Choi "Zeus" Woo-je will continue to hold the toplane for Hanwha Life Esports during the 2026 season, as announced by the organization on their socials on Wednesday. The two sides had originally signed a 1+1 year contract with options when the transfer window opened last year, and now agreed to activate the clause.

With veteran jungler Han “Peanut” Wang-ho departing to begin his mandatory military service, HLE ensures stability on the top side of the map. However, the team’s lineup is expected to look quite different in 2026 compared to last year. Beyond the jungle, both the botlane and midlane positions were also reaching the end of their current contracts. Earlier this morning, the team announced that they have also extended the contract of Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo for the 2026 season, while Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong is expected to join the team, as previously reported by Sheep Esports.

The cornerstone of HLE's next chapter

Zeus originally joined HLE in late 2024 after a historic swap deal that sent Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon to T1. His arrival marked one of the biggest offseason transfers in LCK history, and his performances quickly validated the organization’s bold decision. Throughout 2025, Zeus played a key role in Hanwha Life’s continued rise to domestic and international prominence.

Re-signing Zeus means retaining one of the best toplaners not only in the league but in the world. A triple Worlds finalist and double Worlds champion with T1 before joining HLE, he has already lifted the LCK Cup and the First Stand trophy since his arrival. Although the rest of the LCK season proved more challenging amid Gen.G’s dominant run, HLE still reached the 2025 World Championship quarterfinals at the end of the year, where an unfavorable bracket placed them against Gen.G once more—resulting in a 1–3 defeat to their nemesis.

At just 21 years old, Zeus already brings a veteran-caliber pedigree and a world-class trophy cabinet. By securing his extension, Hanwha Life Esports strengthens its foundation for another ambitious run. The organization’s goal remains clear: to win more titles and establish itself as South Korea’s top powerhouse capable of rivaling T1 and Gen.G.

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.