Sources: Deft set to Join Nongshim RedForce for LCK 2027

He is the first player change added to our Transfers Hub for the LCK 2027 season. Deft, one of the most decorated and long-standing players in League of Legends esports, has found his team for 2027. Korean sources familiar with the situation have shared with Sheep Esports that Nongshim RedForce are expected to sign the player after he returns from his military service.

The 2022 World Champion has effectively been away from competition since the end of 2024. Still, despite his absence, the now 29-year-old has been carefully planning his return while serving in the military. In February, one of his former teammates said that Deft “still had plans to return to the LCK” and that he “hadn’t retired yet.” Those plans now appear to be coming to fruition.

Deft has been considering a return to professional play for some time. Sources told Sheep Esports that several LCK teams have explored the possibility of signing him for the 2027 season. Alongside NS, at least two other teams have expressed interest in the veteran ADC, including Kiwoom DRX.

One of the longest-serving players in League of Legends esports, Deft began his professional career in 2013 and quickly established himself as one of Korea’s top talents. He claimed his first international title at the 2015 Mid-Season Invitational before eventually reaching the pinnacle of competitive League of Legends in 2022, when he led DRX on a historic underdog run to the World Championship title, defeating T1’s ZOFGK roster in the final.

More recently, Deft has returned to the Solo Queue grind, reaching Challenger just this week. His most-played champions have been Ezreal and Kai’Sa, though he has also spent considerable time practicing Yunara, a champion released in 2025, after stepping away from professional play.

Deft’s signing may overshadow another major development: the latest setback in rookie AD Carry Nam “Diable” Dae-geun’s career. After making his LCK debut with BNK FEARX last year, the now 18-year-old quickly rose through the ranks, finishing second in the LCK Cup and qualifying for his first international event. However, following an incident that led to his departure from BFX and subsequent trade to Nongshim RedForce, his momentum came to a halt on a struggling NS roster.

Now, with Deft’s arrival, Diable appears to be looking for a new team. Having seemingly burned bridges with BFX, his next move remains uncertain. Still, at just 18, he has time to learn from a turbulent year, bounce back, and showcase the mechanical talent that made him one of Korea’s promising young ADCs.

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