Ranking the rosters for the 2024 LCK Spring Split

▲ Source: LCK 

After the conclusion of Worlds 2023, once again, a wind of change swept through the LCK during the stove league. How did the rosters of the 10 teams change? Before the start of the 2024 season, let's take a look at the roster changes for each team and Inven Global's rankings.

10. Nongshim RedForce

▲ Source: Nongshim RedForce 

Coaching Staff: irean, CoCo

Key Player: JIwoo

Nongshim RedForce concluded the Spring season in 10th place and the Summer season in 9th place. Once again, they proceeded into the Stove League without any external acquisitions. In 2024, they stand as one of the only two teams with an unchanged roster. Unless there is a significant improvement in the existing lineup's prowesses, the outlook for Nongshim RedForce in 2024 appears challenging.

However, the performance of Jung “Jiwoo” Ji-woo, who was called up in the latter part of the Summer season, raises the expectations of Nongshim RedForce fans. The Nongshim RedForce before and after Jiwoo's call-up are evaluated as if they were different teams. The burden on the shoulders of this rookie, who debuted in the league less than a season ago, is substantial.

9. OK BRION

▲ Source: OK BRION 

Coaching Staff: Edgar, Drinker

Key Player: Morgan

OK BRION has seen some changes, with Eom “UmTi” Seong-hyeon, who was responsible for the team's late-game macro, departing for the LCS, and the highly improved bot laner, Park “Hena” Jeung-hwan, also leaving for FearX. The positive aspect is that Park “Morgan” Ru-han, who has demonstrated relatively stable performances, remains on the roster. The remaining roster comprises players who were once highly anticipated as rising prospects in major teams but ultimately fell short of expectations.

However, given that the team consists of players who had high expectations, there is hope that if they can reach it, the team could prevail. OK BRION, which has lingered in the lower ranks for several years, has nothing more to lose. Similar to the saying that the person with nothing to lose is the most dangerous, OK BRION may become a football that rolls unpredictably, taking bold attempts in unforeseen directions.

8. FearX

▲ Source: FearX 

Coaching Staff: Ryu, Seobi, DooTi

Key Player: Clozer

In December, Liiv SANDBOX rebranded as FearX, changing its name, but the roster underwent minimal changes. The top side, consisting of Song “Clear” Hyeon-min, Kim “Willer” Jeong-hyeon, and Lee “Clozer” Ju-hyeon, remains intact, with the bot duo now featuring Hena and Lee “Execute” Jeong-hoon. Execute is a former LEC Rookie of the Split known as JeongHoon.

Upon closer examination of the roster, there's a prevalent opinion that it has seen a downgrade overall. While the top side remains the same, the bot duo is considered a downgrade compared to the previous lineup. However, there is still hope. If the laning phase across all lanes remains relatively stable and the synergy between players is fully realized, there is a possibility of securing a playoff spot. 

7. Kwangdong Freecs

▲ Source: Kwangdong Freecs

Coaching Staff: cvMax, Millimas, FanTaSy

Key Player: Cuzz

Kwangdong Freecs, which finished last season in 10th place with little impact, has now welcomed Moon “Cuzz” Woo-chan, the jungler from the regular season's 1st-place team. The key lies in how the experienced Cuzz will synergize with Kim “cvMax” Dae-ho’s original roster. 

Rumors suggest that Kwangdong Freecs, known as T1's scrim partner during Worlds 2024, has significantly improved its skills. While many fans expect the team to reach the playoffs, it's crucial to note that, realistically, they are a 10th-place team that has only added one player from the 1st-place team. The hope is that the top side is quite strong, with Cuzz accompanied by Lee “DuDu” Dong-ju. 

6. DRX

▲ Source: DRX

Coaching Staff: Micro, Crush

Key Player: Rascal

In DRX's 2024 season, the harmony between veterans and rookies is crucial. Players like Kim “Rascal” Kwang-hee and Park “Teddy” Jin-seong, who have a strong foundation in the LCK, will play a key role in supporting the rookies until they adapt to the league. Bae “Sponge” Young-jun, Song “SeTab” Kyeung-jin, and Son “Pleata” Min-woo are all highly anticipated rookies. 

However, both Rascal and Teddy struggled significantly last year, as they sat back in the lower ranks. Whether these veterans can rediscover their original skills while effectively guiding less experienced players is the key point. If at least one of the three rookies can reach their potential within a short period, DRX could emerge as a rising dark horse. 

5. Dplus KIA

▲ Source: Dplus KIA 

Coaching Staff: Zefa, Bubbling, Ssong

Key Player: ShowMaker

Dplus KIA has undergone a complete overhaul, retaining only Heo “ShowMaker” Su and Kim “Kellin” Hyeong-gyu. The key factor lies in how ShowMaker, who is separated from Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu for the first time since his debut, will perform. The vacancy left by Canyon is filled by 18-year-old Choi “Lucid” Yong-hyeok, who was called up from Challengers.

 The longstanding weakness of Dplus KIA, criticized for its lack of macro abilities, doesn't seem to be addressed by the new additions, as none of the newly joined players are particularly praised for their macro skills. Nevertheless, with Hwang “Kingen” Seong-hoon, shining as the Worlds 2022 Finals MVP, and Aiming, selected for the 2023 LCK Summer Split All-LCK 1st Team, alongside ShowMaker, the team is ranked fifth, with a high caliber. 

4. KT Rolster

▲ Source: KT Rolster 

Coaching Staff: Hirai, supreme, Museong, Comet

Key Player: Bdd

KT Rolster, the team that made a splash in the 2023 LCK Summer Split with an explosive winning streak, has restructured the team around Gwak “Bdd” Bo-seong by signing the protagonists of Worlds 2022. Hong “Pyosik” Chang-hyeon, Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu, and Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee have reunited to take on the challenge once again. 

Although the lineup is composed of exceptional players, there are a few uncertainties. Lee “PerfecT” Seung-min is a complete rookie who played only one game in the LCK. Pyosik needs to readjust after his return from the LCS, and Deft and BeryL did not demonstrate significant performance in the last season. If they can overcome these uncertainties, the team has the potential to make a significant leap into the upper echelons.

3. Hanwha Life Esports

▲ Source: Hanwha Life Esports 

Coaching Staff: DanDy, Mowgli, Bibra

Key Player: Peanut

Hanwha Life Esports, which had confidently started 2023 by acquiring three World Champions but failed to step onto the Worlds stage after being eliminated in the Regional Qualifiers, is preparing for another ascent in 2024 by signing the trio that departed from Gen.G. The roster combines the resilient Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo and Park “Viper” Do-hyeon with Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon, Yoo “Delight” Hwan-joong, and the experienced Han “Peanut” Wang-ho.

Doran and Delight have been the players who have excelled in creating an environment where damage dealers can maximize their output. The key to success lies in how well Peanut can connect the potent weapons, Zeka and Viper, who remain with Hanwha Life Esports, with Doran and Delight. This lineup is poised to be a formidable team that can easily secure a spot in the Top 3.

2. Gen.G

▲ Source: Gen.G 

Coaching Staff: KIM, Helper, Mata

Key Player: Chovy

The formidable Gen.G, a team that secured a three-peat in the LCK from the 2022 Summer season, made some changes in 2024. With the return of Son “Lehends” Si-woo, who was part of the team's first championship, and the acquisitions of Kim “Kiin” Gi-in and Canyon, Gen.G once again assembled a powerful roster, emerging as a strong contender for the 2024 LCK championship. One of the best mid laners in LoL Esports history, Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon, still stands strong as the main pillar in Gen.G’s roster.

The departure of Doran, Peanut, and Delgiht, who played crucial roles in the team's previous successes, introduces an element of uncertainty. Historically, super teams have often fallen short of expectations, but whether Gen.G can reverse this trend is now a subject of keen interest. 

1. T1▲ Source: T1

Coaching Staff: kkOma, Tom, Roach

Key Player: Faker

The champions of Worlds 2023 have succeeded in retaining their roster. Apart from Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and Moon “Oner” Hyeon-joon, whose contracts were still valid after the season ended, the team swiftly managed to re-sign the remaining three players. They are undoubtedly one of the strongest contenders for the championship this year as well. 

Last year, T1 found themselves in a slump of consecutive losses during Faker's wrist injury, but after his return, they became much more solid. In 2024, with the 2023 LCK Player of the Year, Faker will anchor the team with his extensive experience alongside the most decorated coach ever, Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun. T1 is expected to showcase formidable strength once again.

Reference
Written by David "Viion" Jang 
Provided by Inven Global 

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