Deft reportedly set to join Nongshim RedForce for LCK 2027 as the 2022 Worlds champion plans his return
2022 world champion Deft is reportedly set to join Nongshim RedForce for the 2027 LCK season after his military service. Neither side has confirmed the move.
Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu, the AD carry who won the 2022 League of Legends World Championship with DRX, is reportedly set to join Nongshim RedForce for the 2027 LCK season. Sheep Esports reported on 10 October, citing Korean sources, that the 29-year-old will sign with Nongshim once his military service ends. Dot Esports and other outlets followed the report on 11 and 12 October. Neither Deft nor Nongshim has confirmed the move.
What has been reported
Sheep Esports says Nongshim are expected to sign Deft for 2027. It adds that at least two other LCK teams showed interest, including Kiwoom DRX, the organisation he won the world title with. No contract details have been reported.
The report says Deft planned his comeback while he was serving and has recently reached Challenger in Korean solo queue. His most-played champions there are reported to be Ezreal and Kai'Sa.
Dot Esports notes that Nongshim's mid laner is Lee "Scout" Ye-chan, who played alongside Deft at EDward Gaming. If the move goes ahead, Deft would be the second player to return to the LCK with Nongshim after military service, after GuGer in 2024.
One of the game's longest careers
Deft turned professional in 2013 and has played in both Korea and China. He won the 2015 Mid-Season Invitational with EDward Gaming. His best-known achievement came in 2022, when DRX went from the Play-In stage to win the world title, beating T1 in the final.
He has not played competitively since the end of 2024. Korean professional players have to stop competing while they complete their mandatory service.
What it means for Nongshim and Diable
Sheep Esports describes Nongshim's current roster as struggling. The report also raises questions about 18-year-old AD carry Nam "Diable" Dae-geun. He joined Nongshim in a trade after leaving BNK FEARX, where he had helped the team finish second in the LCK Cup, and he now appears to be looking for a new team.
Nongshim are not among the four LCK teams at Worlds 2026: Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, T1 and Dplus. That gives the organisation the whole off-season to plan its 2027 roster.
Timing alongside Worlds 2026
The report comes as Worlds 2026 begins in the United States. The Play-In in Los Angeles starts on 15 October US time, which is the early hours of 16 October in Malaysia. The Swiss stage follows in Allen, Texas, and the final is at the Barclays Center in New York. The tournament ends on 14 November, and LCK clubs normally confirm off-season signings after Worlds, so official news on Deft may not come until then.
Key takeaways
- Sheep Esports reported on 10 October that Deft is set to join Nongshim RedForce for the 2027 LCK season.
- The move has not been confirmed by Deft or Nongshim. Kiwoom DRX were also reportedly interested.
- Deft, 29, won Worlds 2022 with DRX and has not played competitively since the end of 2024 because of military service.
- 18-year-old Nongshim AD carry Diable is reportedly looking for a new team.
- Nongshim are not at Worlds 2026, which runs from 15 October to 14 November in the United States.
FAQ
Has Deft signed with Nongshim RedForce? Not officially. The move has been reported by Sheep Esports, but neither Deft nor Nongshim has confirmed it.
When did Deft win Worlds? In 2022, with DRX, beating T1 in the final.
Why has Deft not played since 2024? He has been completing South Korea's mandatory military service.
Sources: Sheep Esports, Dot Esports, Wikipedia, GosuGamers