Kingzone DragonX's PawN skipping summer split due to health issues

Olivia Richman Published 29/05/2019

Kingzone DragonX’s midlaner Heo “PawN” Won-seok will not be playing in the 2019 LCK Summer Split. 

The rest from competing is for PawN’s health, which has continued to worsen during the latest offseason period. After consulting with the coaching staff, PawN decided to take the season off due to these health concerns. 

“During the post-season vacation, his health deteriorated,” the team said. “Prior to making such a tough decision, PawN made a great effort, such as training individually with the mental coach instead of going to Jeju Island for the team workshop. Nevertheless, we conclude that taking a rest is the best option for him.” 

Kingzone stated that PawN performed excellently during the LCK spring split. But he was noticeably missing from three games the team played. 

The Korean team’s overall performance thus far in 2019 has been solid. The squad ended the spring split in third place with a 13-5 record, even managing to take down eventual LCK domestic champion SK Telecom T1 twice. 

So what does this mean for the team going into the summer split? 

Shoutcaster Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith speculated that Kingzone DragonX may use the organization’s substitute mid laner Yoo “NAEHYUN” Nae-hyun. Unfortunately, NAEHYUN has struggled of late on the main stage. The issues with his play, combined with PawN’s health concerns, have led fans to wonder if there could be some last-minute changes to the Kingzone DragonX roster.

Olivia Richman

About Olivia Richman

Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.

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