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KKOMA returns to T1 as Head Coach
Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun has returned to T1 to serve as their head coach heading into the 2024 LCK season. His return to T1 marks a half decade since he last coached for the historic Korean organization.
kkOma’s return also signifies the end of Im “Tom” Jae-hyeon’s run as Interim Head Coach (with the latter moving back down to resume responsibility as a coach). The former’s career spans all the way back to December 2012, when he transitioned from a jungler on Startale to SK Telecom T1. He spent a total of 8 years with the organization in varying capacities of coaching (swapping between Coach and Head Coach).
He finally left in November 2019 to coach Vici Gaming. From there, he transitioned to DWG KIA (then known as DAMWON, now known as DPlus KIA), where he spent the last 2 years. He transitioned from coach to Athletic Director, swapping with Yang “Daeny” Dae-in midway through his tenure.
It was during his tenure as SKT’s Head Coach that they won their first 3 Worlds titles, and up until the 19th of November, he was tied with Faker in number of Worlds titles.
Fate of the T1 Roster
For the time being, there have been no rumors/reports on the fate of the 2023 T1 roster, aside from this coach swap. T1’s roster most recently won the 2023 Worlds Championship, solidifying the organization as the only 4-time winner.
The general sentiment is that the roster should stay together, and some of the roster members have expressed their desire to remain together. However, they have also been open about the fact that it was likely that the 2023 Worlds would be their last tournament together as a five-man.
T1 Current 2024 LCK Roster
- Top Lane: Choi “Zeus” Woo-je (contract expiring)
- Jungle: Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun (extended contract until Nov 2024)
- Mid Lane: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok (extended contract until Nov 2025)
- AD Carry: Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong (contract expiring)
- Support: Ryu “Keria” Min-seok (contract expiring)
A tradition for Worlds-winning rosters is they seldom stay together after. The reasons vary from being offered better opportunities to extreme costs of maintenance for the original organization to retain the entire roster. Time will tell what this roster’s fate will be.
*Coach Kim “Sky” Ha-neul has also announced their departure from the organization. Sky has stated that he intends to do complete his military service. Kim “Roach” Kang-hui also departed from T1 but as of the 27h of Nov, has been re-signed and returned to the historic organization.
Credit: LoL Esports // Riot Games
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