Gen.G’s toplaner, Kim “Kiin” Gi-in, reached a significant milestone in 2024.
Joining Gen.G this year, he played a crucial role in their victory at the LCK Spring 2024, where they triumphed over T1 in a nail-biting 3-2 series.
His performance earned him Finals MVP, a big achievement for a pro player who previously hadn’t even come close to winning a domestic title. This victory marks Gen.G’s fourth consecutive LCK split win, setting the stage for Mid-Season Invitational 2024 (MSI).
In an exclusive interview with ONE Esports, Kiin shared what’s it’s like to to be part of Gen.G and the secret behind its success.
Gen.G Kiin describes the traits he appreciates the most in fellow teammates
In the heat of competition, especially after a loss, it’s easy to let emotions cloud judgment. Kiin emphasized the importance of admitting mistakes and learning from them as a professional player.
“For me, a valuable teammate can set their pride aside, listen attentively to the feedback that is given to them, and know how to apply it quickly,” he told ONE Esports.
This mindset not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens team unity. When players were willing to acknowledge their errors and work on them, it builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect.
“Even if you think you are right, if the team members say another thing, you should try to understand and apply the feedback as much as possible,” he said.
This reciprocal process ensures that feedback sessions are dialogues rather than monologues. By fostering an atmosphere where every voice was heard, the team stays on the same page. This results in Gen.G being able to brew strategies that are not only well-rounded but also inclusive.
“Our biggest strength is that everyone is just good at their own style,” he said. “And still able to play well together.”
He went on to highlight that the mental aspect of competitive gaming cannot be overstated. Despite kicking off 2023 strongly with KT Rolster, he experienced tough losses along the way. The team did not qualify for LCK finals, and ended the year after they were eliminated by JDG Gaming 1-3 at the 2023 League of Legends World Championship quarterfinals.
Kiin has learned how to tackle this challenge by starting each season with a refreshed mindset. He does this by doing absolutely nothing, even disconnecting himself from League of Legends.
“When I am exhausted, I think I prefer just resting and recovering my mind,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey with the Tiger Nation, he acknowledged the burden of expectations, especially given the team’s history of success. “When I moved to Gen.G this year, they won Spring and Summer Splits last year, so I thought I would have to be worthy enough to win a split,” he recalled.
This pressure had been a catalyst for his growth. By embracing feedback and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, they transformed challenges into stepping stones toward greatness.
“I felt a little burdened, but now that I’ve passed, I think I’m very satisfied that I’m doing very well,” he said.
Keep up with MSI 2024’s schedule, scores, and results here.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Kiin may not have gone pro if not for this bunch of friends
