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Boxer in e-Star Heritage League
22 July 2009
e-Star Heritage League, hosted by Ongamenet in celebration of 10 years of e-sports, consists of 10 of the greatest players in the history of Starcraft:
Nal_rA, sAviOr, Kingdom, NaDa, iloveoov (group B), ToSsGirL, YellOw, Reach, Anytime and of course, BoxeR the Emperor himself (group A).
The best 2 players will advance from each group. The the total prize pool is $40,000.
Watch Boxer's group stage matches on BoxerForever.com:
More coverage...
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Boxer's thoughts on current e-sport (SKT T1, the next Bonja, the new FA system and more)
Translated by Marencielo from Osen.com, 23 December 2008
When Starcraft was introduced to Korea in 1998, not many predicted that it would be possible to open a new field called e-sports. But now after 10 years, e-sports has developed into one of the cultural industries that can attract the most audience in Korea.
And in the center of it all is the ‘Emperor’ Lim Yo-Hwan (28, SK Telecom).
As the most distinguished in cultivating the infertile field of e-sports as a teenager, 10 years has passed, and now he is looking at becoming the first progamer in his 30s.
After the returning official press conference that took place at the 19th floor of the SK Telecom headquarters in Uljiro, Seoul, OSEN was able to privately meet the one personally responsible for leading e-sports.
Finishing his 26-month military duty on the 21st, it was the first official event after returning to the SK Telecom T1 Progaming Team, but his mind had already been sitting inside the gaming arena booth.
E-sports Icon
Beginning with his victory at the 1st SBS Multi-Game Championship in 1999, Lim Yo-Hwan instantly became the center of attention. With a brilliant strategy as his basis, an incredible ability to corner his opponent, having a handsome appearance, and being an exceptional conversationalist, he became established as the greatest e-sports star.
In comparison to his glory days, his skills are presently not the best, but everyone is amazed at his passion to try his best and his all-consuming efforts, and acknowledge the ‘Emperor’ Lim Yo-Hwan as the e-sports icon, the greatest figure.
“After coming back from the military, my popularity has fallen too much (laugh). They say that I led e-sports here until now. But at that time I had the skills and ranking to prove it. And during the 10 years, there were many that helped e-sports as well.
Through the love of the fans, there were many articles that appeared with Lim Yo-Hwan as the topic, and it is quite incredible that this barren land has changed to where there are now so many journalists that come to see me, but now there is a need for a new figure. I feel that now there is a real need for a new figure to appear and lead e-sports.”

‘Emperor’ Lim Yo-Hwan’s bonja story
Living up to the name as being the first bonja, Lim Yo-Hwan held 1st in the KeSPA ranking for 17 months. Following after him, the ‘Genius’ Lee Yun-Yeol (24, WeMade) held 16 months, and ‘Monster’ Choi Yun-Sung (25, SK Telecom) held 1st in the KeSPA ranking for 8 months and continued the bonja line.
Lim Yo-Hwan emphasized the need for a new bonja. “Now with Starcraft 2 that will be released soon, the growth potential of the e-sports industry is increasing. If there is a time when Starcraft 1 and Starcraft 2 will coexist, then with the flow of the times I feel that there will be a new strong figure. Of course, I would like to take that role, but I am also looking forward to the birth of another Lim Yo-Hwan. I hope that there will be an exemplary figure that will be able to fill the areas that are lacking that I was not able to deal with.”
When asked who is the current player that is closest to being the bonja, he did not hesitate and picked his junior teammate Kim Taekyong.
“The most difficult opponent for me is (Do) Jae-Wook. But no matter how one looks at it, the hardest opponents are Song Byun-Goo and Kim Tae-Kyong. The two have won the individual leagues of the fall, their records are similar, and it is difficult to decide whose skills are higher. But if they are given the same conditions, that is, if they both started at the same time and demonstrated their abilities, I feel that Kim Tae-Kyong is above. I look highly at his development potential. His skills are good, but his good physical appearance can also attract attention from the public. But one thing cannot be forgotten. Just as it is easy to receive attention, it is easy to lose it.”
The e-sports world that the ‘Emperor’ dreams of
Before leaving the military, Lim Yo-Hwan was given the renowned Avant-Garde Person Award of 2008. Among the 9 categories and 37 avant-garde people, he was recognized as the contributor to activating and developing e-sports.
“Now I want to look past my goal of becoming a progamer in the 30s, and just run forward,” he stated. “A little before leaving the military, I received the Avant-Garde Person Award, and when I saw the performance of the pianist Lee Sia, I was greatly inspired. When the performance was over, the words ‘do not be sad or discouraged of something you do not have, but try your best with what is left’ moved me greatly. I feel that it is more embarrassing to be upset over trivial things.”
Lim Yo-Hwan has a contract with SK Telecom until the end of the 09-10 Proleague season, in August 2010. When asked of his future plans, he said he desired continuing until his mid-30s, even if it meant delaying his marriage a little. Following the discussion, his becoming an FA (free agent) was discussed, and he openly expressed his thoughts.
“If in my 20s I ran away as though I was being chased, I feel as though in my 30s I can receive everything. Now all I have left is to look forward and run. The only thing that holds me back is the problem of marriage, and I hope that my father would be a bit patient (laugh). I would really like to be a free agent. Actually, a moment ago during the press conference I spoke of wanting to be a player in my mid 30s and getting married, and it was because I hoped to become a free agent.”
Continuing, he said, “The development potential for the e-sports industry is limitless. I hope that later the foreign leagues will become activated and (free) agents will appear. The players that worked with me in the past have now left, and we lost the chance to make an organization such as a (Progamer) Players’ Council, but many players like that need to participate and promote their rights and interests, and need to work things out one by one. When the fans first supported me, I had a sense of duty, but there is only so much one can do just with a sense of duty. One must develop their abilities and skills to lead these issues.”

Wishing for 2009 to be filled with happiness and laughters
“I thought that my teammates would openly welcome me, but they only looked at me. When I was about to enter the military, they sent me away during the farewell party in a very sad manner, but now that the people changed, the atmosphere has also changed and it was quite ironic. I wish to get along with them well.”
When asked of the moment when he felt most regretful, Lim Yo-Hwan responded unexpectantly with a different answer and greeted his teammates. It seemed he wished to not be awkward and get along well, with a desire to lead the T1 Progaming team to a championship.
“The nicest moment was when we accomplished the over-triple crown. I wish to attain that happiness again at the 2009 Gwang An-li. I want to raise the team together with my junior gamers. The best thing for all players is an increase in their salary. I feel that all players will be happier through the championship victory (laugh).”
Lim Yo-Hwan, finally realizing his dreams of becoming a progamer in his 30s. He dreams of flying up again for 2009 when he will return. “I am happy to reattach the wings of SK Telecom T1. Flying up again, I will work towards instilling laughter and happiness in the fans that were unhappy for some time. Next year, let’s be filled with laughter.”
Read more...
Original article (in Korean)
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The Terrans, fallen into a weakened state: will the ‘Emperor’ Lim Yo-Hwan revive it?
Translated by Marencielo from Gamedonga.co.kr, 23 December 2008
‘Emperor of Terran’ Lim Yo-Hwan was discharged from the military on the 21st and returned to his former team SK Telecom T1 on the 22nd.
In his returning interview, he stated, “I will prepare myself as though I am making a fresh start. Presently, all I have is a reputation from the past. Through excruciating amounts of practice, I will return to my past self.”
But the recent individual leagues, as well as the proleagues have not been so good for the Terrans. In the individual and proleagues, there are those popularly known as the ‘Six Protoss Dragons,’ Kim Taekyong, Do Jaewook, Song Byungu, Kim Guhyun, Yun Yongtae, and Huh Youngmu that swept through each tournament and are leading the golden age of the Protoss.
At one point, "the Ultimate Weapon", Lee Young-Ho (Flash), known as the young monster appeared to successfully defeat the Protoss with an anti-carrier build an upgraded quantity, but this was overcome as well, and the dark ages of the Terran continues.
This is why many associates as well as fans of e-sports are greatly counting on Lim Yo-Hwan. At one point, Lim Yo-Hwan was the center figure of the glory days of the Terran with dropships that flew endlessly and under unbelievable control, and the dynamic strategies that he created are still well-known and talked about among the fans today. Lim Yo-Hwan also influenced Lee Yun-Yeol (Nada), Choi Yun-Sung (Iloveoov), and led the glory days of the Terran.
Lim Yo-Hwan spoke of the height of the Protoss, “The Terrans had been standing for a long time at their peak, and many players thoroughly prepared themselves to restrain them, and it seems that a recession has followed.” He expressed, “Recently mechanic strategies such as Choi Yun-Sung coach’s valkyrie and goliaths, or Lee Sung Eun’s strategy of using battlecruisers have appeared, and I feel we must rise again with these changes.”
One e-sports associate commented, “Assessing it plainly, with Lim Yo-Hwan’s present ability, it will not be easy facing against the Six Dragons and winning, but if it is Lim Yo-Hwan’s novel tactics and strategies that influence other progamers as well, it will not be impossible to achieve another period of prosperity for the Terrans.”
Read more...
Original article (in Korean)
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...And THE EMPEROR IS BACK!!!
TeamLiquid, 22 December 2008
After 28 months serving in the Airforce, Boxer is finally back to the progaming scene. Click on the link below to see his last moments in the military uniform and how SKT T1 welcome back their captain.
Article and pictures...
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"I know that you (my fans) are still waiting for me. Thank you!"
TeamLiquid, April 01, 2007
After being eliminated in Ongamenet offline preliminary last 2 weeks,
Boxer has made his way back to MBCGame Survivor League by winning 3
matches straight in the offline preliminary held by MBCGame. As to
show his gratitude to the fans for their wait, in the first game
vs SuperMan, The Emperor did a spectacular nuke rush and
continuously nuked the Protoss for 4 times
(VOD)
His wins today means Boxer will be back to MSL Survivor League
which begins on April 5th after half a year absent from the pro scene.
Latest interview...
MBCGame Survivor draw and schedule...
Watch MBCGame live...
MBCGame and OGN tournament system comprehensive explaination...
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AirForce ACE Team founded
TeamLiquid, April 04, 2007
Korea AirForce Army has officially created a Starcraft team based on its current line-up of enlisted progamers. The team is named ACE (AirForce Challenge E-Sports). Zerg veteran H.O.T-Forever will be team captain, along with Boxer, ChRh, Sunny (Terran), Rage, fOru (Protoss), and MuMuyng, Clon (Zerg).
As planned, AirForce ACE Team will participate in the 2007 Proleague starting on the 14th of this month. Get ready for Boxer's return to the scene, this time in a whole new team!
Read more...
Pictures of the ceremony...
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Boxer's comeback interview
TeamLiquid, December 15, 2006
It has been confirmed that BoxeR will be participating in the Survivor
League as part of the Air Force team. "BoxeR has adapted well to the
army and trains hard, so we have given permission to allow him to
participate in progaming".
Boxer has been reported to started training once again for
his Survivor match. He will be facing Pantech's Nal_keke,
followed by either Samsung's StOrk or Dream.T)OriOn from CJ.
Read more...
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The Emperor is back?
November 27, 2006
After finishing the basic training, Boxer has been assigned to the Air Force intelligence center,
where he will be allowed to train as part of the military's progaming team.
He is expected to appear in the MBCgame Survivor League first round, the first step in qualifying for the next MSL.
His first game will be against Nal_keke (Z) on 1st of January 2007!
Read more (GosuGamers)
Read more (TeamLiquid)
Boxer's latest pictures...
Video clip...
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"Crazy As Me"
November 1, 2006
About a year ago, the famous autobiography by Lim Yo-Hwan had been
translated into English by BinaryStar at
yohwanbiography.blogspot.com
for few charpters before being abandoned. Today, we are happy to announce that
the torch has been passed to another member of the zealous Starcraft world. Marencielo, the author
of the much respected progaming blog Sense of Star,
has proceeded the uncompleted translation work of "Crazy As Me"
at boxerbiography.blogspot.com.
The book, first published in Korea in the Fall of 2004, is a comprehensive and stirring story about the
life of the most important figure of e-sports, hence is an invaluable gift to all who see Starcraft
and gaming in general as their life's passion.
Read "Crazy As Me"...
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ROKAF web site went down due to Emperor's charisma
Chosun, October 31, 2006
It is reported that recently an extremely high amount of visits to
the ROK Air Force's web site
to see the picture of Boxer with his new division has caused
the site to go down.
As a result,
the picture has been removed from the site and sent
to Boxer's family instead. The section that hosted it
has been closed and is expected to be opened back after a week.
BoxerForever also experienced a similar high
traffic problem last month after being featured by FighterForum, which made
the site almost inaccessible and eventually be moved to a dedicated server.
The picture...
ROKAF's page...
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Interview with TeamLiquid.net
TeamLiquid, October 8, 2006
"StarCraft at the pro level has changed so much over your career,
why do you think you have been able to be successful for so long?
- I think it’s my constant renewal of new goals and sense of duty.
In particular I think I had a sense of duty to change the social
perception of e-sports..."
Read more...
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Interview after SuperFight
TeamLiquid, October 3, 2006
"..In the army, I can't do all the other things I wanted to do as a civilian.
So I can actually focus on a few things better.
I want to prove that the army is where progamers can learn new
things, not where progamers end their careers."
Read more...
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CJ SuperFight: Boxer vs YellOw: 3-2
October 3, 2006
The classic fight between the two greatest rivals in Starcraft history
- once again ended with Boxer winning 3-2. After the disappointing loss to
Savior, Boxer got his strength back and defeated his lifetime rival YellOw
in a rather old-school and nostalgic series.
Game 1: Boxer < YellOw on Jungle Story
Game 2: Boxer > YellOw on Ragranok
Game 3: Boxer > YellOw on Arcadia 2
Game 4: Boxer < YellOw on Peaks
Game 5: Boxer > YellOw on Longinus
VOD (CrunchyRoll)
VOD (Youtube)
Discussion (TeamLiquid)
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CJ SuperFight: Boxer vs Savior: 0-3
October 3, 2006
Savior proves why he deserves the first spot in KeSPA's ranking by
defeating the Emperor 3-0, thus winning the first SuperFight match
and a prize of approximately $10,000.
Game 1: Savior > Boxer on Araknoid
Game 2: Savior > Boxer on Blitz
Game 3: Savior > Boxer on Longinus
VOD (CrunchyRoll)
Discussion (TeamLiquid)
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CJ SuperFight: Boxer on the big day
TeamLiquid, October 3, 2006
On the day the SuperFight takes place,
FighterForum has a special pictoral feature in which
they have a photographer each following Boxer, YellOw, and Savior
throughout the day to update their latest pictures on the fly.
Read more (TeamLiquid)
Boxer's update page (FighterForum)
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SKY Proleague: SKT T1 vs KTF - SlayerS_`BoxeR` vs Ever)Z(aQua
SKY ProLeague Week 4, September 25, 2006
Unlike some rumors, it seems Boxer got clearance to play in SKY until the
very day he had to join the army.
In the last 2 weeks,
SKT T1 lost to Sparykz and eNature, both are 'lesser' teams skill-wise, and
now they have to face a much stronger team - KTF.
But it's different this time - they got their great leader back.
Once again, a truly Boxeresque game!
VOD...
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IloveOOv's message
FighterForum, September 13, 2006
It is believed that IloveOOv has left a message for Boxer at our site (number 116).
Here is the translation of the message:
"Brother Yo-Hwan,
I do not think this as us being separated!!
Deep in my heart, I wish I could go with you.
But I will become your succesor to the throne instead.
Go the the army and come back safely!
From IloveOOv to Emperor with love,"
Read more (in Korean)
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Boxer's response to BoxerForever.com
FighterForum, September 13, 2006
When asked by FighterForum about BoxerForever.com, the Emperor said:
"I am grateful for the passion it shows. I am always thankful for
fan interest and was again shocked by foreign fans' passion. I
am simply taking a break to open the path for my juniors. I especially
like the writing on the bottom (top) of the page, We know you will be back."
Thank you, Boxer! Whenever you want to say something to fans
all over the world, contact us.
Read more (in Korean)
Read more (TeamLiquid)
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CJ SuperFight: Boxer vs YellOw and IPXZerg
TeamLiquid, September 15, 2006
Fans will be able to see Boxer playing some more games before joining the Army.
A special event called SuperFight hosted by CJ Media
will feature 2 best-of-5 matches between Boxer and 2 great Zerg players
that fans want to see him fight against most. They are YellOw - his
lifetime rival, and IPXZerg (aka Savior) - a new generation ZvT star.
SuperFight will take place on October 3rd, 6 days before Boxer's enrollment.
What an awesome occasion to say goodbye!
Read more...
SuperFight homepage...
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Boxer quits MSL
TeamLiquid, September 15, 2006
The game against SiLvEr yesterday is probably Boxer's last Starleague game before he joins the Army.
Today, Boxer has announced his withdrawal from MSL Pringles 2 due to the fact that
the quarterfinal rounds will not end before his
scheduled enrollment. There will be an extra game between Nal_rA and SiLvEr to decide who will take Boxer's place.
So the sad news has arrived earlier than expected,
but at least fans can be comforted that Boxer has played with his best in the last 2 games.
Read more...
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MSL Pringles 2 - Week 4: Boxer vs SiLvEr - Congratulations, Boxer!
TeamLiquid, September 15, 2006
Our Emperor has made his second win
after an overwhelming TvZ battle against the
challenger SiLvEr. This win advances him to the second stage - round of 8.
Let us all hope the last days of his amazing career will last for as long as it could.
VOD...
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Boxer's first visit to the Army
TeamLiquid, September 15, 2006
Boxer has just visited the Air Force, where he will spend the
next 2.5 years to do his service.
Not so surprisingly, the Emperor was ceremonially greeted by the unit.
View video...
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MSL Pringles 2 2006 - Results and standings
TeamLiquid, September 14, 2006
Everything you need to know about the ongoing last Starleague of the Emperror.
Updated regularly by jkillashark at teamliquid.net.
Notice: Boxer will play against SiLvEr tonight (on map Longinus)!
Read more...
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Interview after defeating Nal_rA: "I want to still be a pro in my 30s."
TeamLiquid, August 25, 2006
"..I wanted an even longer match. I wanted to see Nal_ra use everything
Protoss has, Aribters, Carriers, everything. I wanted to beat Nal_ra
after he did everything he could against me. Whenever I lost to Nal_ra
I lost only after showing everything I had. I hoped that would happen
today too but I won before it could happen. So I'm not as happy as I
thought I would be. "
Read more...
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MSL Pringles 2 - Week 1: Boxer defeated Nal_rA
TeamLiquid, August 27, 2006
...On the one hand Nal_rA, who placed 2nd after Savior last season, and
on the other hand no less than the Emperor himself. The Emperor, who
may be playing the last Starleague of his career. Both players have
a long history and before this game the statistics displayed a comfortable
9-2 in Dream Toss' favour. They are also both known for their strategic
genius and the ability to adapt to new and unusual maps, Blitz
is such a map.
Read more...
VOD...
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Boxer is leaving
TeamLiquid, August 17, 2006
..The time has come. The real world has
come barging into this virtual world of StarCraft and plucked the biggest and
brightest star. In the back of our minds we all knew the day would come, but as
the years rolled by and we clung to the faint hope that the inevitable could be
put off forever.
Read more...
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