DK Kingen: "My parents weren’t happy about me going pro. I went to a gaming high school to prove to them that I could make it"

Hwang "Kingen" Seong-hoon, top laner of Dplus KIA at Worlds 2024, South Korean LCK representatives

"After winning in 2022, I was sad I couldn’t make it the next year, so being here in 2024 feels even more special"

Following a difficult loss to Top Esports, the South Korean representatives Dplus KIA now stand on the brink of elimination at the League of Legends 2024 World Championship. Despite starting the tournament 2-0, the team is now left with no room for mistakes and hopes to capitalize on its last chance. In an exclusive interview, the team's toplaner, Kingen, discusses how he became a pro player, comments on his "Big Game Hunter" title, talks about his family, and shares his hunger for winning the cup a second time, having first won it in 2022 with DRX.

How are you feeling, especially since these results are probably not what you expected?

Hwang "Kingen" Seong-hoon: "Both games were really winnable, and we lost our chances. It's a shame we couldn't make use of our advantages and win the match, and it's frustrating.

How do you feel about your journey from Daegu to pursuing your pro career and being here at Worlds? Have you achieved your goals, especially after winning Worlds in 2022, or is there more you want to accomplish?

Kingen: I think I succeeded in my career as a pro player since I won Worlds in 2022, something that few players can achieve. Still, I'm waiting for my second title now. I believe that success is always followed by another.

Many players face pressure when choosing a pro career in esports. How did your parents react when you got started in esports? Are they supportive today?

Kingen: It wasn't easy with both of my parents; they had different opinions and weren't both happy when I decided to become a pro player. One was supportive, the other was not. I went to a gaming high school to prove to them that I could make it, and that's how I went into this career path.

At 24, you’ve gone from being a promising rookie to a veteran figure. How has it been transitioning into this leadership role, especially with younger teammates like Lucid?

Kingen: I still can't believe I'm becoming one of the older players, like a veteran figure. It feels surreal to me. No matter what though, I will always try my best. To all the rookies out there, I want to send this message: always try to show yourself and improve as much as possible. You have to make the most of every year in esports if you want to become great.

Fans call you the "Big Game Hunter". How do you feel about that nickname, and would you agree that you perform better at tournaments like Worlds?

Kingen: Personally, I like that nickname and take it as a compliment. Still, especially after today's loss, I feel like I have to prove myself and show that I deserve that title. I need to perform well in important games like this. I think most players get really nervous at Worlds, but that's not the case for me. That's how I outplay them.

Kingen won Worlds 2022 in San Francisco with DRX. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

After missing Worlds last year, does being back at Worlds 2024 feel special to you? Do you think your "big game hunter" buff will activate later in the tournament?

Kingen: After winning in 2022, I was really sad that I couldn't make it the following year, so being here in 2024 feels even more special. We have only one life left, so I will try my best to make sure I deserve the big game buff.

I was told that your summoner name, Kingen, comes from the Japanese word for 'stern'. Why did you choose this name, and do you think it reflects your personality? I've heard you're more outgoing behind the scenes.

Kingen: This name was actually recommended by the coach I had at the gaming high school I went to. I ended up adopting it because I thought it sounded nice. I only found out the meaning later, but it made me like it even more, so I'm really happy with that nickname.

I heard Smeb was one of your role models in KT and that he once said top laners should drink alcohol. You also joked about wanting to drink with Doran recently. Do lane swaps make you want to drink, since they’re not very fun to play?

Kingen: I assume the reason why Smeb said that is because top lane feels more like a 'manly' role. That's why I think he said that. As for Doran, I wanted to drink with him because I just wanted to get closer to him. If I drink, it won't be because lane swaps are a pain in the ass [laughs].

Do you have any message for teams that might be facing you, especially as a warning?

Kingen: It's going to be a do-or-die match for us. It’s our last chance, so we’re going to show everything we've got. We're always confident and play based on the assumption that we're going to win, so we are very much confident."

Header Photo Credit: Jianhua Chen/Riot Games