Lee Jae-dong successfully advanced to the quarterfinals as the first-place finisher of Group C in the Google Play ASL Season 21, held at Freec Up Studio in Samseong-dong, Seoul, on the 20th. In Group C, which drew significant attention for featuring both Kim Taek-yong and Lee Young-ho, Lee Jae-dong played perfectly to secure his spot in the quarterfinals first.

In the first match between Kim Taek-yong and Kim Tae-young, the outcome was unpredictable as it was a single-game format. Kim Taek-yong opened with a 1-gate double, while Kim Tae-young attempted a triple-mine build. Although Kim Taek-yong quickly identified this with his probe, he chose to match the expansion rather than go for an early attack.

Ultimately, Kim Tae-young executed his macro strategy well, successfully defending against the Reaver and building momentum. He moved out to the center at around 150 supply. It was a strong timing, as the Protoss had similar supply and Zealot leg speed upgrades were not yet finished. However, Kim Taek-yong bought time and, once his Zealot upgrades kicked in, utilized his shuttle and High Templars to win a decisive battle and take control of the game.

Then came the 'LeeSsang-rok' between Lee Young-ho and Lee Jae-dong, their first meeting in 2,756 days. Lee Young-ho prepared a mechanical Terran build following a no-barracks double. Lee Jae-dong scouted the build, maximized his drone production to keep pace, and opted to secure more drones rather than rushing out Mutalisks.

Lee Young-ho played greedily, taking a quick third base while simultaneously investing in upgrades at two armories and Science Vessel upgrades. Lee Jae-dong prepared a Mutalisk-into-Hydralisk timing attack, catching Lee Young-ho before his Siege Tanks were fully set up to secure the win and advance to the winner's match.

In the winner's match between Lee Jae-dong and Kim Taek-yong, Lee Jae-dong prepared a 1-hatchery Zergling/Lurker all-in on 'Jane-do,' a map considered favorable for Protoss. The strategy was flawless; it was too much for a single cannon to handle, and Lee Jae-dong took the first set. The second set began with both players playing standard openings.

Lee Jae-dong produced a small number of Mutalisks and Scourge to force Kim Taek-yong to invest in Corsairs and cannons, while he saturated his bases with drones and prepared Hydralisks. After whittling down the Corsair count and using Mutalisks to drain the High Templars' energy, he surrounded the Protoss army with a massive force of Hydralisks.

With the Zerg holding a supply lead of over 30, the Protoss was struggling, as his third base lacked gas, making it difficult to add more Templars. Although Kim Taek-yong defended well, he could not overcome the resource deficit. Lee Jae-dong eventually broke through the defense to win 2-0 and became the first player to advance to the quarterfinals.