On the 29th (KST), T1 faced Hanwha Life Esports in Round 2 of the 2020 LCK Spring. With a set score of 2-1, T1 managed to defeat HLE in a very heated match between the two teams. Although Choi “Ellim” El-lim was subbed out for Game 3, his performance in Game 1 proved why he’s starting for the team in Round 2.

T1’s rookie jungler, Ellim, joined Inven Global to talk about the match and how he sees his next match up against Gen.G will go.

Congratulations on the victory. How do you feel?

I would’ve loved to take the 2:0 victory, so although I’m still glad that we won, I just wish I played a bit better.

Can you tell us what exactly were disappointing?

I played well in Game 1, but in Game 2, the draft pointed at Kindred as the optimal choice, and while I practiced Kindred in Solo Queue, I didn’t have much practice on the champion during  scrims, so I think I lacked practice when it came to teamplay aspects of things. The poor communication was also disappointing as well.

Although you lost one game today, because of your continued great performance, you are continuing to play in matches. Does being a starting jungler come with a lot of pressure? Or do you feel great about it?

I’m grateful that I get the chance to start for the team, and rather than feeling pressured, I just want to perform better.

Trundle sort of became a signature pick for you. Your win rate on the champion is really good, so is it a comfort pick for you?

I played Trundle a bit back in the days, and because of the current meta, I started to play Trundle again. I prefer champions that are strong early, like Lee Sin, Olaf, and Elise.

They say that because you have a firmer grasp in controlling the flow of the game, you are starting in matches over Cuzz.

To be honest, I’m not quite sure why I’m starting. I just play because the coaching staff tells me to.

Before your career started on T1, you were on an amateur team, KeG Seoul. How does it feel to be a part of T1?

Last year, I was a trainee for a year, so while I played with a relaxed mind back then, I’m more eager to learn and trying to become better by getting coached from such a prestigious coaching staff. All of my teammates are very friendly, and they like to joke around, so I like it.

Is there a player that you’re especially friendly with?

I was already close with all the trainees, and I think I’m becoming closer with all the older players as well.

In the previous POG interview on broadcast, Faker called you very cute. Do you agree with what he said?

No, I don’t think I’m cute. If anything, I’m more manly. Why are people calling me cute when I’m not cute at all… I am still grateful for all the people seeing me in such a way.

Your next opponent is Gen.G. As it’s a very important match, how do you predict the match to go?

I believe that Clid is currently the best Jungler out there. If I get to start against Gen.G, I don’t think it’s going to be easy. I’ll try my hardest to not lose.

As you’re filling the spot that Clid left behind as T1’s jungler, you must be even more motivated to play better against him.

I’d love to do so, but I still have a lot to learn, so I’m not sure what will happen. Clid’s not only really good mechanically, but his macro game is incredible as well. Because of such, he seems very confident in all the plays he makes. I want my plays to be confident and excel in mechanics as well.

Lastly, can you say something to the fans looking forward to T1’s match vs. Gen.G?

They’re the first place team in the standings, so I’ll work hard to prepare for the match, and if I get to start, I’ll make sure to put on a great performance.