Rascal: The combination of new and veteran players will generate a great synergy, and I have confidence in positively influencing the newcomers

The Korean Economic Daily interviewed DRX's top laner, Rascal.

"2024 might be my last season before enlistment, hoping for a regret-free year."

At the DRX building in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Rascal, also known as Kim Kwang-hee, with a faint smile, mentioned the word 'last.' DRX had a challenging season this year, ranking 9th in the LCK Spring Split and 6th in the Summer Split. Despite difficulties, they eventually entered the League of Legends World Championship play-ins but were defeated by DK, failing to reach Worlds.

Despite the team's fluctuations, Kim Kwang-hee remained the team's center and was praised as its pillar. In the LCK Summer Split, he had an average of 2.2 kills, ranking third among top laners, and achieved 12 solo kills, also ranking third. His performance stood out compared to the team's results. Fans even credited him for supporting the entire team. The interview discussed the stories of the 2023 season and the upcoming 2024 season, where Kim Kwang-hee is preparing for the last spark before enlistment.

Q: The 2023 season ended in regret despite the rebound in the LCK Summer Split. What are your thoughts on this season?

Rascal: It hasn't been smooth since the Spring Split. People with contrasting personalities gathered together. Only by coordinating thoughts could synergy be produced for good results. However, living in different environments during the Spring Split led to unsatisfactory results. With the arrival of new players in the Summer Split, exchanging opinions seemed to create synergy, leading to better results. Personally, this year has been one with many regrets for me.

Q: With the Worlds being held in Korea, failing to qualify after the play-ins must have been more urgent. What were your thoughts?

Rascal: Training this year was crucial for gradual progress and skill enhancement. However, this year's training was the most disappointing in my career. I've always believed in the importance of training. As the play-ins' training wasn't great, it led to disappointment after the failure, which saddened me.

Q: Watching the Asian Games in Hangzhou and the Worlds, as a professional player, you seemed to be stimulated. What were the most memorable moments while watching these two major events?

Rascal: As a professional player, the most stimulating part seemed to be not being able to participate in the matches. In such situations, I could only watch from the sidelines. I found the off-season truly painful. Compared to seasons where we earnestly prepare and achieve results, the off-season feels quite dull. Sometimes I feel powerless and melancholic, especially when it seems like my body can directly feel it. There's a significant difference between resting without any drive or objectives and preparing with a goal in mind for the season. I want to prepare well for the next season and participate in as many matches as possible.

Q: Unlike last year when you collaborated with veteran players, next season, you'll need to lead new players. What's your mindset like?

Rascal: I hold a very optimistic attitude toward working with new players because I believe the combination of 'new and old' to some extent can create a great synergy. So, playing with new players doesn't burden me. I've felt firsthand the passion of these players, so I've also started to put in effort. When I was a new player, I played with veterans like PraY, GorillA, Deft, TusiN, and I learned a lot from them. Because I understand the positive aspects I learned from them at that time, I'm confident I can have a positive impact on new players.

Q: It's understood that during this transfer period, you declined offers from other teams and decided to stay with DRX. What were the reasons behind this decision?

Rascal: I had discussions with the team leader before the transfer period even began. He asked me what I would do if such a situation arose. I had already planned to finish my two years at DRX before going to the military, so I signed the contract with determination. I heard that the team was also planning to recruit during this transfer period (after the interview with Kim Kwang-hee, DRX announced the acquisition of Teddy). If the new recruits, along with the newly promoted players, synergize well and at least aim for the World Championship, it would be a satisfying result for my career's twilight. So, when I received offers from other teams, I didn't really consider changing my mindset.

Q: You're known as the 'Iron Wall Rascal,' renowned for your solid laning prowess. Do you have any training methods that are specific to you?

Rascal: Even with accumulated experience, giving my all in every training session is crucial. I frequently review the parts where I didn't perform well and swiftly rectify them when I feel there's an issue. I believe I'm good at accepting feedback, and thanks to this mindset, my laning phase seems to have become stable.

Q: You're famous for excelling in solo kills as a top laner, which piques people's curiosity. What's the secret behind it?

Rascal: It seems essential during training to try out matchups and champions I'm eager to play. I'm the type to strongly suggest matchups and champions I want to try. Through diverse matchups during training, I'm more likely than others to see opportunities for solo kills.

Q: Which team are you most wary of for the 2024 season?

Rascal: In any case, I'm extremely cautious of T1 because T1 is the World Championship team, and apart from T1, no other team maintains its lineup. Among the current top teams, GEN, HLE, and KT are also teams to be cautious of.

Q: The goals for 2024 are intriguing. Where do you want to reach?

Rascal: The top priority is that I hope LCK players with less experience can adapt perfectly during the spring split. In this process, I want the team's performance to at least reach the playoffs. In the long run, the goal is to qualify for the World Championship in the summer split. I believe that as long as we qualify, there's a possibility to go further, just like DRX last year and WBG this year. I think both teams, the further they played, showed signs of growth. If the goal is to qualify for the World Championship and achieve greater development there, we can aspire to reach higher places.

Q: Any final words for your fans?

Rascal: Well... although I mentioned that this season would be my last, to be precise, it's the 'last one before military service.' After my military life ends, I also want to continue challenging my professional career because I still hold onto the idea of starting anew at that time. As a veteran before enlisting, I can say it's the final season, and I hope next year will be enjoyable without regrets. I'll do my best to avoid any regrettable situations next year, just like in the last summer split, and show everyone an excellent performance.