On the 8th, Day 4 of the 2019 LCK Summer Split took place. On the first series of the day, Hanwha Life Esports defeated KT Rolster with a score of 2-0. HLE took a dominating victory in game 1 by taking ahold of the flow of the game with Lux-LeBlanc, whereas game 2 was a rather close one, with both sides trading equal blows until the very end. Throughout the series, SoHwan contributed to his team's victory by dominating the side lanes. 

The following is an interview with HLE SoHwan.

Congratulations on your first victory this Summer. How do you feel about it?

We needed to win today. We performed poorly in our previous match, so losing today would've completely killed our spirit. 


Were you expecting to play as the starting top laner so early on this split?

I wanted to play early.

After speaking with our head coach yesterday, it was decided that I play today. The conversation with him was actually more of a feedback session, pointing out my flaws. We talked about my issues in team play, and with the feedback, I got better. I don't know exactly why, but I suddenly improved.


In game 1, HLE blind picked Irelia into Jax. Jax is known to be a strong pick against Irelia.

We took Irelia because she's one of my favorite champions. It was also a pick that we thought of before today's match. Although Jax is a difficult matchup, we thought that it'd be okay, as long as we team fight frequently in the early game. I don't think I was able to fully show Irelia's value in spring because we weren't able to set up a proper early game for her. 


While you were pushing the side lanes, multiple attempts of Baron and Elder burst were taken by both teams. Were you thinking that HLE could win as long as you push the side lanes in?

As Ryze, I was confident that we'd win as long as I can win 1 vs. 1 in the side lanes. My teammates were actually a bit doubtful - I think I should've more thoroughly told the team my plan. I had faith in myself.


Following the MSI, more diverse picks are being played in the LCK, such as top lane Pyke. Do you think you have the edge in terms of champion pool in the current meta?

I believe so, yes. But because of MSI, there are a lot more picks that top laners are forced to practice now. 


Aatrox has a low win rate in the LCK. What's your opinion on the champion?

I believe that Aatrox is a really good champion. Those losses on Aatrox most likely happened because of team play issues. He's a pick that you really need to pay attention to and care for. But if I was ever forced to play either Irelia or Aatrox, I think I'd go with the Irelia. 


Is there anything that you want to say?

I chewed gum while I was doing my MVP interview. I was chewing on it during the match... and I didn't have time to spit it out. I wasn't intending to be rude... I don't think I was aware that there was still gum in my mouth. 

I want to thank HLE's fans for always rooting for us. Please continue to cheer us on!