When the value of LCK players skyrocketed in the past, the prevailing opinion among officials was that recruiting Vietnamese players like Le 'SoPm' Quang Duy (currently a player and leader of MVK eSports), who had played in the LPL for eight years, would be a good idea. However, many questioned whether Vietnamese players could make it to the LCK, and the story fell through.
As time passed, DRX held a tryout in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2022 to find promising global players. Two players were selected from there. The players chosen were 'Ragefeel' Tran Bao Minh and 'Chica' Bore Nhan (MVK eSports Academy).
DRX's "Lazyfeel," who was called up to the first team last year, became the first foreign player to receive a POM award in a match against Brion on May 29th. Along with "Lazyfeel," the interpreter who garnered attention that day was Gaeul (real name Tran Nuy Phuong). Gaeul, who interpreted from Korean to Vietnamese during the main interview, then seamlessly transitioned from English to Vietnamese during the global broadcast, surprising global commentators.
"Lazyfeel and I started the season with high expectations. Then, I was suddenly promoted to the first team, which surprised me. It was both exciting and fulfilling," Gaeul said during a recent meeting. "Of course, there were difficult times in the middle of the season, but I learned a lot," she said, reflecting on her time between the first and second teams last year.
She added, "Vietnamese fans are very interested in the LCK, which is the most popular league. I know that there are people who know me, as well as "Lazyfeel." She added, "I want to show my best effort."
Gaeul has been working as a freelance interpreter for LoL, Valorant, and PUBG since 2023. He mentioned the changing environment, saying, "At the end of 2024, an acquaintance contacted me and asked if I would like to apply for an interpreter position at DRX." He continued, "I was curious to see that an LCK team was looking for a Vietnamese interpreter. I applied, was accepted, and went to Vietnam right after joining the team. The players they brought with them at that time were 'Ragefeel' and 'Chika.' That's when I started working as an interpreter."
Gaeul, who came to Korea five years ago, was a T1 fan. When asked about her favorite player, she said it was Han "Peanut" Wang-ho. She said she'd been interested in LoL esports for the past 10 years, but because there was no way to access LCK content in Vietnam, she had no choice but to read English articles and Twitter (now X).
While interacting with the players, she was amazed by the systematic Korean system. "It's tighter than I thought," she said. "When I came to Korea, I realized that there are regular practice sessions and individual practice sessions. A certain amount of exercise is also required. I thought it was amazing how much care was taken of the players."
Gaeul, who participated as an interpreter at the Asian esports tournament held in Can Tho, Vietnam last November, said, "Can Tho is a city in the Vietnamese countryside. It's about a three-hour drive. It was amazing to see fans wearing team uniforms even though it was so far away. Seeing them screaming and cheering really made me realize how popular the LCK is."
He also mentioned the changes in 'Lazyfeel'. Ga-eul said, "When 'Lazyfeel' first came, he was quiet and solitary. I worried a lot," but added, "He's become close with his seniors while going back and forth between the first and second teams, and now he's joking around in Korean and doing well. I'm very proud. Even during scrims, he used to just listen to feedback at first, but now he can express his own opinions. I'm really proud," he said with a smile.
Finally, he said, "While working for the team, I became interested in media and marketing. I want to know what the players like and are interested in like I did 10 years ago, but it hasn't been easy because of the language barrier. Going forward, I want to make the LCK more accessible to Vietnamese fans. I always have to think about how Vietnamese fans can enjoy the LCK."
When the value of LCK players skyrocketed in the past, the prevailing opinion among officials was that recruiting Vietnamese players like Le 'SoPm' Quang Duy (currently a player and leader of MVK eSports), who had played in the LPL for eight years, would be a good idea. However, many questioned whether Vietnamese players could make it to the LCK, and the story fell through.
As time passed, DRX held a tryout in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2022 to find promising global players. Two players were selected from there. The players chosen were 'Ragefeel' Tran Bao Minh and 'Chica' Bore Nhan (MVK eSports Academy).
DRX's "Lazyfeel," who was called up to the first team last year, became the first foreign player to receive a POM award in a match against Brion on May 29th. Along with "Lazyfeel," the interpreter who garnered attention that day was Gaeul (real name Tran Nuy Phuong). Gaeul, who interpreted from Korean to Vietnamese during the main interview, then seamlessly transitioned from English to Vietnamese during the global broadcast, surprising global commentators.
Gaeul has been working as a freelance interpreter for LoL, Valorant, and PUBG since 2023. He mentioned the changing environment, saying, "At the end of 2024, an acquaintance contacted me and asked if I would like to apply for an interpreter position at DRX." He continued, "I was curious to see that an LCK team was looking for a Vietnamese interpreter. I applied, was accepted, and went to Vietnam right after joining the team. The players they brought with them at that time were 'Ragefeel' and 'Chika.' That's when I started working as an interpreter."
"Lazyfeel and I started the season with high expectations. Then, I was suddenly promoted to the first team, which surprised me. It was both exciting and fulfilling," Gaeul said during a recent meeting. "Of course, there were difficult times in the middle of the season, but I learned a lot," she said, reflecting on her time between the first and second teams last year.
She added, "Vietnamese fans are very interested in the LCK, which is the most popular league. I know that there are people who know me, as well as "Lazyfeel." She added, "I want to show my best effort."
Gaeul, who came to Korea five years ago, was a T1 fan. When asked about her favorite player, she said it was Han "Peanut" Wang-ho. She said she'd been interested in LoL esports for the past 10 years, but because there was no way to access LCK content in Vietnam, she had no choice but to read English articles and Twitter (now X).
While interacting with the players, she was amazed by the systematic Korean system. "It's tighter than I thought," she said. "When I came to Korea, I realized that there are regular practice sessions and individual practice sessions. A certain amount of exercise is also required. I thought it was amazing how much care was taken of the players."
Gaeul, who participated as an interpreter at the Asian esports tournament held in Can Tho, Vietnam last November, said, "Can Tho is a city in the Vietnamese countryside. It's about a three-hour drive. It was amazing to see fans wearing team uniforms even though it was so far away. Seeing them screaming and cheering really made me realize how popular the LCK is."
He also mentioned the changes in 'Lazyfeel'. Ga-eul said, "When 'Lazyfeel' first came, he was quiet and solitary. I worried a lot," but added, "He's become close with his seniors while going back and forth between the first and second teams, and now he's joking around in Korean and doing well. I'm very proud. Even during scrims, he used to just listen to feedback at first, but now he can express his own opinions. I'm really proud," he said with a smile.
Finally, he said, "While working for the team, I became interested in media and marketing. I want to know what the players like and are interested in like I did 10 years ago, but it hasn't been easy because of the language barrier. Going forward, I want to make the LCK more accessible to Vietnamese fans. I always have to think about how Vietnamese fans can enjoy the LCK."