It looks like SKT is rebuilding their roster in a big way this offseason. The team is letting go of seven members of the team, including longtime bottom lane duo, Bae “Bang” Jun-sik, and Lee “Wolf” Jae-wan.
안녕하세요. SKT T1입니다.
오늘 팬 여러분들에게 안타까운 소식을 전하게 되었습니다. pic.twitter.com/eqtrLJrZo5
— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) November 19, 2018
As we have mentioned before, SKT is coming from their worst year as an organization. The team would not reach the Finals in both splits in the LCK, and would ultimately fail to qualify for Worlds 2018. This would be a first for the team ever since its inception back in 2013. Additionally, the team would field an underwhelming roster for 2018 as well. After losing Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon and Han “Peanut” Wang-ho to free agency, SKT would bring up Park “Untara” Ui-jin and Kang “Blank” Sun-gu to the main roster.
The Biggest Rebuild in SKT History
This offseason sparks the biggest roster shift that the organization has seen. Along with Bang and Wolf, the team is also releasing Untara, Blank, top laner Park “Thal” Kwon-hyuk, mid laner Choi “Pirean” Jun-sik, and jungler Park “Blossom” Beom-chan. Also, as of publication, SKT has not announced plans with superstar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok or substitute ADC, Han “Leo” Gyeo-re. It looks like the team is planning to revamp their entire roster for the next year. You can expect the team to prioritize Faker as their primary signing for the offseason though.
Bang, who has been with the organization since 2014, would take to social media to give a statement:
Hi everybody! This is Bang. As you have all seen or heard, I have decided to leave SKT T1. The past five years at SKT was an amazing journey and I would like to thank all the SKT management, coaching staff, and co-players that together took the wonderful ride. Every single moment and experience with SKT made me a better person and all the memories will be forever cherished. I would also like to thank all the fans who had cheered and supported me during the good times and bad times for the 6 years I debuted and played at LCK.
Wolf would post an extended message to his fans about his time with SKT, as well as his future:
안녕하세요! 정말 몇시간전부터 뭐라고 글을 적을지 고민하고 고민하다가 이제서야 몇자 적어봅니다
일단은 오피셜이 나온거처럼2013년 10월에 입단해서 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 총 6년차네요! 티원에서 지냈는데요 오늘부로 종료되었습니다— Lee JaeWan (@LoL_Wooolf) November 19, 2018
In his message, he would reflect on his six years with the organizations, and the memories he made along the way. However, he would also state that he isn’t retiring and that he plans to find a new home soon. He would end his posts with a heartfelt thank you to the fans of SKT, as well as his own fans who have been helping him throughout his journey as a pro player. It seems like although this chapter in their career has closed, a new one is just beginning. The famous Korean duo is more than capable still and should find a team quite easily. Should they join another Korean team, or if they change regions and go to North America or China, they should find success wherever they go. We wish Bang, Wolf, and the other SKT players luck in their future endeavors.
What are your thoughts on Bang and Wolf leaving SKT? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more League of Legends coverage, check us out here!
Published: Nov 19, 2018 02:00 pm