Images: Riot Games
The 2022 World champion still wants to return to LoL esports after he completes his 2-year service.
League of Legends Worlds 2022 Champion Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu, one of the most popular AD Carries in the League of Legends (LoL) esports scene, has shared his plans to fulfil his mandatory military service in South Korea next year, through an interview with Wanjia Esports posted on Monday (26 August) by X (formerly known as Twitter) user @rumor_1023:
“It seems like I'm going to perform military service next year,” Deft said, according to translation provided by X user @YellowDeft.
“If my skills don't decline when I come back, and if any team contacts me, I can always be a player again. That's what I think,” the KT Rolster bot laner added.
In South Korea, military service is a mandatory duty for all able-bodied male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28. This requirement is deeply rooted in the nation's need for a robust defence posture due to ongoing tensions with North Korea. The service period varies depending on the military branch, with the Army and Marines typically requiring 18 months, the Navy 20 months, and the Air Force 21 months.
For many South Korean men, military service is a significant cultural and social milestone, often seen as a rite of passage.
While exemptions and deferrals are available for certain individuals, particularly those who contribute significantly to national prestige, such as athletes and musicians, these cases are often the subject of public debate.
A storied career in LoL
Deft's professional journey began in early 2013 with MVP Blue, which later became Samsung Blue. His early years were marked by significant success, and in 2014, he made a strategic move to China, joining EDward Gaming (EDG) in the LPL.
During his time with EDG, Deft secured multiple LPL regional titles and achieved international glory by winning the 2015 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).
In 2016, Deft returned to his homeland, South Korea, to compete in the LCK under KT Rolster. After a brief stint with DRX, Deft joined Hanwha Life Esports—where the team ended their run in the quarterfinals.
Deft’s “Last Dance”
However, it was in 2022 that Deft's career reached new heights. Rejoining DRX in what he thought would be his last dance in LoL esports, he helped the team qualify for the World Championship as the LCK's fourth seed.
Despite being considered underdogs, DRX and Deft executed a stunning Cinderella run throughout the tournament, dominating in the Play-ins, surviving the Group Stage, and overcoming powerhouse teams at the Knockout Stage, including Deft’s former teammates in EDward Gaming, Gen.G, and ultimately defeating T1 in a pulse-pounding finals to claim the Summoner's Cup.
The road after winning Worlds
Following the World Championship win, Deft transitioned to DK Plus (formerly DAMWON KIA Gaming) and later signed with KT Rolster for the 2024 season, reuniting with former DRX teammates Hong "Pyosik" Chang-hyeon and Cho "BeryL" Geon-hee.
The squad's performance has been strong, leading them to qualify for the 2024 LCK Regional Finals, where they will compete for one of two spots at the upcoming Worlds 2024.
As Deft prepares for his mandatory military service, which typically lasts between 18 and 21 months, the League of Legends community may wonder what might be next for the beloved “Alpaca”.
Deft himself has already expressed a desire to return to pro play after military service. If his abilities remain intact after his service, there is little doubt that this legendary player will find a team eager to have him on their roster.
Or who knows? Or who knows? He might return in another capacity, perhaps as a coach, analyst, or streamer. Fans would have to wait until his military service is over.
Until then, we can only wish KT Rolster luck in the LCK Regional Finals, where they have one last chance to qualify at Worlds.
