Fomos, 6/29/09

The Veteran of the OSL – StarGirl Un-ae Choi

“I wanna be closer to fans.”

The main players of the OSL are progamers and commentators. But lately there has been another player – “StarGirls” who help the gamers with setting inside the booth. There was a controversy about the implementation of them originally, but they have become the mascots of the OSL, even being featured in the opening video.

There have been a number of StarGirls. Lately Yeonji Seo has been popular. But she’s not the only one. There is another who has been around consistently, the oldest StarGirl Un-ae Choi (24).

She’s been around since the Daum OSL 2007 and was featured in the latest opening video. Finally here is an interview with her.

“Hi, I’m Un-ae Choi, the oldest StarGirl. I’m 24 and attending Seoul Arts University, majoring in acting. I’m nervous and yet excited and honored to be introduced finally,” Choi said.

It was a fresh introduction, in contrast to the static image of her helping out progamers with setting with expressionless face.

For a while her name was mistaken. Originally it was known as “Un-ae Chae.” What did she think about this?

“I was introduced as “Un-ae Chae” at an interview once. I corrected it at the next interview but the name stuck. I think I was known with that name for about two years, and I’ve heard that fans are still fighting over which is correct. It’s “Un-ae Choi,” Choi said, laughing.

The oldest StarGirl. Many StarGirls stayed on only temporarily. But Choi has been staying since the Daum OSL 2007. Since then she has become an expert on eSports. But she said that her StarCraft skill is not that good, revealing that she used to be a Protoss but is considering changing to Zerg because of the attractiveness of Mutalisk.

“I’ve been around since the Daum OSL 2007. At first I couldn’t even see anything on the stage and couldn’t understand what producers were saying. But after several seasons I got better and even noticed progamers setting habits. And I become more attentive to the sound setting,” Choi said.

The setting habits! Things that not even reporters don’t know much. Any gamer with interesting habits?

“Flash is really focused on setting, being sensitive. He measures things with a ruler. I didn’t realize that first but I think he started it during the last season. And Fantasy always tapes down his mouse pad to the table,” Choi said.

She got into being a StarGirl because of music video. At first she has a lot of thoughts in making the decision, but she has changed her mind since.

“I was once featured in a music video, and a staff member was involved in casting the OSL. So I got the offer, and though I even had dark circles because I was tired, I passed. Then the idea of StarGirls was controversial. So I was worried, but I think everybody has got used to it. I hope that StarGirls become something essential, not something eye-soring,” Choi said.

Since then fans have got to know ebtter what StarGirls do. They are parts of the official OSL staff. They help with setting and communicate difficulties with other staff members. They also control the booth temperature and the sound-proofness.

She’s been around longer, but lately Yeonji Seo has been gaining fame. There might be a jealousy, but she said she’s getting the benefit too.

Many fans think that StarGirls are friends with progamers. However, that’s not true. Rather, the relationship is awkward.

“It’s hard to be friends. We talk with coaches more because they have more time. It’s hard to start talking with a progamer, because we don’t wanna make them uncomfortable before a game. But over years I realize every progamer has his good and pleasant side.

Some fans say that she resembles Hwasin.

“I didn’t like that comparison first. But they said I should be happy to be compared to a pretty guy like Hwasin (laugh). Since then I feel more friendly with him. I don’t know if we look alike though (laugh),” Choi said.

StarGirls have been more active, being featured in the opening video and “7224.”

“‘7224′ was fun! I wanted to be a regular. There aren’t many shows like that. I look static in the booth, so I tried to change that image through ‘7224.’ I didn’t want to sing but they made me,” Choi said.

The latest OSL opening video popular for its underwater shot. StarGirls were featured there, and Choi said it was difficult yet unforgettable. The first time StarGirls were featured in the opening.

“Yeonji Seo was scared of water. So I had to go five meter underwater. I practiced, but I couldn’t see and my ears were hurting. The water pressure was difficult. But it was unforgettable. I was glad to be featured,” Choi said.

Can we see her in other TV shows besides the OSL? Her fanbase has grown. At the Batoo OSL final, she gave out 20 autographs. The OSL staff has recognized her potential as well.

As an acting major, she has a desire to become an actress. “I learned a lot as a Stargirl, things that I didn’t think I would learn. I think I can approach the goal of actress better. I will try to show other side of me at other places!” Choi said.

“Please love the OSL! And please don’t just think about the booth image; I hope to present other sides through different channels!” Choi said.