is an exceptional young player. In his second year of Tier 1 competitive play, at only 18 years old, he became an international champion with Dplus Kia’s win at Esports World Cup. Now, the LCK has resumed, and Dplus Kia has got off to another very strong start, winning 2-1 against Hanwha Life Esports, both the reigning champion of the league and the recent winner of MSI, in their first games.
After this crucial start-of-split win against such a strong rival team, Sheep Esports spoke to Siwoo following the match to discuss the victorious series, the team’s time in Paris, and his goals looking ahead into the split.
First off, could you share your thoughts on the win along with your overall review of today's match?
Jeon "Siwoo" Si-woo: "Hanwha Life is a strong team that has been running in first place, and this was our first match in a while, so it feels great to already pick up a win. Lately, our team has been practicing our macro and the difficult parts of our game, and I think everything is clicking well, so I believe we can keep getting better the further we go. I'm really looking forward to what's ahead.
How do you see the keys to today's victory?
Siwoo: Honestly, in Game 1, I think our draft was really good. In Game 2, I think we fell a bit short in terms of skill. And in Game 3, the laning phase went horribly wrong in both top and bot. But our comp gained strength later on, so we held on well. I think the comps were what carried us. The plays were good too, but the comps were the difference.
As you mentioned, Game 2 ended with a disappointing result. How do you view the loss in that game?
Siwoo: In Game 2, the top lane matchup itself heavily favored Renekton early, and I think it played out the way the matchup dictates. But then, there was a fight on the bot side, was it the dragon fight? I remember our team losing a lot of people in that 4v4. We lost that dragon fight, lost our momentum, and once the Aatrox just stopped dying and kept scaling, there was no path left to deal with him later on.
The final game was so intense that it felt like you were on the verge of defeat. At what moment were you convinced you could complete the comeback?
Siwoo: Honestly, after the Baron was taken, I thought the game was going to be really difficult. But I stalled for time well around mid and the Baron buff expired, and then, how should I put it... I actually misplaced a Teleport toward mid and we almost threw right there, but Smash (Sin Geum-jae) flashed in with a great engage for us. After that, I just thought the game was in our favor.
You recently returned from EWC in Paris. How was the experience over there?
Siwoo: You mean Paris, right? Hmm... can I be honest?
Of course.
Siwoo: I thought Paris was going to be extremely hot, but once we actually got there, there was no humidity at all. The temperature itself was hotter, but without the humidity, I actually think the weather is better than in Korea. As for the food... I think Korea is number one.
Our next question was actually about the food. We are a French outlet, in fact.
Siwoo: Oh, really? I'm sorry!
No, no, it's totally fine.
Was there still something you ate over there that you found really tasty?
Siwoo: Ah, yes. When we were there, after trying a bit of French food... Korean food is usually seasoned quite strongly, and the French dishes felt pretty mild in comparison. So, we mostly just ate McDonald's or Korean food.
Paris to Seoul is a really long trip. Did you get some rest during the break, and how is your condition right now?
Siwoo: After the finals in Paris, we won, got on the plane home, and physically, the whole team was worn out, so I think we rested for about two or three days. But
is, what's the word, a fran... franchise star? How should I put it? He was so busy that he couldn't really rest. Still, he played great today.
Dplus KIA Challengers played in this KeSPA Cup, and your junior Jaehyuk showed great form against top LCK players. Did you happen to watch the matches, and what did you make of his play?
a lot, though not recently. From what I've felt, he's really strong in the laning phase, and these days, I get the impression that he has improved a lot compared to before. So, I hope we can face each other on the LCK stage one day. I watched the Hanwha Life game, and even though the lane matchup wasn't really in his favor, he was still laning really well. Then the Hanwha Life jungler and support came down and unfairly shut him down, and he died. But watching him untangle that situation all on his own, I just thought to myself, 'Wow, Jaehyuk is really good.'
Last time, you won the title in Paris by beating the French team KC in the final, in front of countless French fans. If you win at the Gen.G homestand, it would be a similar situation. With what mindset are you preparing for that match?
Siwoo: I think Gen.G held a homeground match last year too, and I went to that one. There were so many people that I got nervous. But this time, since I've built up a lot of experience, I'll only be slightly nervous. A lot of fans will probably come out for the homestand match, and I'll try to repay them with a victory.
With this round being played in the Legend Group, every single match carries more weight. As the team currently sitting in first place, how confident are you that you can defend that spot until the end?
Siwoo: Confidence... in terms of confidence, I think we've been progressing well in the direction we've been practicing lately. So if we keep polishing and maintaining our form, I think we can win everything. My confidence is at about eighty percent? Yeah, I'd say around that much.
To wrap up the interview, could you leave a message for the fans?
Siwoo: Our fans have been waiting for a really long time, and I have a strong desire to repay all that waiting through our matches. So, I hope you'll keep cheering for us until the very end of the year. Thank you, always.”
