Deft could resume his LoL career in 2027 with NS RedForce

Naerlyn Published October 12, 2026

At the end of 2024, Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu had to leave for his mandatory military service. For most players, this signs the end of their career. However, the 2022 World champion is now allegedly going to return in 2027 and join Nongshim RedForce.

Deft’s military service retirement

Def started his pro play career in 2013, joining MVP to play in the LCK (then-OGN). After an unsuccessful year, he moved to Samsung Blue in 2014 and fell to his sister team in the World Championship semifinal despite entering the tournament as the favorite.

Then, Deft was part of the great Korean exodus of 2015, and he went to play for EDward Gaming in the LPL. The ADC won the Mid-Season Invitational, but only reached Worlds quarterfinals two years in a row.

Deft then returned to the LCK, where he would find mixed success for a player of his caliber. By the end of 2021, he’d had another three Worlds quarterfinal exits. In 2022, he finally won a LoL World Championship off the back of a legendary run with DRX. Since then, he had a quiet final two years with Dplus KIA and KT Rolster, before retiring for his military service.

Deft to return to the LCK after the end of his military service

The World Champion will now allegedly rejoin LoL pro play as his service reaches its end. This makes him one of very few players to do so, after Kim “GuGer” Do-yeop and Kim “Olleh” Joo-sung. Cho “Joker” Jae-eup also started his career after his military service. This is the first time a World Champion returns afterwards, though.

Deft will allegedly replace Diable on Nongshim. Image Credit: Bruno Alvares / Riot Games

Allegedly set to join Nongshim RedForce, Deft would have to take the spot currently held by Nam “Diable” Dae-geun. Diable is a hyperaggressive ADC who was extremely promising at the start of 2026. Then, he ended up being traded from BNK FearX to NS after he failed to attend a mandatory fan meet.

It’s unclear where Diable might, let alone will end up next. At the age of only 18 and judging by his talent, expect to still see him in the LCK in 2027. Let us know your predictions on those moves on our forums!

Featured Image Credit: Lance Skundrich / Riot Games

Related to:

Nongshim Red Force