Dongjin Park has made a successful transition from a national player in PUBG MOBILE Esports into a commentator. He proved himself with his witty words and sharp eyes during the PUBG MOBILE GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP (PMGC) 2021. Although his life seems to be full of things about PUBG MOBILE, he also had a career as a surgical nurse. Read on this newest KRAFTON blogpost to find out more behinds-the-scene stories about him.
Nice to meet you. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi. My name is Dongjin Park and I’m a PUBG MOBILE Esports commentator.
PMGC 2021 ended few weeks ago. How have you been since then?
I’m very much into NEW STATE MOBILE recently. I’m playing it very hard. I often play PUBG MOBILE scrimmage with the pro players. I also started playing PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS again after the game has switched to a free-to-play service. Although it’s a short break for me as a commentator, my life is still full of things about the battle-royale games.
As a commentator, what you can tell us about the latest PMGC?
First, DWG KIA gave me a strong impression. They won the East League Finals. Actually, DWG KIA was not that recognized as a promising team when PMGC 2021 started because there were so many outstanding teams. They actually started quite slow in the early stages of the East League Finals, but they turned the tide all by themselves. I was so proud and just thinking about it still makes my heart pound even now. Although they ended up not so high in the rankings chart of the Grand Finals, I anticipate much about this team as they are expected to show even better performances this year.
What’s the most unforgettable moment for you in PMGC 2021?
The most impressive match for me was the one from the East League Finals in which DWG KIA won the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner in the Sanhok map with 19 kills. They forced Team Secret stuck in the Camp Charlie and spread wide to eliminate the opponent one by one using grenades. This was like a signal for DWG KIA to win in the East League Finals.
Another interesting moment was NV’s Order clinching the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner by himself against the full-squad opponent. I always go through all the matches I commentated, and those two scenes still make me thrilled.
Which players do you personally keep your eyes on?
Many Korean players have transferred to Japanese teams. Some worry that Korea is losing talent. But I considered it in the other way. That’s how many rookies could appear. Recently I’m paying extra attention on SPORTA and SayDen of DS Gaming these days.
I also keep my eyes on JUSTHI1S, who used to be my teammate when I was in GC Busan. He’s now in Japan’s REJECT now. And, of course, YEONJUN, who’s in SCARZ now. Keep your eyes on these players and you’ll be able to enjoy watching their games.
You must have your favorite player in mind, don’t you?
It would be a lie if I say I don’t. I believe one of the biggest charms of esports is that it makes you a fan of the game as you pay attention to the matches. I’ve said repeatedly while I was commentating that I’m a fan of paraboy of NV because he is a two-finger player like me. I also learned much from his plays before I retired. He’s still young. But he’s already a great player. I hope that many star players like him show up in Korea.
You made your debut as a PUBG MOBILE Esports commentator in 2020 and before that you were a PUBG MOBILE pro player. Could you tell us how did this change happen?
I studied nursing at the college. I used to play PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS for PC mostly. But I had to leave my desktop when I moved to a distant city to study at the college. That’s when I started playing PUBG MOBILE. I instantly realized that I could play it very well. I was so excited, and I played it a lot. At the end of the day, I was among the high-ranking players in the first season.
Later, I joined PUBG MOBILE Street Challenge and won the solo tournament unexpectedly. I signed up for the tournament to get some extra money. But it was a more absorbing experience than I thought. Some teams offered me to join, and I started my career as a pro player. At that time, I was a pro player and a college student at the same time. Then, the time had come for me to prepare the national exam for nursing. I compromised with reality and retired as a pro player. I was quite old as a pro player, and I was feeling that my performance is getting worse as I get more age. While working as a nurse after the exam, I got a job offer for a commentator. I accepted it without hesitation.
You must have tried hard to pass the exam and get the job as a nurse. How come you didn’t hesitate for accept the offer?
I didn’t hesitate even for a second. I took the offer right away. But a minute later, I was like “What should I do now?” I told the manager honestly that I really want to debut as a commentator, and I guess I would regret if I don’t. The manager rooted for me and told me that I can come back anytime. But I don’t consider it my option. As long as I think there is a place I can go back, I would be idle. So, I’m pushing myself hard to be a good commentator, thinking there’s nowhere else for me to go.
What kind of player were you back in the days?
People around me helped me much as I did my work and study at the same time. The coach let me freely schedule my time unless it means less efforts for practice. I didn’t have enough time, so I didn’t sleep much. My teammates called me ironman. I was an effort-type player, who practice very much, rather than a talented one.
Listening from you commentating, we all can find out that you pronounce very well. Do you have any career in the broadcasting sector before becoming a commentator?
I was a presenter all the time when I do group assignments at the college. I like talking in front of people. After I made my debut as a commentator, I thought I need to improve basic skills. So, I signed up for an academy for those who seek to be an announcer. I even worked as an emcee in a local broadcasting company by chance. I always do my best, so once I start something, I tend to see it through the end.
How was your debut as a commentator?
It was awful. I was a guest commentator for a global tournament. I think I was focusing only on what I was feeling. I cannot remember what I said then. My partner did all work while I was talking like one of the spectators. After the live broadcast was over, I watched through it and realized my mistakes. I learned much from the experience. The first commentating experience was so exciting that I find myself wanting to do more. I was assured.
You were in the national team for PUBG MOBILE Esports. As PUBG MOBILE has been chosen as an official medal sport in the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, how did you feel?
When I still was a pro player, PUBG MOBILE Esports didn’t have a great audience. I was so happy on the news that I even shouted out for joy. I was very delighted because the game made who I am today, and I love it so much. I’m a bit worried since there are many countries that very good at PUBG MOBILE, but competitions are players’ share. I hope Korea to gain a great result.
What do you think is the biggest strength of PUBG MOBILE Esports?
The blue zone chances in more unexpected ways! In PUBG Esports, the blue zones barely end up in water or mountains. But things are different in PUBG MOBILE. In many matches, the final blue zone lands on water or on some places that no one expects. This makes the game more exciting.
You can see exceptional strategies, too. Players tap into their opponents’ strategies against them for deception. They present diverse and impressive performances.
What do you think about the future of PUBG MOBILE Esports?
So many people are good at playing PUBG MOBILE. The gap between pros and amateurs is not that large, so it’s not so difficult to become a pro. You can find many opportunities that give amateurs to knock the door of pro-level tournaments. The game is also very accessible because you only need your fingers and a smartphone to practice it.
NV’s paraboy even became a model for an automobile commercial. PUBG MOBILE Esports players in Indonesia has the verified stickers on their social network service accounts. They are considered as celebrities there.
I believe chances are high in Korea as much as in some overseas countries. It’s obviously an exciting game. I believe PUBG MOBILE Esports will continue growing.
What is your goal as a commentator?
Compared to the global stage, PUBG MOBILE Esports are not that popular in Korea. But I’m not disappointed. There are so many steps that PUBG MOBILE Esports would advance on. I’m glad to be one of the pioneering people who work on PUBG MOBILE Esports in Korea. It’s prospective and I want to continue my career as a PUBG MOBILE Esports commentator for a long time.
It’s a great honor to work with senior casters and commentators who I’ve been watching since I was young. I hope to make many good commentaries with them and live an unregretful life. I’m older now than in the days when I was called an ironman, but I will work as hard as I can.
