Melany M. December 3, 2019
KT Rolster’s bottom laner Kim “Aiming” Ha-ram has issued an apology after it surfaced that he was in an intimate relationship with a fan who was a minor.
The information came out after Aiming decided to put an end to the relationship so that he could focus on the upcoming season. Aiming confirmed that instead of having a conversation regarding the decision, he cut off communications completely without an explanation. The relationship between Aiming and the fan started when 19-year-old pro Aiming privately messaged the 15-year-old fan. The player revealed that the relationship was of a sexual nature, and he regretted that it was made public.
KT's Aiming to end the year with another controversy
Aiming apologized for playing with the fan’s feelings because “he couldn’t express his own emotions.”
Aiming is no stranger to controversy. Back in 2018, Aiming alongside Kim “Rascal” Kwang-hee and Yoon “SeongHwan” Seong-hwan were discovered posting insensitive comments online. The player openly mocked the suicide of former South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun. At the time, Rascal was suspended from Kingzone DragonX. Aiming, who played for Afreeca Freecs at the time, and his teammates had to go through mandatory culture classes. Riot Games didn’t get involved because the comments were posted on a website not affiliated with Riot.
KT Rolster is yet to make a statement about the situation and it’s unclear if they will get involved at all. Many fans are asking for punishment and are criticizing the apology message, as Aiming stated that he was sorry for not taking feelings into consideration but didn’t address the age difference between him and the 15-year-old girl.
Aiming joins the worryingly long list of professional players that have abused their influence over young fans. In 2018, Overwatch League player Jonathan "DreamKazper" Sanchez was suspended for sexual misconduct after coercing an underaged fan to sent him explicit pictures. It looks as though Aiming may escape any such punishment.