Once seen as a one-trick pony with his Orianna play, Jin Air's GBM has evolved into a versatile weapon for the Green Wings. Simply put, GBM's elevated play has helped transform Jin Air into one of the most methodical and calculated teams in the world. They had a forgettable preseason, finishing last, but currently find themselves in a playoff spot with only seven matches remaining in the Spring Split.

We talked with GBM to get his thoughts on the Western scene, what changed for him and his team to improve, and what LCS player would have the best chance to succeed in Korea.

You've become one of the best mid lane players in Korea this season after inconsistent results in 2013 and 2014. Did anything change that helped you get better as a player?

For starters I think what changed our play the most is our hearts. Like all of the other mid laners I have the same amount of selfishness (greed) and the same amount of desire to win my lane. However, nowadays, if you try to gain an advantage (at mid) by yourself, your jungle has to watch your lane for you. If he doesn't then there is a big risk of losing your lane. So, instead of trying to take so many risks and trying to make plays, I try to play safer and think “let’s do what I can do” (play within my limits is like the train of thought almost) and I think this is the reason.

Your team has two ADCs and two supports with Pilot, CptJack, Chei and XD. Which bottom lane pair do you think fits your play style the best?

When I play an offensive (aggressive) champion: Pilot and XD.

When I play a defensive (passive) champion: Cpt Jack and Chei is the choice.

When you started out as a player, a lot of people knew you for your Orianna play. What drew you to playing that champion?

When I first started playing League of Legends, my friend used to show me videos of competitions. I saw Chan-yong “Ambition” Kang’s Orianna and I was very impressed, (and it left) an impression on me. I think this is why I started to play Orianna.

Nowadays you are seen as the best Xerath in Korea and possibly the world. Do you see yourself as the best Xerath, and if not, who do you think is the best at Xerath?

There are a lot of players that are very good at Xerath but, aside from me, I wonder how many players can put down their selfishness and greed. I don’t watch too many international games so I’m not sure, but in Korea, after me, it is Incredible Miracle's Frozen.

Jin Air had a terrible preseason, but have fought back to be one of the top teams in the regular season. Was there a reason for Jin Air's lack of success in the preseason?

Haha, our change in the way we think about the game?

You've been said to really want to travel to an international competition to compete. Which countries and cities would you like to play in?

I definitely want to go to international competitions and compete against foreign players, but I actually have never experienced being abroad and that's a part of the reason why I want to play in international competitions. If I compete, I would like to compete against the best team from every country.

Following the last question, which international teams or players would you like to play against at an international level?

The team that has Helios and the team that has Lustboy.

Which Western (Europe/NA) player do you think could play in Champions Korea if given the chance and do well?

Pobelter.

Faker is considered the best player and mid laner in the world. If you had to rank the best mid players, who would be the top three?

Faker, Kuro, and GBM. Hahaha.

For our final question, we would like to play a little word association. We are going to tell you five things and you tell us the first word or statement that come to mind:

Fnatic

Xpeke

Faker

Teacher

Orianna

Fiery bat (Translator Note: I think he’s trying to say he hits a home run or gets really hot when he plays this champion).

Bjergsen

I want to play against him.

CptJack

Ass.

Hahahahaha.

We would like to thank the Jin Air Green Wings and GBM for the interview. theScore's Paul Park translated the interview from Korean. You can watch GBM and his Jin Air Green Wings take on the GE Tigers this weekend in Champions Korea. The interview was edited and condensed.