GIANTX are currently tied for second place in the LEC Versus season alongside three other teams. Their results have been inconsistent, but the team has often looked strongest through its bot lane, which has shown clear synergy. Unfortunately, it now seems likely that this GIANTX bot lane will not stay together next year.
In an interview with
Sheep Esports, the team bot laner, Oh “
Noah” Hyeon-taek, spoke about the expected exit from the EMEA league of himself
and Yoon “Jun” Se-jun next season. He mentions Korean military service newest law and travel rules that could prevent them from continuing their career in Europe. Even so, Noah said he would like to remain in the LEC, if circumstances allow.
What are your thoughts on the game (against Natus Vincere)?
Oh “Noah” Hyeon-taek: "I think our comp was just too good after laning phase because
they picked Pyke so if they don't get anything from that Pyke pick, then we are going to easily win. I think Jun’s Bard was fine, so I think it was a bit easy.
I do want to speak with you about you and Jun for next year since you both said you will likely retire. Is this connected to Korea's military service?
Noah: I think it's a bit different because we cannot play anymore in Europe because we can’t leave Korea. So we’ll probably return to Korea, but the problem is that we cannot then leave next year.
So is it because of the law?
Noah: I think, yeah. Military Korean law, because if you didn't do military service and are 25 years old I think you cannot leave Korea. I know maybe it's not correct, but I think that’s it.
Author’s note: According to Korea Legistlation Research Institute, South Korea’s Military Service Act restricts overseas travel for men who have not yet completed their mandatory military service. Under Article 70, Korean citizens aged 25 or older who are eligible for service but not yet enlisted must receive permission from the Military Manpower Administration to leave the country, and that permission can be denied. This directly affects players like Noah who are approaching the age threshold and have not yet completed their service.
I hope you can find a way to still play here, you’ve made a lot of fans in the past few years.
Noah: Thank you so much. Yeah, if I can leave Korea then I will try come play in the LEC again.
Why would you want to stay in the LEC? Every player would want to play in the LCK...
Noah: I already stayed here long and I think I got more good experience from here than in Korea. And I like the LEC, I like Europe, so I want to be here.
Is there another reason why you might want to stay in the LEC?
Noah: Yeah, I think now I'm already half European. I like the LEC, I don't think I could play in the LCK because it's a different environment. The LEC is more comfortable for me.
How has your synergy with Jun changed throughout the years?
Noah: I think we are getting to know each other well and I think even if we are not talking enough we know what each other wants and I think we believe each other that we are just good. So we can try many things. We are just doing good, so it's good.
For the next match, what do you feel you and your teammates have to improve?
Noah: I think there was one time that there was miscommunication, so I think we need to focus on that. For example, our mid was top side and we started drake and we lost because of that. And I still think learning is key, like being an engine. So I'll try to play better and wel’’ see.
What do you think you have to do to improve communication?
Noah: Honestly, it's hard to say because I don't think we have a language barrier now. I think me and Jun have good English and we can speak and understand everything, but it's just everyone, communication with everyone. We talk a lot. We talk a lot and sometimes we don't hear each other. As for me personally, sometimes I cannot hear others and I don't know what they're saying. It's not our language, I just don't hear…my ears are a problem.
Are your ears a problem? What would you do to fix it?
Noah: I'm trying to clean my ears but it doesn't work so I need another way [laughs].
Have you maybe spoken to the team’s staff about getting it checked?
Noah: I tried in Korea, but they said nothing happened. I think maybe it's just my brain sometimes I don't understand Korean too [laughs].
Going back to the beginning of the season, how much confidence does it give you knowing that GIANTX has invested in you and your teammates in the long term? So have them keep the same roster.
Noah: I think now we know each other's strong points and weak points and we’re clear in feedback. We don't need to [learn to be] closer like other teams because we know each other from last year. So it's really best to reach that conclusion, so we just focus on the game. We know each other, we like each other. So I think [keeping the same roster] is actually a big point.
Do you think if an organization has the opportunity they should keep their roster and work on their roster or try to change things up?
Noah:It depends on the team. Some teams need to change to do good, but some team doesn’t need change, like G2.
Two years ago you had an interview with Sheep Esports and you said that you were confident that you would become the best ADC in the LEC. Do you feel you're closer to that goal now?
Noah:I think so, I think I was always close to that goal, but I didn't reach that point yet. I didn't win the Final like four times. But I still want to try to do that. It's my last year so I want to win the LEC even just one time. I want to do it.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle in your path?
Noah: I think it's discipline. Sometimes I think my problems depend on my sleep or other things. So I think when I have good confidence and good sleep—and if I don't choke—I think I can be the best. But sometimes I'm better than other people, but still sometimes I'm choking or conditioned badly or whatever happened that day, then I cannot perform well. So I'm still trying to work on that."
