Another exodus of Korean talent might be coming, since the contracts of multiple star players are coming up and the new LCK financial rules might hinder teams to pay the same money.
The Korean LCK is nearing the end of its season and as usual many fans are eagerly awaiting the playoffs. It might be the last time, that fans are able to watch their favorite players, since multiple contract are running out after the season. Another exodus of Korean star players is possible. Here are the names.
LoL: Korean Star Players Might Leave in Exodus
The Korean LCK is seen as the strongest league in competitive League of Legends by many and its teams have won multiple international titles. The league and the whole region is also known for producing the biggest star players and high skilled talent on a regular basis.
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Only the Chinese LPL can be seen as a contender in star- and financial power. With only a few matches and the playoffs left, the LCK is nearing the end of its season, which means that multiple contracts are coming up. Including many well known names like Jihun "Chovy" Jung, Han "Peanut" Wangho or Lee "Gumayusi" Minhyung.
LCK will have the craziest off-season ever
by u/Intrepid-Painter-483 in leagueoflegends
Now many fans are asking if there might be another exodus of Korean talent into other regions, like China or North America, especially after the new financial rules introduced by the LCK a few weeks ago. But let's take a look at the biggest names, which could end up without a new contract. It's safe to say, it will be an interesting off-season.
Hanwha Life Esports
Hanwha Life Esports is currently on rank 3 in the LCK and is a strong contender for the Korean title. After the season, the team could face huge changes as nearly all contracts are going to expire, making the players free agents.
Especially a talented veteran player like Viper will be interesting for other franchises, and he already played in China for over a year. So he has some international experience as well. After November, there would be only four people still under contract at Hanwa Life, so huge changes might be coming for the organization.
Dplus Kia
Dplus KIA might be one of the most star filled franchises in the LCK, and could keep a lot of their players, since many contracts are ending next year. However, massive names like Heo "Showmaker" Su, Kim "Deft" Hyeok Gyu or Kim "Canyon" Gunboo might could leave at the end of November as their contracts are about to expire.
None of these players ever played outside of Korea and there aren't any rumors about a possible interest from other organization. Showmaker spent his entire career in the franchise (since 2017) and is most likely willing to extend his commitment. But only the future will show, how the situation might look in three months. And money is always a deciding factor in the world of professional sports.
To be exact, the contracts of the whole starting lineup are about to expire at the end of November 2023, so massive changes are facing the org.
kt Rolster
kt Rolster is facing a though time since four out of five starting players contracts are about to run out at the end of November. At the moment, kt Rolster is on the second place of the LCK, so there should be an interest for the franchise to extend the contracts of their successful roster.
Especially well known players like Kim "Aiming" Haram and Son "Lehends" Si Woo should be interesting for many teams from all over the world.
OKSavingsBank BRION
The franchise is having an underwhelming season this year and is second to last in the LCK, so it will be interesting to see, if the org event wants to extend some contracts. But they should probably do it, since all contracts of their starting line-up are about to end. So changes are likely to come.
It's unlikely that OK's players are interesting for top Korean franchises, but European or North American orgs could have their eyes set on them. So let's see how the roster might look like next season.
T1
T1 is one of the most popular and successful franchises in the esport landscape and has multiple big names under contract. Three of these contracts are about to expire at the end of November. These are Choi "Zeus" Wooje, Lee "Gumayusi" Minhyung and Ryu "Keria" Minseok. Some of them have been part of T1 for years.
Of course players with this format are interesting for nearly every team in the world, so there might be a race to secure these players services. An T1 exodus might be coming. And to every T1 fan, be calm, Fakers contract runs until 2025.
Gen.G
The current leader of the LCK might face some big changes after the end of the season, since all contracts but one are running out. So, well known and respected players like Han "Peanut" Wangho, Jung "Chovy" Jihun or Woo "Winner" Joosung are able to negotiate with other franchises.
And by looking at their current form, there should be teams from all over the world with a huge interest in getting them. The only question is, if the players are willing to leave the world's best team but the financial possibilities of North American and Chinese orgs might be too tempting.
KWANGDONG FREECS
The KWANGDONG FREECS are one of the few franchises that could keep a big portion of their players, since only one contract of their starting lineup is about to expire. Right now the team is sharing the last place with two other orgs, so there might be some changes nevertheless.
Only Moon "Andil" Gwan-bin's contract is coming up after the season, and it seems unlikely that FREECS are interested in prolonging his stint
DRX
DRX is playing an absolute stinker of a season and is way behind their own expectations. The team ranks dead last in the LCK, so it seems unlikely the the org is even interested in extending some of the expiring contracts. This could mean that players like Kim "Rascal" Kwang Hee or Jo "BeryL" Geonhee might look for other options.
And players with their caliber should be able to find a new team quickly. So it's possible that we're going to witness a true exodus of DRX players to other teams or regions.
Nonhsgim Redforce
NongShim Redforce is playing a mediocre season with five wins to eleven losses and will mostly likely watch out for new players to improve the roster. But beside their own ambitions there would be no reason for bigger changes, since most players are contracted until the end of next season.
Only the contracts of Song "Quad" Sunhyeong and Shin "CoCo" Jinyeong are ending in November. It will be interesting to see how Redforce might act on the transfer market.
LiiV SANDBOX
Liiv SANDBOX are currently sharing the rank 6 with Redforce in the LCK and might have to make huge changes to the roster. All contracts of the line-up are about to expire at the end of November, so we might see a whole different team next season.
This means that big names like Lee "Clozer" Ju-hyeon and Park "Teddy" Jin-seong are on the market, and surely interesting for many team from several other regions. Especially Teddy, who has been part of the scene since 2016, would be a nice addition to nearly every roster.
Conclusion
Well, the LCK might see some of the biggest changes to its teams in years since overall 97 contracts are about to expire at the end of November. Many of these names are looking out for new teams and opportunities, which could lead them to other regions.
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Another big Korean exodus is very likely, since the new financial rulings of the league might lead to lower team budgets. Especially regions with high salaries like North America and China are tempting destinations for many well known talents, and it wouldn't be the first time that a huge amount of players are leaving Korea.
But the LCK and the Korean scene in general is full of talents, which are just waiting to show their skills. So, the region will still be competitive for the foreseeable future.
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