The PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) will be held in Seoul from the 23rd to the 28th. While the 23rd and 24th are reserved for the Survival Stage, the South Korean national team has already secured a spot in the Grand Finals, which will take place at Jangchung Arena from the 26th to the 28th.

This year's South Korean team was selected based on the domestic PWS league, incorporating votes from players, coaches, and officials (30%) and evaluations by the PNC Committee (70%). With a limit of two players per team, the roster includes DNW's 'Heaven' Kim Tae-sung and 'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min, T1's 'Heather' Cha Ji-hun, and GNL ESPORTS' 'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan.

Having won in 2023 and 2024, South Korea is naturally considered a favorite, though after losing the title to Vietnam last year, they are now in the position of challengers. In a pre-tournament media interview, the team expressed their firm resolve to make up for last year's disappointment, fueled by the overwhelming support of their home fans.

First, could you please introduce yourselves and share your resolve for the PNC.

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = I am Kim Sung-min, the current head coach of DNW and the first to serve as the South Korean national team coach for three consecutive years. Having participated in many PNCs, I will do my best based on my extensive experience.

'Heather' Cha Ji-hun = This is my first time participating in the PNC. I am nervous, but I will prepare well with my teammates. I believe my strength is my physical play.

'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min: I am taking on the role of IGL (in-game leader) again this year. I want to show a clear improvement, and I believe my strengths in both macro and micro combat are top-tier.

'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan: This is my first PNC. As the eldest member and in my 30s, I will use my experience to put on a good performance.

'Heaven' Kim Tae-sung = I came here to win. My greatest strength is my composure.

(To 'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan) You were selected for the national team despite being in your 30s. Why do you think that is?

"'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan: I think it's because I won MVP in a recent tournament. I believe my strengths are my grenade usage and team synergy, and I think those were viewed favorably. When I heard I was selected, I felt a lot of emotions—pride and a sense of accomplishment. However, I think it will only feel real once I'm actually on stage playing.

(To 'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min) You are the IGL again this year. Do you have any specific know-how?

"'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min: The other players align with my direction. I've played on the same team as 'Heather' in 2024, so he knows my style, and 'Seongjang' is so experienced that it wasn't hard to build synergy. The others are already adapting well to me, so we are practicing effectively according to my vision.

(To Head Coach Kim Sung-min) South Korea has performed well in the PNC, but lost the title to Vietnam last year. Your resolve must be different this year. Which team are you most wary of?

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = Looking at club teams, China and Vietnam are both strong, so I am wary of them in the PNC as well.

(To 'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min) You must have felt a lot of regret after the last tournament. How do you feel about it now?

"'Gyumin': Looking back, there was definitely a lot of pressure last year. I don't think I enjoyed the stage. This year, I want to enjoy it as much as possible. I think it's good for the team to know how to enjoy the game while maintaining a healthy level of tension. It is a huge honor, so I will do my best to enjoy the stage with my teammates and achieve good results.

(To 'Heaven' Kim Tae-sung) You have experienced winning the PNC. What is the difference between that time and this team? And how confident are you about winning?

"'Heaven': When I won, I felt pressure because I was playing with such high-level players. This time, I have more experience, and I'm on a team with players I'm comfortable with, so I think I can perform even better than before.

(To Head Coach Kim Sung-min) Who do you think will be the key players?

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = It depends on whether you mean in-game or out-of-game. In terms of gameplay, I think 'Heather' and 'Heaven' will show great performance.

(To Head Coach Kim Sung-min) Could you share a strength for each player.

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = 'Heather' has quick movement and is strong in combat. Even though it's his first big stage, I think he will show his strengths. 'Gyumin' has a lot of experience as an IGL and has performed well in international tournaments, so the players trust him. 'Seongjang' is one of the most experienced players. He has a wealth of know-how, so he can adapt to new styles, and his use of smoke grenades and frag grenades is excellent. 'Heaven' has the power to overcome difficult situations with his composure, and I think he is currently in the best form in the country.

How much does playing at home affect the actual matches?

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = Since the matches are long, there will inevitably be times when things don't go well. When the fans cheer for us in those moments, it definitely gives us strength. I think that is the advantage of playing at home.

'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan: Sometimes I feel intimidated when playing abroad, so playing in our home country with the fans' support will be a huge boost.

'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min: We gain a lot from the fans' support. If we can shake off the pressure and enjoy the game, we can repay that support.

'Heaven' Kim Tae-sung = The louder the cheering, the more thrilling it is. I look forward to your support.

'Heather' Cha Ji-hun = In other international tournaments, I try not to listen to outside noise, but this time, I'm looking forward to hearing our fans' cheers. I'll try to enjoy it.

(To 'Heather' Cha Ji-hun) This is your first PNC. Did you get any advice from your teammates?

"'Heather' Cha Ji-hun = I'm excited and proud because it's my first time. I'm trying to learn the composure and experience that comes from my teammates.

(To 'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan) With so much experience, your mindset must have changed a lot compared to the past.

"'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan: In the beginning, I was easily swayed by the atmosphere. After retiring and working as a streamer, I participate in tournaments more comfortably, so there's no pressure, and I enjoy it more. Personally, just participating in the tournament is fun, and it's truly thrilling when the results follow.

(To Head Coach Kim Sung-min) You are aiming for a third title. How is the team's current state?

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = Each individual has distinct strengths. I think this is a combination that can create great synergy, and with 'Gyumin' at the center, the team has a very clear identity.

(To Head Coach Kim Sung-min) You have expressed regret about previous tournaments.

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = Last year, I felt too much pressure and responsibility, so we couldn't show our full potential. Of course, I feel the responsibility this year too, but we know exactly what we need to do to perform our best, and we are preparing with that as our focus.

(To Head Coach Kim Sung-min) You mentioned China and Vietnam as Feud Players. Could you explain further.

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = I think Vietnam's landing spot is clearly separated from ours. I don't think we'll overlap early on, but they are a team with variables in combat. China's landing spot is closer to ours, so it's better to be careful in the early and mid-game. Our landing spot will likely be in the direction that DNW used to utilize.

Do you have any pledges if you win?

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = I haven't thought of any yet. I think the fans would be happiest if KRAFTON gave out a lot of G-Coins.

'Heaven' Kim Tae-sung = I'll think about it if we win.

How would you describe this PNC in one word?

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = I think the PNC is the flower of PUBG tournaments. I hope the fans enjoy it.

'Heather' Cha Ji-hun = I think it's a great opportunity that doesn't come easily in a pro career.

'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min: This is a tournament where we must make up for last year's disappointment.

'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan: I think it's the 'result of hard work.'

'Heaven' Kim Tae-sung = It's a meaningful tournament where I have experience winning.

Finally, what is your goal for this tournament, and do you have a word for the fans.

"Head Coach Kim Sung-min = I want to show once again that South Korea is the best at the PNC. I will do my best so that the fans feel we performed well. We had enough confidence last year, but we couldn't show a good performance. That was the most regrettable part. I know the tickets sold out very quickly, and I will try my best to give the fans a lot of joy.

'Heather' Cha Ji-hun = I want to gift the fans a good result.

'Gyumin' Sim Gyu-min: Regardless of the results, I want to fully enjoy the tournament. It's a moment that doesn't happen often in life, so I want to enjoy it without stress, and I believe the results will follow. Personally, I think China is stronger than Vietnam.

'Seongjang' Seong Jang-hwan: Winning is obviously the goal. I want to show a performance that satisfies the fans watching, and I also think China is slightly stronger than Vietnam.

'Heaven' Kim Tae-sung = We are aiming for the championship. Even if we don't win, I hope the fans can feel that we truly did our best.