Faker returns as SKT rebuilds roster for 2019
Former world championship team SK Telecom T1 announced that star player Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is staying with the team.
SKT will be full of new faces in 2019. After a mediocre year, the organization appears ready to take over the LCK again. The team released seven players to rebuild the roster around Faker.
Kim “Khan” Dong-ha and Kim “Crazy” Jae-hee are the two top laners for SKT. Khan is leaving KINGZONE DragonX after nearly two years with the side. Khan found domestic success at KINGZONE DragonX but failed to win any international titles.
Crazy was part of bbq Olivers and considered a top tier player despite the poor results of the squad. After a rough summer season, bbq Olivers was demoted to the Korean challenger series, helping him to decide to move on.
Kim “Clid” Tae-min and Kang “Haru” Min-seung are the new junglers. Clid comes from JD Gaming in the LPL, while Haru joins after finishing his contract with Gen.G Esports where he shared playing time with Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong. Both junglers were highly valued in the free agent marketplace.
The mid lane still belongs to Faker. Rumors hinted that he could be leaving the team in 2019, but in the end he remained with the organization that made him famous. SK Telecom T1 didn’t provide financial details of the agreement, but Faker is likely to have done well for himself after being so highly sought after.
SKT also confirmed Park “Teddy” Jin-seong in the bottom lane, an aggressive carry player with a strong lane presence. He’s set to share playing time with Han “Leo” Gyeo-re, who renewed his contract with the team.
Last but not least, SKT announced Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong as the new support. Mata comes from KT Rolster, SKT’s main domestic rival. He brings years of experience and leadership to a team of aggressive players. Fellow support Lee “Effort” Sang-ho will back him up.
On paper, SKT is looking like the strongest squad in the LCK. The organization hopes to return to the top after failing to qualify for international competition in 2018.
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