On the 5th, Lee Sang-min ('Savior') of DRX secured a 2-0 victory over Kim Jung-min ('JM') of kt Rolster in the second match of Group B at the '2026 FSL Summer' group stage, held at the Jamsil DN Coliseum. By dominating 'JM' 3-1 in the first set and 5-1 in the second, he advanced to the winners' bracket to face Ko Young-jae ('Wonder08').

The following is the full text of the interview with 'Savior' after his victory.

Q. First, let's hear your thoughts on the win.

'Savior' = Both 'Wonder08' and 'JM' are players who hold the 'Emperor' title, so I really wanted to beat both of them. I'm glad I managed to defeat 'JM' and now have the chance to face 'Wonder08' in the winners' bracket.

Q. I'm curious about what you felt was lacking after last season and how you worked to address those weaknesses to become stronger.

'Savior' = My skill level wasn't the issue, but I struggled with nerves. I also had many games where I was leading but got flustered and ended up losing. During the FFL, I played about 20 matches specifically practicing how to manage games when in the lead and how to keep my composure. That helped me build mental toughness, which is why I was able to stay steady and win today even when I was being chased.

Q. They say the importance of individual skills has changed this season due to the meta shift. What are your thoughts on that?

'Savior' = I've been using the 4-2-2-1-1 formation and relying heavily on through balls, which work exceptionally well thanks to the 'Line Breaker' trait. It's also easy to get isolated on the wings, but the 'Trickster' trait makes it very easy to break out. These two traits really suit my playstyle.

Q. In the first set, it was neck-and-neck until 1-1, then you suddenly pulled ahead. What were you targeting that worked so well?

'Savior' = First, when defending, I noticed that JM was very good at playing mind games and would often drop back, but he actually came at me more directly than I expected. So, from that point on, I just decided to commit and played a lot of one-on-one defense. On the attack, I felt like he was consistently slow to switch his cursor whenever I played a through ball, so I realized I could just keep using that. I played slowly during the build-up, but I think I kept finishing my attacks with through balls.

Q. The second set was quite one-sided. When did you feel you had secured the win?

'Savior' = Honestly, I felt like I had plenty of chances to seal the win from the moment it was 2-0, but after missing three or four one-on-one opportunities, I started questioning myself. Then, when I conceded a goal in the 75th minute, my life flashed before my eyes and I thought, 'I might end up losing this after a comeback again.' Fortunately, one of the shots I missed turned into a rebound that led to the 3-1 goal, and from that moment on, I knew I had won.

Q. How would you rate your current condition based on today's performance?

'Savior' = I think I've only shown about 50% of what I've practiced. In practice, I feel confident against anyone and my win rate is high, but I think I was a bit nervous early on against 'JM'. I'll make sure to show a more relaxed and exciting performance in my next match against 'Wonder08'.

Q. What is your mindset for the next match?

'Savior' = After the group draw, 'Wonder08' shyly told me, "This is my first time playing against you, hyung." I thought that was cute and wanted to play him someday, and now we're meeting. He's a very famous player in the scene, so I really want to beat him and get some of that spotlight. I will definitely win the next match.

Q. Lastly, please say a word to your fans.

'Savior' = I've had many games where I started strong but collapsed later on. But I've properly sharpened my skills through the FFL, so I hope you'll look at me with high expectations and think, 'This season will be different.' I'll do my best.