On July 10, in the 2021 League of Legends Champions Korea Summer Split, kt Rolster defeated Fredit BRION 2-1. It was their first game of the second round this summer. Although they took a hit in the first game, kt Rolster took the next two games and won the match. After the match, kt Rolster head coach Kang “Hirai” Dong-hoon joined the press room to talk to the media.

“There were a lot of regretful results in the first round since we lost a lot of games that we really could have won,” said Hirai. During the first round, when kt Rolster won, they won 2-0, but whenever they got to game 3, they lost. “We thought and discussed a lot about why we get uneasy and lose concentration in game 3,” he said. “We’re in the process of overcoming the situation. I believe today’s victory is a new start.”

On starting jungler Kim “GIDEON” Min-seong today, Hirai said, “The goal of this year’s KT is to develop the players. GIDEON participated in the scrims and did well. His champion pool is also different from that of Blank’s.” He also mentioned how he worked it out within the team. “I’ve told the team about the rotation as well. We discussed in advance what the roles were for each player. Blank had a lot of that experience, so he did well.”

“Back in school, the teachers worked with the students that fell behind until the end. I'm not going to give up on the players who don’t do well and work with them so that they can overcome whatever situation,” said Hirai, on his coaching methods. “I talk a lot with them and try to know every detail of their situation such as if they’re not feeling well.”

The press continued by asking about Kim “Dove” Jae-yeon, who’s having an amazing split. Dove had gone up to 1st place in Player of the Game points with today’s match. “Dove is a player who is very flexible. From this split, I asked him to be more outgoing. I think his strengths are showing on stage as he’s the captain of the team this summer.”

When asked about the team’s performance not being relayed to their results, he said, “It’s not easy to maintain the players’ prowess at the top level. The experienced players are more consistent, but the bot duo has just reached the LCK and they’re still developing. They’re more inconsistent. However, I think it’s more important that they grow through this process.”

Going into the second round, Hirai said, “Although it wouldn’t be easy since we already have many losses, I want to reach the playoffs. The rookies are pressured a lot because they feel that they have to do well no matter what. One of the reasons that we’re not doing well in game 3s is about that. If they improve more in that matter, that would be the direction to win. I hope we become a team that can beat any team that way.”

Lastly, Hirai said, “Thank and sorry to those who cheer for us regardless of our results. I’ll try to repay you for your support through good results.”