New Generation: Gen.G re-signs Peanut and Doran, parts ways with Lehends and YoungJae

Continued Faith

South Korean organization Gen.G has announced a re-signing of star jungler Han “Peanut” Wang-ho and Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon. The two will join Gen.G’s legendary mid laner Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon into the new 2023 season. The trio were part of the superteam assembled by Gen. G in anticipation of 2022, with the idea to win Worlds with the best talent South Korea had to offer.

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In the wake of their failure, veteran support Son “Lehends” Si-woo will see his departure from the organization, alongside sub Ko “YoungJae” Yeong-jae. “Lehends” was with Gen.G for a year, having previously competed under Afreeca Freecs.

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Despite the departure of the two, the re-signing of “Peanut,” and “Doran" demonstrated Gen.G’s faith in the concept and execution. Furthermore, the central piece of Gen.G, “Chovy” was already reported as early as June to have signed an extended contract through the end of 2023.

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Gen.G General Manager Lee Ji-hoon spoke on the re-signing of “Peanut,” saying: ‘[Peanut] exceeded expectations this year. We thought he was a player that the team really needed. Obviously, we had to re-sign him, and there was no reason not to.’

The Superteam that was promised?

In late 2021, in the wake of Worlds, Gen.G began assembling the pieces of a South Korean superteam. This included “Chovy,” one of the best mid laners in the world, “Peanut,” the veteran jungler, and “Doran.” “Peanut” has spent most of his career exploring the majority of the large South Korean rosters. He has played on the legendary ROX Tigers, making it to the semi-finals of Worlds 2016, and the finals of Worlds 2017 under the SK Telecom banner.

“Doran” meanwhile, had his true start on the legendary Griffin roster from late 2018, before transferring to DragonX (DRX). A highly decorated and experienced top laner, he came onto Gen.G as a top tier talent. There, the three joined Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk, one of the most decorated AD carries in South Korea.

“Ruler” was part of the historic Samsung Galaxy roster that shattered the SK Telecom and Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok’s dynasty in 2017. Earlier this month, on the 10th of Nov, Gen.G announced his departure from the roster in the wake of Worlds. A long-standing member of Gen.G, his departure comes as a shock to many fans of the organization, ending a 7-year-long stint.

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Different Look in the New Year

Despite a disappointing loss to DRX in the semifinals of Worlds 2022, Gen.G has performed spectacularly over the year, winning the Summer Split, and placing second in the Spring Split. With the departure of “Lehends” and “Ruler,” Gen.G’s bot lane will have a vastly different look in the new year.

Clear Direction Forward

Gen.G’s early secure of “Chovy” was spoken about earlier in the year when news broke out. The mid laner was infamous for never being signed with an esports organization for more than a year. Despite that, “Chovy” has garnered a reputation as one of the best mid laners of all time, rivalling the greatest mid laners such as “Faker,” “ShowMaker,” and “Rookie.”

Beginning his career with Griffin in 2018, the mid laner has consistently showcased brilliant mechanics, a 7-time LCK semi-finalist, and star playmaker for all his rosters. Perhaps Gen.G’s future currently looks dimmer than at the end of 2021, however, time will tell if this iteration can surpass their predecessor.

Image credit: Riot Games League of Legends