Pyosik: Having too many veterans might also lead to a lack of cohesion due to differing opinions among everyone.
Recently, Korean media released an interview with KT's jungler, Pyosik.
Q: The preseason map is expected to undergo significant changes, especially in the top half of the map. Although we'll only know for sure when the season starts, what kind of changes do you think this will bring for junglers?
Pyosik: Currently, all I can think of is that there will be a lot more room for creative strategies. Up to now, I'm not entirely sure... but there are indeed many creative strategies. Even though I'm not sure how to express it, there are more fortresses appearing or rather, there are more pathways now? Previously, it was like 'just block off here and here,' but now there are more of these areas... these fortresses seem to be more abundant than in previous versions.
Q: You mentioned being in the phase of adaptation and mutual understanding with your teammates. Many are curious about the synergy between you and Bdd. What was your first impression of Bdd, and how did you synergize?
Pyosik: Although I haven't played many matches focusing on mid-jungle synergy, Bdd's laning is excellent, making games feel easier for me.
Q: Reuniting with Deft and BeryL, your feelings might be unique.
Pyosik: It's just too familiar, nothing special. Even though I spent a year in the US, meeting them feels like it was just yesterday, giving me that 22DRX feeling. It's comfortable.
Q: When playing with new teammates, it requires redefining the game, new languages... not English or Korean but in-game language, certain protocols like 'call this this way, that that way.' In such adaptation, do you think you might adapt faster than other teams?
Pyosik: Because there are many veterans... but also because there are many veterans, it might lead to a lack of cohesion. We need to adjust as much as possible and adapt quickly. Because there are too many opinions... after quickly reaching a conclusion, things should work well.
Q: This is an insight into your current status. Many should be pleased with this interview. While you were loved in NA, LCK fans hoped you'd return. Transitioning to KT, there might have been concerns during the transfer period. Your reasons and thoughts on joining KT and potentially returning to LCK would interest many.
Pyosik: Although I'm not entirely sure about KT's internal situation, when I was with TL, we scrimmed against KT, winning three games in the morning. Perhaps it was those three victories that made Hirai think highly of me, and the players also found me impressive, so I was fortunate to return.
Q: Apart from LCK, did you consider other destinations?
Pyosik: To be honest, when I first went to the US, I was filled with thoughts of returning to Korea the following year. But after living in the US, I realized that even if it's not the LCK, there are many places to try. Nonetheless, I still have a strong attachment to Korea, placing it first.
Q: What aspects of Korea do you still hold dear?
Pyosik: During 22DRX, we performed well at Worlds, but the regular season was unstable. Even if you perform well in the regular season in the US, Koreans might not watch frequently or be aware of these situations. I want everyone to feel that during the regular season, Pyosik can also perform well and win championships. Not having that opportunity feels regrettable, and that's something I miss.
Q: While I've asked similar questions before, I feel Korea and the US have many differences, not just in competitive aspects but also culturally and linguistically. Curious about the differences and pros and cons you've experienced in Korea and the US during this year.
Pyosik: There are indeed pros and cons to each. Korea has strengths that the US lacks, and the advantages the US has might not be as prevalent in Korea as one might think. For instance, in the US, during a week of scrimmages, within our team, on Mondays, we gather for meetings. 'Pyosik didn't perform well in this aspect last week, pay attention to it this time,' or 'Summit's shot calling seemed off, pay attention next time.' This structured feedback system seems absent in Korea. Regarding Korea's strengths that the US lacks, for example, in Korea, when picking compositions, it's systematic right from the lane matchups, whereas in the US, if there's a slight deviation in the laning phase, sometimes it's like 'we'll probably do better next time,' and it just passes like that. Besides these, there don't seem to be significant differences.
