We met with Team Korea's 'League of Legends' national team after they wrapped up the finals and medal ceremony at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Joined by the players, Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon, and strategic analysts, stories unfolded that hadn't been shared in individual post-match interviews. From the hardships of preparing for gold to behind-the-scenes moments from their boot camp, there was plenty to talk about despite their brief time together.
What began with asking for their thoughts on winning the title soon turned into a casual session filled with playful banter and chiming in on each other's stories. Players interjected during the coach's explanations, and banter flew back and forth as one player bounced off another's answers. While they were reliable teammates in competition, they didn't yield an inch when picking the opponents they wanted to beat at Worlds.
This time, we captured not only their formal answers to our questions but also the jokes and laughter exchanged in between. Through their conversation, we share what the gold medalists endured and what memories they built together during their stay.
Congratulations once again on winning the gold medal. You have mentioned it several times already, but could each of you share a word on how you feel?
" 'Zeus': It's such an honor to hang a second gold medal around my neck, and I feel like I'm taking away a lot of great energy.
'Canyon': This was my first Asian Games, so I'm thrilled and happy to win the championship on my first try.
'Zeka': In a short time, I got to work with new teammates, coaches, and the head coach. Everyone was so skilled and chemistry was great, which I think led to a good result.
'Gumayusi': I am so proud and honored to wear my first gold medal.
'Keria': The process was fun and the outcome was great, so I'm very happy.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: I am incredibly happy and honored. It was a joy to work with such great players and staff.
Analyst Yeon Hyeong-mo: It's a tremendous honor, and I'm happy we were able to deliver a great result together.
Analyst Kim "Khan" Dong-ha: I feel like I'm leaving with a lot of fun memories, so it was a great experience.
On the flip side, what was the hardest part of the journey to winning gold? Coach, please go first.
" Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: When we first arrived in Japan to practice, there was a ping issue.
" Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: It was around 48 to 50. Having to practice on that ping was the first issue we faced.
Also, because of anti-doping regulations, we had to be very careful with outside food, so the players couldn't eat what they wanted. Watching them, it felt tough on us too, but I was proud to see them strictly adhere to it with a sense of responsibility as national representatives. Those aspects were a bit challenging.
For the players, what was the most difficult part of the Asian Games journey?
" 'Zeka': It was very different from our usual schedule as pro gamers. Living on almost the complete opposite schedule made it hard to adapt.
'Gumayusi': There were several things like the ping and daily routine, but food was the hardest part.
'Keria': The period was shorter than expected, so I don't really have any memories of it being too tough. I just really loved our accommodation in Busan and wanted to live there.
(Group laughter)
'Keria': It wasn't a hotel, but something similar to a residence. It felt like a home rather than a hotel, which was great.
" 'Zeus': I was worried because I heard two people would share a room in Japan, but luckily we all ended up with single rooms, so it went smoothly.
'Canyon': When we first gathered, each team had its own champion tier list and preferred playstyle, so aligning those was a bit tricky. Still, I think we adjusted quickly.
For 'Faker', what was the hardest part of the journey to gold?
" 'Faker': Waking up in the morning was the hardest part.
So there were similar struggles. For the analysts, what part of the process was the toughest?
" Analyst Kim "Khan" Dong-ha: Honestly, waking up in the morning was the hardest. Other than that, I feel like the players and coach took on all the heavy lifting, so nothing was too hard for me.
Analyst Yeon Hyeong-mo: Compared to the players, I think our hardships were minor. Even during the regular season, we communicated with the coach and prepared with very few days off, which stands out in my memory. The players suffered much more than we did.
Coach, as you mentioned in earlier interviews, could you talk again about those who helped with preparations, like 'VicLa'?
" Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: DK and BNK helped us out.
In the end, BRION also helped. On days when scrimmage schedules opened up, there were players who stepped in to help even while on vacation. Although I bought them delicious food, I was so grateful that players like 'PerfecT' and 'VicLa' willingly helped.
DK's 'Career' Oh Hyeong-seok also helped a lot, as well as 'Raptor', 'Smash', T1 Academy's 'Guardian', 'Hype', 'Way', 'Reaper' Choi Gi-myeong, and 'Hambag'.
So you held scrims every single day, and the practice partners and teams like DK aligned their patch versions for you?
" Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: So that we could practice on the Asian Games patch.
You mentioned working out in the morning a lot. How did you work out?
" 'Gumayusi': At the gym.
Reporter: Individually at the fitness center?
Participant: We shifted our schedule earlier to prepare in advance.
Another participant: Yes.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: We even had workout parties after waking up.
'Gumayusi': Zeka taught the other guys some stuff.
Reporters: (Looking at Zeka) As expected.
We heard that chair heights, monitors, headsets, etc. were different from the LCK or official Riot Games tournaments. Did you face any difficulties?
" 'Zeus': 'Zeka' was a bit sensitive about it.
'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 sagged down so it kept catching on my mouse movements. We had to make sure it was fixed.
The finals were delayed by about 30 minutes. Were there computer issues as well?
" 'Zeka': The computer was lagging so we reset it, and we also tried to swap desks. But the coach stuffed wet wipes between the desk parts to adjust the height.
Reporter: So that leveled it out.
Participant: He helped us out a lot.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: If not for that, it wouldn't have been easy. I saw that his mouse kept snagging.
Reporter: Watching from the press area, we were anxious. With a 30-minute delay, we worried it might affect the players' mental state.
Participant: It certainly took a toll.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The desk was causing the mouse to snag. As I watched, I figured raising the desk slightly would work.
If each of you could name one person you were most thankful to while winning the gold medal?
" 'Gumayusi': For me, the head coach.
'Zeka': I'll say the head coach too.
Reporter: What about the others?
'Canyon': For me, Dr. An. Dr. An Hyo-yeon, whom the head coach introduced to us. She gave us a lot of good advice that helped our mental game.
You mentioned it was difficult to obtain footage of other countries' matches. How did you prepare?
" Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: We referenced existing footage. For Saudi Arabia, the top-side players from the previous Asian Games returned with the same roster, so we could reference footage from Hangzhou. In addition to matches played in Japan, we also referenced Hong Kong regional qualifier footage. We prepared based on those materials.
You've been managing your diet all this time. What do you want to eat most right now?
" 'Keria': Pizza School Aussie Cheese Potato and Carbo Buldak.
" Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: I don't know the exact venue.
KeSPA Official: It's Korean food.
(Everyone sighs)
'Zeka': That's a disaster. A total disaster... We came to Japan and have been eating nothing but red pepper tuna.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Eating red pepper tuna every day... Even when the players wanted to go out for Japanese food, they couldn't. After living on microwave rice, Yukgaejang, red pepper tuna, seaweed, and kimchi, suddenly Korean food? Wait a second...
'Zeka': Coach, seriously...
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Why, why me...
(A flustered Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon)
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Can we change the dinner location?
KeSPA Official: I'll check right now.
(Ultimately, the national team reportedly went to eat yakiniku.)
For the players who won their first gold medal, how did it feel standing on the podium, watching the Taegeukgi rise, and hearing the national anthem?
" 'Gumayusi': Seeing South Korea's flag rise the highest was deeply meaningful and special.
'Zeka': Hearing the national anthem definitely gave me a sense of pride. I felt proud of South Korea and filled with national pride.
'Canyon': I never imagined doing something myself that I used to watch on TV as a kid. It was emotional and wonderful.
Once you return to your respective teams, you will face each other as opponents again. Which player or team would you pick as the one you want to beat next time? If I recall, last year... wait, at Hangzhou too, each of you picked someone.
" 'Gumayusi': Gen.G in the semifinals. T1 in the finals.
'Keria': I think we can just leave it at that.
'Zeus': Let's wrap it up with this.
(Everyone laughs)
'Faker': Geon-bu says he's never seeing you again?
'Gumayusi': In the semifinals, Hanwha vs. Gen.G and T1 vs. BLG. Then in the finals, facing T1 after they defeat BLG.
Do you find 'Gumayusi's prediction convincing?
" 'Canyon': I think he just said whatever came to his mind.
As T1's captain, 'Faker', do you think this prediction is reasonable?
Then returning to the original question, please pick one team or player you want to beat the most. Among your teammates here, is there anyone or any team you want to beat at Worlds?
" 'Keria': Since there are three Hanwha players, I'll say Hanwha.
'Gumayusi': T1 would create a better storyline.
Reporter: Did you even consider narrative elements for Riot?
'Keria': No, it's just that the finals teaser would turn out really well.
'Zeka': I'll go with Gen.G. Since we lost to them in the LCK finals, it'd be great to get revenge.
'Faker': I'll go with TSM.
'Canyon': I remember losing to T1 at Worlds 2024, so I want to beat them this time.
'Zeus': I'll go with Coach 'Hirai'.
'Keria': Coach, please say a few words on behalf of everyone.
" Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: The gold-medalist players worked extremely hard, but there were also many people who labored behind the scenes so that the players could shine. I believe this result was created together through the hard work of countless people. On behalf of the players, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone. The players are also deeply thankful.
Thank you to the association staff, the front office, and all the staff mentioned earlier. If given another opportunity, I'd love to build another great, awesome team together.
'Keria': Next opportunity? Where?
(Group laughter)
Participant: Where? The Doha Asian Games?
'Gumayusi': I would also like to thank everyone who worked hard for this gold medal.
Participants: Me too. Me too, me too.
Participant: Same here.
Another participant: There are so many. The physical therapists, managers...
" 'Zeus': We went to get gelato, but business hours were over. When the coach went, it was closed, but when 'Zeka' went, the shop reopened.
(Laughter)
'Keria': He traded Zeka's autograph for it.
Head Coach Kang Dong-hoon: Closing time was 11:00 or 10:00... so I ran over at around 9:55. After dinner, the players said they wanted gelato, so I said, "I'll check," and went.
When I asked, "Are you closed?", they said, "Yes, we're closed." When I told the players it was closed, 'Zeka' said, "Let me try," went in, and asked, "Are you closed?"
The staff member went, "NO!!!!"
(Group laughter)
'Keria': They say 'Zeka' has quite the pull in Busan.
" 'Keria': At Haeundae, someone asked 'Zeus' for a picture, but he said he'd take one if they caught him and ran off. He was filming 'Running Man'.
'Zeus': When I got caught and they asked for a picture, I said okay, but the three guys I was walking with ran away, so I told them they had to catch those guys over there.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated with the help of AI. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
[Read Original]
