South Korea is intensifying preparations for the to Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, with the appointment of Kang “Hirai” Dong-hoon as head coach of the national League of Legends team. The move, announced this Thursday by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) and the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA), signals the country’s commitment to defending its gold medal in the popular esport.
The appointment of Hirai, who previously coached KT Rolster between and , is seen as a strategic decision. He was recognized as the LCK Coach of the Year in , highlighting his domestic success and leadership qualities. His coaching career began in StarCraft II before transitioning to League of Legends, where he also spent two years with Kingzone DragonX.
South Korea secured the gold medal in League of Legends at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, defeating China 2–0
in the grand final. The return of League of Legends as an official medal event at the Games underscores the growing recognition of esports as a legitimate competitive discipline within the broader Asian Games framework.
Hirai’s primary task will be assembling a competitive roster from players who participated in the most recent KeSPA Cup, held in late . This selection process will be crucial in determining South Korea’s ability to maintain its dominance in the region. The KeSPA Cup serves as a key proving ground for aspiring national team members.
The increasing prominence of esports within the Asian Games reflects a broader trend of its integration into mainstream sporting events. The Asian Games have been at the forefront of recognizing esports, providing a platform for Asian nations to showcase their talent and compete for prestigious medals. This inclusion is particularly significant given the region’s strong esports fanbase and the rapid growth of the industry in countries like South Korea, China, and Japan.
South Korea’s dedication to esports extends beyond simply competing; it involves a structured approach to talent development, and coaching. The selection of national coaches, like Hirai, demonstrates a commitment to providing players with the support and expertise needed to succeed on the international stage. This investment in esports infrastructure and personnel is a key factor in South Korea’s continued success.
Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as Faker, a South Korean professional League of Legends player, has been a dominant force in the scene since his debut in . Playing as the mid-laner for T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) throughout his career, Faker has amassed an unprecedented record, including six World Championship titles (, , , , , and ). He is widely considered the greatest League of Legends player in history, often compared to Michael Jordan for his esports achievements.
Faker’s accolades also include two Worlds Finals MVP awards (, ), two Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) championships (, ), and an Esports World Cup championship (). He also holds the record for the most League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) titles, with ten, and has been recognized as the LCK Player of the Year in both and .
The Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya are expected to draw significant attention to the region’s esports scene. With eleven titles featured in the esports competition, the event will showcase a diverse range of games and attract participants from numerous nations. The games represent a significant opportunity for Asian countries to demonstrate their prowess in the rapidly evolving world of competitive gaming.
Hirai’s appointment comes as South Korea seeks to maintain its position as a leading force in League of Legends and esports globally. The KSOC and KeSPA’s decision underscores the importance they place on the event and their determination to secure another gold medal. The upcoming competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and national pride.
