Sources: Pangjin set to join Ici Japon Corp in the LFL

After Lee "Hans SamD" Jae-hoon’s departure to the LEC with NAVI, Ici Japon Corp Esport (IJC) has been actively looking for a new AD Carry as a replacement. According to sources close to Sheep Esports, they’ve found their man in Jeon "Pangjin" Gwang-jin. The 24-year-old South Korean botlaner is expected to join the team that reached the finals of the EMEA Masters Winter Split. Pangjin makes the move after just one split in the Rift Legends with Forsaken.

During the offseason, IJC explored several options for their AD Carry position. Among the players they considered was Franciszek "Harpoon" Gryszkiewicz from Esprit Shōnon, who ultimately joined Galions, another team in the LFL. They also looked at Thomas "Soldier" Haudecoeur, a promising talent whose future was uncertain as VALIANT faced financial struggles despite recently winning the LFL Division 2. However, with Caldya Esport taking over VALIANT's spot, the roster was able to stay together and continue competing.

Lastly, AD Carry Lim "ToongE" Ho-seon was also considered, but he opted for an offer from the TCL team Misa Esports instead, sources added.

IJC is making its first roster change since joining the LFL. They have sold their star player, Hans SamD, who has earned a well-deserved promotion to the LEC after consistently standing out in the LFL over the past few splits. IJC made a strong impression during their debut split in the LFL, finding success with a mix of reliable veterans and bold bets.

At the LFL Flash In, the team reached the finals before falling to Karmine Corp Blue. Their first split in the LFL also marked their first appearance at the EMEA Masters, where they made an impressive run all the way to the grand final, narrowly losing to Los Ratones. However, the Spring Split was less convincing, as IJC finished 5th-6th in playoffs after a difficult regular season. Now, the organization is taking a gamble by signing a relatively inexperienced AD Carry who has only been in the EMEA region for a little over a year.

Pangjin began his career in 2021 in the LCK Academy Series, playing for Afreeca Freecs Academy and later DRX Academy, where he notably teamed up with current KCB support Kim "Piero" Jung-hun. After a long break from competitive play, he returned to the scene in 2024, joining Nigma Galaxy for the Spring Split of the Arabian League. The team finished second in the regular season before dominating the playoff finals with a clean sweep against Geekay, securing a spot at the EMEA Masters.

It was Pangjin’s first professional split, and he made it all the way to the quarterfinals before falling to the eventual champions, Eintracht Spandau. He did not compete during the Summer Split, but reemerged in early 2025 with Forsaken in the Rift Legends. The Polish team placed fourth in their domestic league. Pangjin then sat out the Spring Split, making his next move now with Ici Japon Corp Esport in the LFL.