When Starcraft was introduced to Korea in 1998, not many predicted that it would be possible to open a new field called e-sports. But now after 10 years, e-sports has developed into one of the cultural industries that can attract the most audience in Korea.

And in the center of it all is the ‘Emperor’ Lim Yo-Hwan (28, SK Telecom). As the most distinguished in cultivating the infertile field of e-sports as a teenager, 10 years has passed, and now he is looking at becoming the first progamer in his 30s.

After the returning official press conference that took place at the 19th floor of the SK Telecom headquarters in Uljiro, Seoul, OSEN was able to privately meet the one personally responsible for leading e-sports. Finishing his 26-month military duty on the 21st, it was the first official event after returning to the SK Telecom T1 Progaming Team, but his mind had already been sitting inside the gaming arena booth.

E-sports Icon

Beginning with his victory at the 1st SBS Multi-Game Championship in 1999, Lim Yo-Hwan instantly became the center of attention. With a brilliant strategy as his basis, an incredible ability to corner his opponent, having a handsome appearance, and being an exceptional conversationalist, he became established as the greatest e-sports star.

In comparison to his glory days, his skills are presently not the best, but everyone is amazed at his passion to try his best and his all-consuming efforts, and acknowledge the ‘Emperor’ Lim Yo-Hwan as the e-sports icon, the greatest figure.

“After coming back from the military, my popularity has fallen too much (laugh). They say that I led e-sports here until now. But at that time I had the skills and ranking to prove it. And during the 10 years, there were many that helped e-sports as well.

Through the love of the fans, there were many articles that appeared with Lim Yo-Hwan as the topic, and it is quite incredible that this barren land has changed to where there are now so many journalists that come to see me, but now there is a need for a new figure. I feel that now there is a real need for a new figure to appear and lead e-sports.”

‘Emperor’ Lim Yo-Hwan’s bonja story

Living up to the name as being the first bonja, Lim Yo-Hwan held 1st in the KeSPA ranking for 17 months. Following after him, the ‘Genius’ Lee Yun-Yeol (24, WeMade) held 16 months, and ‘Monster’ Choi Yun-Sung (25, SK Telecom) held 1st in the KeSPA ranking for 8 months and continued the bonja line.

Lim Yo-Hwan emphasized the need for a new bonja. “Now with Starcraft 2 that will be released soon, the growth potential of the e-sports industry is increasing. If there is a time when Starcraft 1 and Starcraft 2 will coexist, then with the flow of the times I feel that there will be a new strong figure. Of course, I would like to take that role, but I am also looking forward to the birth of another Lim Yo-Hwan. I hope that there will be an exemplary figure that will be able to fill the areas that are lacking that I was not able to deal with.”

When asked who is the current player that is closest to being the bonja, he did not hesitate and picked his junior teammate Kim Taekyong.

“The most difficult opponent for me is (Do) Jae-Wook. But no matter how one looks at it, the hardest opponents are Song Byun-Goo and Kim Tae-Kyong. The two have won the individual leagues of the fall, their records are similar, and it is difficult to decide whose skills are higher. But if they are given the same conditions, that is, if they both started at the same time and demonstrated their abilities, I feel that Kim Tae-Kyong is above. I look highly at his development potential. His skills are good, but his good physical appearance can also attract attention from the public. But one thing cannot be forgotten. Just as it is easy to receive attention, it is easy to lose it.”

The e-sports world that the ‘Emperor’ dreams of

Before leaving the military, Lim Yo-Hwan was given the renowned Avant-Garde Person Award of 2008. Among the 9 categories and 37 avant-garde people, he was recognized as the contributor to activating and developing e-sports.

“Now I want to look past my goal of becoming a progamer in the 30s, and just run forward,” he stated. “A little before leaving the military, I received the Avant-Garde Person Award, and when I saw the performance of the pianist Lee Sia, I was greatly inspired. When the performance was over, the words ‘do not be sad or discouraged of something you do not have, but try your best with what is left’ moved me greatly. I feel that it is more embarrassing to be upset over trivial things.”

Lim Yo-Hwan has a contract with SK Telecom until the end of the 09-10 Proleague season, in August 2010. When asked of his future plans, he said he desired continuing until his mid-30s, even if it meant delaying his marriage a little. Following the discussion, his becoming an FA (free agent) was discussed, and he openly expressed his thoughts.

“If in my 20s I ran away as though I was being chased, I feel as though in my 30s I can receive everything. Now all I have left is to look forward and run. The only thing that holds me back is the problem of marriage, and I hope that my father would be a bit patient (laugh). I would really like to be a free agent. Actually, a moment ago during the press conference I spoke of wanting to be a player in my mid 30s and getting married, and it was because I hoped to become a free agent.”

Continuing, he said, “The development potential for the e-sports industry is limitless. I hope that later the foreign leagues will become activated and (free) agents will appear. The players that worked with me in the past have now left, and we lost the chance to make an organization such as a (Progamer) Players’ Council, but many players like that need to participate and promote their rights and interests, and need to work things out one by one. When the fans first supported me, I had a sense of duty, but there is only so much one can do just with a sense of duty. One must develop their abilities and skills to lead these issues.”

Wishing for 2009 to be filled with happiness and laughters

“I thought that my teammates would openly welcome me, but they only looked at me. When I was about to enter the military, they sent me away during the farewell party in a very sad manner, but now that the people changed, the atmosphere has also changed and it was quite ironic. I wish to get along with them well.”

When asked of the moment when he felt most regretful, Lim Yo-Hwan responded unexpectantly with a different answer and greeted his teammates. It seemed he wished to not be awkward and get along well, with a desire to lead the T1 Progaming team to a championship.

“The nicest moment was when we accomplished the over-triple crown. I wish to attain that happiness again at the 2009 Gwang An-li. I want to raise the team together with my junior gamers. The best thing for all players is an increase in their salary. I feel that all players will be happier through the championship victory (laugh).”

Lim Yo-Hwan, finally realizing his dreams of becoming a progamer in his 30s. He dreams of flying up again for 2009 when he will return. “I am happy to reattach the wings of SK Telecom T1. Flying up again, I will work towards instilling laughter and happiness in the fans that were unhappy for some time. Next year, let’s be filled with laughter.”