Another big drama in South Korean esports is unfolding after KT Rolster didn’t live up to some fans’ expectations in this offseason.Â
After a sloppy 2020 season, KT has almost completely rebuilt its LCK roster by signing a few players with LCK experience, as well as several rookies. Even though it’s admirable that KT is going for some young players with lots of potential, some fans are not happy about the decision.Â
After promoting players such as jungler Lee “Bonnie” Gwang-su and support Lee “Harp” Ji-yoong from the KT Academy roster, Korean fans are launching a protest in the streets of Seoul in a way that has been seen before. Just like during the recent T1 controversy, fans will drive around in billboard vans, carrying around the protest message.Â
The expectations of a star-packed roster for the 2021 LCK season started when the coach of KT reportedly indicated that the team was going to spend big in the offseason. As that didn’t happen, fans are now disappointed that KT won’t be fielding any big names next season.Â
According to Inven, some fans are also complaining about the fact that the team didn’t resign with bot laner Kim “Aiming” Ha-ram, who was the shining light of KT in 2020. Even though KT didn’t make a deep run in any of the splits, Aiming was consistently performing as one of the best bot laners in the league. It’s unknown where he will play next season, but it won’t be on KT.  Â
While some KT fans are currently disappointed with the offseason changes, there is still a lot of potential in the new young KT squad. Led by players such as mid laner Son “Ucal” Woo-hyeon and former DRX top laner Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon, the young KT rookies might be able to shine after getting some stage experience.Â
Time will tell if KT was smart by investing in young talent or if they will have another shaky season.Â
KT Rolster is a South Korean esports organization that was founded back in 1999. In its early days, KT Rolster was known as one of the biggest organizations in Starcraft before entering League of Legends in 2012. Back then, KT Rolster created two teams and has since then been represented in the best league known as the LCK today.Â
For the 2021 season, KT Rolster has made quite a few changes to its LCK roster. A total of five new players have been signed during the offseason, with only mid laner Son “Ucal” Woo-hyeon remaining from the 2020 roster.Â
KT Rolster’s 2021 LCK team consists of:Â
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
