Exclusive: BoxeR on Korean and international scene coming together

When Yo Hwan "BoxeR" Lim was presented as the eighth contender for the DreamHack Stockholm Invitational, the scream for event tickets grew louder. The living eSport legend will bring even more stardom to the already star studded one-day event. GosuGamers can, as the first international eSports site, give you an interview with the man of the hour.

This will be your first time in Sweden and Europe. What are your expectations of the country?

- It is actually my first time in Europe, so I’m definitely looking forward it. Sweden always used to be a country I wanted to visit because of its great landscape. Furthermore, it is the first real international tournament I’m participating in, so I will make sure to present myself in a best shape.

What were your first thoughts when given the opportunity to travel to Sweden to play in the DreamHack Stockholm Invitational?

- I really appreciate the opportunity Dreamhack has given me, and it will be a privilege to play the tournament. So thank you, Dreamhack for making this possible, and I will do my utmost to return it by delivering good matches.

With StarCraft 2, the foreign and the Korean scene are coming together much more than in Brood War. How do you feel this has and will continue to affect the Korean scene?

- The effect has been big so far, not only is it more interesting for the fans and, more challenging for all the gamers, but there are literally two cultures coming together so I hope more event organizers will make use of this structure by having intercontinental tournaments or events.

We saw you play in the TSL, defeating NightEnd 2-1. Afterwards you mentioned that you changed your playstyle because of the high amounts of lag. Do you think online cross-server play is fair enough so that it can count as calibrater for skill in competitive play?

- Yes, in the beginning it felt like running with a sandbag. However, once you get used to it, it doesn’t really affect your game. It may take time, given the fact that Koreans are not used to play with a high amount of latency, but nonetheless, it is something we, Koreans, need to work on. I mean, all we can do is prepare ourselves accordingly, and try to play our best game.

What are your reactions on the recent downfall of Koreans in the TSL? Players as NesTea, MVP and FruitDealer lost. Aside from the lag, do you see any other reasons why Koreans wouldn't be able to overcome their foreigner opponents?

In Starcraft 1, Koreans are a dominating force, so even without a proper strategy, it is possible for most of the gamers to keep up with the international players. But in Starcraft 2, the gap between Korean gamers and international gamers is literally zero. The minute you lose track of your game may result in a loss, and it has become very difficult to bounce back.

You might play your BlizzCon practice partner Chris "HuK" Loranger from Canada. Tell us about the bond between you two.

- I met Chris at Blizzard for the first time, and I’m still very thankful that he was open to the idea to practice against me. And ever since he moved to Korea, Chris has become an exceptional player and he looks like the type of gamer, who has no difficulties adapting to a certain play style. I mean, I meet him on Battlenet from time to time, and it is always very fun to play against him. Hopefully through this opportunity in Sweden, we will be able to become closer friends.

Which foreigner who is not yet in Korea do you think has the best chance to make it in Korea and the GSL?

I feel most of the good foreigners already moved to Korea, but I’m definitely looking forward to any new players coming from abroad. As for the international gamers in Korea, Jinro is an amazing gamer and I think, he has what it takes to stay on top for a long time.

Taking a glance at the other invited players, how well do think you will do?

My goal is always to win a tournament, but I mean those are all very good players. So let me, first, try to win two matches and get into the finals.