Peanut: During the transfer period, HLE reached out to me, and I felt their strong desire to have me on board, so I signed with them.
After HLE's victory against DRX in the LCK Spring Split, the team's jungler, Peanut, took part in an interview with Korean media.
Q: How do you feel after playing the first match back with HLE?
Peanut: It was a bit challenging, especially as it was the first game, leading to some chaos. After the first game, we not only reviewed the match but also acknowledged that the chaotic moments resulted from feeling a bit disorganized. We then started the second game, and since it was the first match, the initial game didn't go well, but we managed to perform normally in the second game. I feel fortunate to secure the victory and am very happy about it.
Q: What are your impressions playing with teammates like Zeka and Viper?
Peanut: Personally, I think Viper is more aggressive and adept at coordinating actions with the team. Zeka is a player who has the potential to perform even better, and there are many possibilities for him.
Q: What do you think is crucial in the 14.1 patch?
Peanut: Initially, with the new patch and the Void Seeker map resources, I felt the top half was very important. However, it eventually came back to the dragon, and despite the importance of Void Seeker, the game's direction is determined by the bottom lane champions. I believe the bottom lane is crucial.
Q: In the current patch, which jungle champions do you consider strong?
Peanut: Udyr and... I'm not sure if I can say Udyr is the best, but I think a variety of jungle champions can be viable in the current patch. There's no perfect OP champion; none are exceptionally strong.
Q: Why did you choose to join HLE?
Peanut: After leaving GEN, I was looking for a new team, and HLE contacted me. We had a good conversation, and I felt satisfied with HLE's conditions and environment. I sensed that HLE really wanted me, so I decided to sign with them. In my career, I usually make decisions on which team to sign with very quickly.
Q: Why do you think Hanwha Life Esports is sincere about the LCK?
Peanut: The training room and facilities are excellent, and they also sponsor the LCK. I can feel that they have invested a lot.
Q: How do you plan to contribute to the team?
Peanut: If the early game doesn't go smoothly, the help I can provide is to not give up just because we're in a disadvantageous position. I'll find ways to create opportunities; that's what I can do.
Q: How do you feel about your current form?
Peanut: I've been on an upward trend, and my goal is to continue maintaining this positive momentum.
Q: Is your current appearance the one you dreamed of when you debuted?
Peanut: If dreaming of winning championships at that time aligns with my future, to some extent, it does. At that time, I didn't imagine winning championships multiple times; I just wondered if I could win. Now, it has surpassed my imagination back then.
Q: In Peanut's opinion, which teams are strong, and which are dark horses?
Peanut: I believe T1, GEN, DK, and KT are in the upper tier. I consider NS as a dark horse; they cooperated last year and have been working together since the CL era, not just last year. They've been collaborating for a long time, and I think KDF and NS will perform well.
Q: What are your goals for this year?
Peanut: My personal goal is to reach the finals in the Spring Split; I want to play in the finals. Additionally, my personal goal is to help HLE achieve better results than last year.
