Here’s when and why Deft is retiring from LoL esports

After losing to T1 at the 2024 LCK Championship, Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu is set to retire from playing competitive League of Legends in 2025.

Deft is one of the most accomplished League players to date. Perhaps most notably, he won Worlds with DRX back in 2022 and got his own in-game skin. He’s additionally won regional tournaments in both Korea and China several times, also taking home MVP awards. Many fans regard Deft as one of the best ADC players of all time. He currently is contracted with KT Rolster.

Despite all of his credits and acclaim, Deft will not be making it to Worlds 2024 and is retiring instead.

Deft is retiring to complete mandatory military service

Because of South Korean law, Deft has to leave KT Rolster and retire from the world of League esports

South Korea requires all men between the ages of 18 and 28 to complete a minimum of 18 months of mandatory military service. Citizens are able to defer service because of education or career status, but typically only until 28. Given that Deft will turn 28 in October 2024, he is unable to push back the deadline any longer to compete in next year’s League tournament.

Deft confirmed in August that he was getting ready to start his military service in 2025. When asked after his loss at the LCK Regional Championships what his plans for after he served were, he stated that he was unsure. Fans hope he’ll be able to leave retirement and return to his professional player status in 2027.

“But ending everything with today’s loss feels too disappointing, so I think I might challenge myself again after completing my military service,” said Deft in a new interview.

Who’s the next ADC player for KT Rolster?

Because of Deft’s need to retire, KT Rolster is going to have to find another ADC player.

The Korean-based KT Rolster is either going to have to poach an ADC laner from another team or find a new competitor. Originally, they got Deft from Dplus Kia in early 2024 and feature an inordinate number of past DRX members. Currently, the KT Rolster line-up consists of the following players.

• Top laner Lee “PerfecT” Seung-min
• Jungle laner Hong “Pyosik” Chang-hyeon
• Mid laner “Bdd” Gwak Bo-seong
• Support Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee

Hopefully, Deft will be able reverse his retirement and compete in another Worlds one day. Until then, his fans and others are wishing him the best of luck and a speedy service.