After a retirement period of just over a month, Kim “PraY” Jong-in has announced that he is set to join KT Rolster and return to the LCK.
PraY is set to rejoin teammates Song “Smeb” Kyung-ho, Go “Score” Dong-bin, Gwak “Bdd” Bo-seong and No “SnowFlower” Hoi-jong in a move that could see current starting AD Carry Jeon “Zenit” Tae-gwon benched to make way for the veteran player. It is reasonable to assume that PraY would not come out of retirement for less than the starting position.
In the announcement of his retirement in April 2019, PraY appeared exhausted and emotional and cited needing a break as one of the prime motivations for the move. This came not long after his loss 3-1 versus Afreeca Freecs and failing to qualify for the 2018 World Championship as a member of KINGZONE DragonX.
In a career that started in 2012, the legendary player has won Korea’s domestic title on three occasions and has attended the World Championships five times. He played in the World Championship final in 2015, losing out to SK Telecom T1. In each of PraY’s appearances he has lost to the eventual winner of the tournament.
Injury and poor performances meant KT Rolster had to fight relegation and managed to secure their 2019 LCK Summer Split participation by beating Jin Air Green Wings 3-0. The team will be desperate to put a 4-14 split, their worst result to date, behind them and build back towards the form of the title-winning side from 2018.
It is currently unknown if the organisation will make any more roster moves prior to the beginning of the summer split. Whatever the motivations for PraY to rejoin, be it LCK glory or perhaps another Worlds appearance, the team will have to show dramatically improved form to get him there.
PraY and KT Rolster will return to competitive play when the 2019 LCK begins on June 5.
