This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.
Lee 'Flame' Ho-Jong, Top laner of CJ Entus Blaze, is the star of the 42nd episode of 'Reflections'. This episode was recorded on June 5th. Subtitles for my questions have been added in Korean, so that Koreans speakers can enjoy the interview also.
Flame directly addresses numerous criticisms often leveled against himself and Blaze. It's rare for Korean professional gamers to answer questions in-depth, but Flame answers at length in an honest and open manner.
Special thanks go out to lilsusie and eemkay for assisting with translation.
Time line of topics discussed:
00:05 Intro00:34 Pressure upon joining Blaze and replacing Reapered01:47 Spamming a few champions prior to joining Blaze.03:17 Did he spam champions in solo q in the tank meta also?05:07 Copying or learning from Shy.07:18 Does he still think back on the OGN Spring 2013 final loss to MVP Ozone?11:12 Flame's thoughts during the OGN finals ceremony, when he looked angry receiving the cheque.15:01 Did his carry role in Blaze develop due to him having a forceful personality?16:32 Criticisms that Blaze is stuck in the past with their late-game scaling champion comps.19:27 Top laners being unable to hard carry during Flame's era.20:46 Perceptions that Flame thinks he must carry and win his lane.21:38 Locodoco's criticisms of Flame, made on Summoning Insight, and his subsequent change of heart.24:53 Claims that Flame should play Top lane like Save, from NaJin Shield.31:29 Playing Darien (M5 and Gambit)33:45 Impact at his best and now.38:19 The rumoured Blaze and Frost superteam, with Flame at Mid. How would Flame do as a Mid laner?40:18 The OGN Masters semi-final game vs. Samsung White, getting red buff accidentally on Irelia.42:32 Message for Western fans, including thoughts on Blaze's coaching, philosophy on champions and the public's reaction to their coaches.