but I didn't want to let a Protoss player dictate the game on a map that favors them. I prepared that build, and I'm glad it worked out so cleanly.

Q. So many fans came out to watch today.

I was nervous because it was such a high-profile match. I'm happy I was able to overcome that. It feels like my 'DNA' still kicks in during crucial moments. I don't even know how many years it's been since I felt this kind of dopamine rush.

Q. What is your mindset heading into the quarterfinals?

I have some time, so I will do my best to improve my performance even further. Having beaten Lee Young-ho and Kim Taek-yong to get here, I don't care who I face next. I'm so grateful to everyone who came out today. Even though so much time has passed, it's wonderful to be able to feel this way through the game of StarCraft. I'll work hard to win the whole thing.