Kim “JDCR” Hyun-jin is considered one of the top competitors set to participate in the upcoming Red Bull Golden Letters tournament. As a world-class TEKKEN player, he has established himself as one of the most skilled and successful players in the scene, notably clinching the first place at the EVO tournament in 2014 for Tekken Tag Tournament 2.
However, events like EVO differ greatly from the Red Bull competitions. We recently had the opportunity to interview JDCR as he prepares for the tournament, discussing the current state of TEKKEN, its enhancements over the previous installment, the unique dynamics of the Red Bull Golden Letters tournament, and of course, the formidable character, Heihachi Mishima.
Insights from JDCR on the Red Bull Golden Letters tournament, Heihachi Mishima, and more
Q. Thank you for joining us! Could you introduce yourself to our audience who might be unfamiliar with you?
JDCR: Hello! I’m Kim “JDCR” Hyun-jin, a professional TEKKEN player representing Karmine Corp. I travel internationally to compete in various TEKKEN tournaments.
Q. As the Red Bull Golden Letters tournament approaches, how are you feeling? Any predictions on standout players besides yourself?
JDCR: Since the release of TEKKEN 8, I’ve participated in numerous competitions, gaining valuable experience with the game. I’m particularly watching Benjamin “Yagami”Torngdee closely, as his main character, Reina, is quite unique on the international stage and he has a distinctive playstyle.
Q. As a former EVO champion, how does your preparation differ for the Red Bull Golden Letters tournament compared to EVO?
JDCR: EVO and the Red Bull Golden Letters are fundamentally different types of tournaments. In EVO, sustaining physical stamina is crucial as one faces many unpredictable opponents throughout the day. Conversely, for Red Bull Golden Letters, I focus on studying the opponents’ playstyles and their chosen characters since the brackets are predetermined.
Q. Do you believe tournaments like Red Bull Golden Letters play a role in helping the community to showcase emerging talent?
JDCR: Absolutely! Tournaments like the Red Bull Golden Letters are essential for the community, as they provide quality competitive content and showcase high-level gameplay. I believe there’s potential for even more content aimed at professionals, through interviews and player narratives, which could further enrich the scene.
Q. You’ve demonstrated the power of Dragunov throughout 2024, one of the most lethal TEKKEN characters. You also have a long-standing connection with Heihachi, who is making a return this year. Are you excited to play as him, and could he replace Dragunov as your main character?
JDCR: For now, I plan to use Heihachi as my primary character. While it might be advantageous to select a stronger character for tournaments, my affinity for Heihachi has been long-standing. I’m eager to explore his capabilities in competitive play.
Q. TEKKEN 8 has been out for a few months. How would you compare it to TEKKEN 7? Is it an overall improvement, or are there elements you would adjust?
JDCR: TEKKEN 8 is more accessible for beginners compared to TEKKEN 7 and has made significant strides in graphics and music. The gameplay is more aggressive, but sometimes the mechanics can be overly favorable for attackers. Since it’s still relatively new, I wouldn’t change anything just yet; I trust that Bandai Namco will work on balancing the game over time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8ZJ7c_ZBgk
JDCR: International tournaments like the Red Bull Golden Letters are always exciting because they bring together various nationalities and distinct playstyles. This time in the UK, I look forward to facing European players and, particularly, Yagami since his character, Reina, is not commonly seen.
Q. Competing in tournaments can be daunting for some players. What advice do you have for those who feel anxious about showcasing their skills?
JDCR: No player considers their skills to be flawless, and everyone experiences nerves before matches. The mental aspect of competition improves with experience, as it helps enhance both mentality and skill levels. I advise embracing nerves positively and approaching each match with seriousness and dedication.
JDCR: I want to extend my gratitude to all my supporters.
The Red Bull Golden Letters tournament will take place on September 28 and 29, streaming on Twitch and YouTube. You can catch JDCR’s gaming content on Twitch, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
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