As the 2018 LCK Summer split comes to a close, the Summer split postseason awaits. Since there are currently no confirmed postseason contenders, the second half of the split has been as competitive than ever.

On the 5th of August (KST), Hanwha Life Esports defeated Afreeca Freecs 2:1. Although yesterday’s triumph did not secure a spot in the postseason, their victory still got them a safe 5th place and brought them a step closer to the postseason.

Unlike in our past video interviews, this time we had the chance to meet a staff member of the winning team. Her name is Kim Hyo-jin, who is currently working as a ‘team reporter’ for Hanwha Life Esports.

The following is our interview with Hanwha Life Esports team reporter Kim Hyo-jin.

You are a ‘team reporter’ for Hanwha Life Esports, which is a somewhat new concept for the fans. Can you briefly explain what you do?

As a team reporter, I usually shoot videos and run fan meetings. However, personally, my most important job is to be a bridge between the fans, the players, and the team. When I run a fan meeting after a match, I go downstage and communicate with the fans. By doing so, I can figure out what the fans want and what the players should do for the fans. Well, you’ll mostly see me in videos, but I also do more things when the camera isn’t recording.

You once were an announcer for the “Kartrider Dual Race”. There must be a lot of differences between working as an announcer and working as a team reporter. Can you elaborate on this?

A team reporter represents the team. That’s why I can support the team that I like; I don’t need to be neutral. I like it because I can express my feelings. When I was an announcer, I had to be neutral, so I didn’t feel pressured when watching matches. But, once I became a team reporter, I have to watch and root for my team. Sometimes it’s too overwhelming for me to even watch the game. (laughs) Well, I love my team and I’m happy to be a team reporter.

HLE is the first team to have a team reporter. Since this was the first attempt, you might have felt uncertain about this position. What were your thoughts when the team first offered you this position?

When I was first offered the job, I was really curious since there was no such position before. Still, I was interested since I’d been working in esports. Also, when I talked about this with my mentor, announcer Kim Su-Hyeon, she said that ‘it’ll be such a good experience.’ Since I was thinking about accepting the offer, her advice made me feel more certain.

As a team reporter, you must spend a lot of time with the players. Who was the first player you became close to?

Like you all know, Sangyoon is friends with not only me but everyone else since he is the team leader; he has such a nice personality as well. I became friends with Sangyoon first.

Then what do you think makes Sangyoon charming?

Um…There is a word called ‘insider’. I think Sangyoon is a good example of that word.

notes: An ‘insider’ is a Konglish term that is used to refer to a person that socializes well with others.

Do you feel awkward with any of the other players?

I think not. The players are really sincere and they only know about games…

Starting as a Kartrider announcer, you are now an HLE team reporter; you’ve been consistently working in the esports scene. Do you play games as well?

People say to me, “Watching and playing games are a totally different thing.” To be frank, I don’t play games every day. The only time I can play games is when I go to a PC bang once in a while on weekends. I do watch games every day, but I think I get to play only once a week.

What kind of games do you like to play on the weekends?

I play Kartrider and League of Legends. Well, I’m like a ‘toddler’ in League; I’m just a beginner.

Now that the Summer split is at its end, can you say something for the players who’ve been dealing with such a tough schedule?

I’ve seen in person how much practice the players put in. That’s why I always feel sympathy towards them. Although the playoffs and finals are still left, the regular split is almost finished. I hope that every player will cheer up and not feel too pressured.