Viper: Last year, the team lacked harmony and had communication issues. I stayed with HLE because the environment here helps me focus
HLE's bot laner Viper recently spoke to Korean media; HLE recruited three world champion players last year but failed to make it to Worlds. This winter transfer window, HLE extended contracts with Viper and Zeka, and brought in Doran, Peanut, and Delight.
Viper shared his thoughts on the upcoming season in the interview.
Q: Curious about your experience returning from China's LPL to Korea's LCK to play matches this year.
Viper: I believe both leagues, LPL and LCK, are of a very high level. I'm really happy to be back, and this year feels like I've gained a lot. I've focused on areas where I can improve or where I've lacked, and that's been very helpful for next year's preparation.
Q: HLE constructed a championship-caliber roster this year but fell short of expectations. What do you think led to disappointing results?
Viper: We expected to achieve much better results, but it seemed like there was a lack of synergy. This lack of synchronization ultimately became a problem and had a negative impact.
Q: In what aspects did you face communication difficulties last year?
Viper: Rather than communication difficulties, it was more about different expectations regarding playstyles among us. Also, everyone had different ways of winning games before, so blending those took a long time, which seemed to have a significant impact.
Q: Looking back on this year, what were the most regrettable moments?
Viper: Both the playoffs in the spring and summer against KT were disappointing. We thought we could win, but we were continuously defeated. If we had crossed that barrier, maybe we could have reached higher places. So, the most regrettable moments were these two matches.
Q: When the team faced unsettling events in the middle of the summer split, what was discussed internally, and how did you overcome it?
Viper: At that time, we all decided that no matter what, we still had games to play, so we had to give our all. Although the time was short, together with Grizzly, who joined us, we put all our efforts into each game and focused solely on them, which helped us persist till the end.
Q: What did you say to Grizzly, who suddenly joined the team?
Viper: He appeared confident outwardly and performed well, but because it was his first time in LCK, there might have been things he didn't know or hadn't experienced. Because it's a high-level league, I told him to stay relaxed no matter what happens. 'Even if you're not relaxed, imagine being relaxed.' Personally, I believe staying relaxed is crucial, so (laughs) I actually pleaded with him more toward that direction. I feel like Grizzly did really well, so I'm grateful to him until now.
Q: Seeing former teammates like Scout who won Worlds together in 2021, any thoughts?
Viper: I expected to reach the quarterfinals, but unfortunately, I couldn't meet them. Maybe there will be another chance (laughs).
Q: Talking about the transfer period, being the first to renew with HLE before the 2024 season, what's the reason for working with HLE again?
Viper: First and foremost, personally, I believe playing with this team next year would be better. It was the same in the past. I've been here at HLE for a year now, and the primary reason is that I feel this environment allows me to concentrate and focus solely on the game. Besides that, there isn't really any other thought.
Q: Some say it's because your hometown is in Daejeon that you have a strong attachment to HLE. I heard you've been making donations to Daejeon City. Was this a factor during the contract renewal?
Viper: I can't say it had no effect at all (laughs), but primarily, the most important thing to me was being able to play games in the environment I expected.
