The current head of content for LCK is Jin Ye-won, a woman with a petite frame but who “handles everything.” From managing foreign commentators to conducting interviews and compiling statistics of team matchups, everything must be approved by Jin Ye-won before reaching the audience.
Many think that during major tournaments like Worlds or MSI, Ye-won would get a break. But that’s not the case; she is still busy with preparations for the new season, aiming to make LCK the most exciting arena globally.
That’s why it was quite a challenge for Inven Global to conduct an interview with Jin Ye-won while the LCK Summer 2020 was in full swing. Let’s see how this petite woman can manage her work and responsibilities.
Please introduce yourself and briefly describe your daily work!
I am Jin Ye-won, the International Content Director of LCK. I am responsible for overseeing all content broadcast globally for the tournament, training and managing foreign commentators. Another aspect of my job is negotiating to bring the live streaming of LCK matches outside Korea, to places like China or France.
Additionally, I am often assigned by Riot Games to oversee content at international tournaments.
When did you start working in this role?
Was it destiny? (Laughs) When I first got the job, I was preparing to receive my PhD at university. My thesis was about Esports.
When I saw the job posting, I had some doubts because I didn’t think it was a stable job. I didn’t have much information, but I still tried to send my CV, which included my grades and work experience from my student days. Looking back now, I think I made the right decision.
What motivated you to work here?
I had a brief time working as an analyst and planner at NC Soft. I was involved in the development of Guild Wars 2 and WildStar. That short period helped me understand foreign gamers’ preferences very well.
Personally, I also often explore media. I am very curious about how it will change in the future.
My main field is video content production. With that work experience, I think I have the ability to create impressive content for viewers.
I really enjoy video games, especially MMORPGs. I was once one of the most famous players on the Korean server of Aion, battling alongside my “brothers” in the guild for many years. After that period, since MMORPGs stopped emerging, I only had League of Legends left.
I am getting older, so my rank isn’t very high. I once reached Gold I but have since dropped to Silver. That said, having watched many matches, I have quite a bit of knowledge about League of Legends. Now in my spare time, I play Teamfight Tactics and have a Platinum rank (Laughs).
After your time working, what is your best product?
I am very proud of the series The Pog State. It was also my first product as a Director.
I began working on The Pog State in July last year, with content revolving around the stories behind the scenes of the LCK world.
That series has gone through 9 episodes without encountering any technical or content errors. Not only have Korean fans enjoyed it, but players worldwide have liked it too.
You are determined to expand LCK globally. So what is your first priority when working?
Esports is still developing, so its direction is sometimes not clearly defined. Personally, I want to help the community develop in a better way, so the products we release must be truly polished.
The recording ended after more than 3 hours, but the content that could be used was only about 1 hour. When looking into the viewership of LCK, I noticed that there are many children. Therefore, sometimes our analysis panel has to limit the use of strong language and slang.
In the near future, I will try to interact with younger fans in better ways than now.
The Covid-19 pandemic must have greatly affected the Korean Esports scene. What do you think has changed?
A lot. In the US, they are still having to broadcast matches remotely, and so are we. During this time, we face considerable challenges in technology and techniques. Although it’s unfortunate, a large number of viewers will be affected. But I actually think Esports is luckier than traditional sports because tournaments can still take place online.
I have to work harder. For the fans, we always have to work closely together, so the risk of Covid-19 infection is very high if we don’t wear masks. But also due to wearing them for too long, I am currently having skin issues (Laughs).
Compared to the past, LCK seems to attract fewer viewers worldwide now. What do you think is the reason?
The number of viewers is not an issue, I think. LCK is a unique tournament, with distinct characteristics and a rich history. Fans still greatly enjoy the matches in LCK.
Sometimes, the number of live viewers also depends on the style of the commentators.
As a fan, what do you think of the status of LCK teams?
Quite… poor (Laughs). But we can’t always be first; you should understand this. Other regions are rising very quickly due to meta shifts, and LCK certainly has the opportunity to rise like that too. I have high hopes for this summer tournament.
LCK will be transitioning to a franchised format next year. How do you think this change will affect your current work?
With franchising, everything will become more systematic. Teams will increasingly shift towards the international market, so my work will become even more important. We need to prepare very well for that prospect.
The cultures of Europe and Korea are very different. Does this create any challenges for you?
They are quite different, aren’t they? Even the meme systems are different. I am a true gamer, so I know a lot of memes but can’t say I understand them all.
If using European memes, I would have to explain them to Korean audiences and vice versa. This requires a significant effort from the entire team.
What do you think are the pros and cons of your current job?
I am fortunate to work with young people who share the same aspirations. They enjoy my ideas, so the work environment is very pleasant. Secondly, this job allows me to meet any famous player I admire (Laughs).
On the flip side, I have to balance my work and everyday life. Esports matches are often held late in the day. During that time, I am very busy, so meeting friends and family seems nearly impossible. I work almost all week, with no days off.
Foreign commentators often work well from night until morning. To communicate with them, I obviously have to stay up during those times.
In this regard, I find my job quite similar to that of reporters.
What are your goals?
I want to create great content that helps gamers feel excited. I need to understand the viewers better.
I am lucky to be in the right field, engaged with what I love. I want to share my happiness and passion with everyone.
Thank you, Jin Ye-won, for sharing with Inven Global!
Source: Inven Global, translated by Sport5