DK Challengers Jaehyuk: "Against a bottom-tier LCK team, we could go fifty-fifty"
DK Challengers top laner Jaehyuk talks Kiin, DK's EWC 2026 title, ranking himself first among CL toplaners, and his journey as the LCK ecosystem's only wheelchair-using pro.
in the Asia Masters final. In the middle of it all stands Kwon "Jaehyuk" Jae-hyuk, a toplaner born in 2007 who is also the only pro in the LCK ecosystem competing from a wheelchair. While humble in most answers, the rookie did not hesitate when asked to rank the LCK CL's toplaners: he puts himself first.
In an interview with Sheep Esports, Jaehyuk talked about his role model Kim “
“ Gi-in, what DK's EWC title meant to him, and the journey that still separates him from the LCK stage.
Who is Jaehyuk?
Before the interview, Jaehyuk filled out our Sheep Esports personality sheet, you can find below a few of his answers. Both the player he looks up to and the one he'd choose to have dinner with are the same person: Gen.G toplaner Kiin, the role model he names in the interview as well. As for his first main, it fits a toplaner who built his name on the champion: Sett.
DK Jaehyuk's Sheep Esports personality Sheet
The rest of the sheet has its share of personality. Jaehyuk queues up Epik High's "Umbrella" as his favorite song, picks dogs over cats, and keeps Flash on F. The ability he'd steal for real life is Ryze's Realm Warp, which makes it all the funnier that, when forced to choose, he takes time travel over teleportation. He'd also rather freeze time than read minds, and he'd take a pentakill in a loss over a quiet win. Make of that what you will for a player who just fast-forwarded his own career to the top of the CL standings.
For the fans who will be getting to know you, please introduce yourself first.
Kwon "Jaehyuk" Jae-hyuk: "Hello, I'm Jaehyuk, Kwon Jae-hyuk, and I play toplane for Dplus KIA Challengers.
What kind of toplaner are you?
Jaehyuk: I play whatever the team needs, tank champions or damage champions, it doesn't matter. And I think I run things smoothly from setting up the lane matchup all the way through the late game macro.
Was there a player you set as your role model when you were starting out?
Jaehyuk: Kiin was my role model.
Is there a particular reason you chose Kiin?
Jaehyuk: Even when Kiin plays tanks, his damage is still strong and he tanks well at the same time. I thought that was really impressive, so I made him my role model.
Is there a game of his that left the biggest impression on you?
Jaehyuk: The one that stuck with me was the game where he solo killed a Jayce on Sion.
You joined DK Academy after a lot of hard work. It's the goal for so many aspiring pros, so how did it feel when you finally joined?
Jaehyuk: It didn't feel real at first. Then I went in thinking that I had finally taken one more step toward my goal.
DK's first team recently won EWC. What went through your mind watching them?
Jaehyuk: It was really cool, and I felt proud that they're our team. Watching the games, I also got motivated, thinking I want to win in that spot myself one day.
Was there anything you learned from watching those games?
Jaehyuk: I focused on how they didn't get nervous even on such a big stage, and how experienced they were in going after their opponents.
You finished Rounds 1-2 of LCK CL in second place, right behind T1 Esports Academy. Looking back at the season so far, how do you feel?
Jaehyuk: We started off badly, finishing 9th place at the CL Kickoff. But through Rounds 1-2, we worked hard and stacked up wins step by step, and seeing that carry us all the way to second place made me really proud.
If you could go back, is there anything you'd do differently?
Jaehyuk: Hmm, I think if I had studied the game back then the way I study it now, my skill would have come up even further.
If you faced them again, how confident are you that you'd take first place?
Jaehyuk: About ninety percent.
If a promotion and relegation system existed and you faced a bottom-tier LCK team for a spot in the league, how confident would you be?
Jaehyuk: In terms of win rate, I think we could go fifty-fifty.
Do you think the gap between the LCK and CL is big?
Jaehyuk: Against the top teams, I think it's very big. But against the mid-to-lower tier, I think we'd have a real shot.
Where do you see that difference?
Jaehyuk: I'd say it comes down to macro and experience.
You recently beat T1 Esports Academy in the Asia Masters final. Do you consider DK Challengers the strongest CL team right now?
Jaehyuk: Hmm, it depends on the day, but as long as my form is good, I'd say we're the best.
Then is there a CL team that DK Challengers keeps an eye on?
Jaehyuk: Every team feels pretty similar, so there isn't really one team we're especially wary of.
Personally, is there a CL player who makes you think, this player is really good?
Jaehyuk: Then I'll put myself first, Haetae second, and Kangin third. (laughs)
When you were called up from DK Academy to DK Challengers, what was the biggest difference you felt in training methods, schedule, or facilities?
Jaehyuk: As a trainee, I practiced online from home, but after moving up to the second team, we all practice together in the practice room, and that was the biggest change. We also didn't scrim very often before, but on the second team we scrim almost every day, so that felt really different.
In what area do you think you've grown the most?
Jaehyuk: Outside the game, I used to be timid and not very assertive, but I've become a much more proactive person. In game, my view of the map has gotten a lot wider, and my macro as well.
You've proven yourself on the CL stage multiple times, and the next step is an LCK debut. How difficult do you think it is for a rookie to join a first-division roster these days?
Jaehyuk: I think you have to show really strong performances on the second team to make it to the first team. You just have to keep playing well consistently to earn a spot on an LCK roster.
There aren't many spots in pro gaming, and you have to survive intense competition. How do you motivate yourself, and how do you push through?
Jaehyuk: I work hard so I don't fall behind the other players. And watching the first-team players compete on stage without getting nervous, I imagine myself playing on a stage that big and wonder what it would feel like to actually do it. That's what keeps me going.
You've been using a wheelchair since you were five years old. Even after adapting, it can't have been easy. How has your journey as a pro gamer been in that situation?
Jaehyuk: Hmm, honestly, there hasn't been any big inconvenience. At the venue, as long as things like the desk height are adjusted properly, I can play without any issues.
How do you want to be remembered by fans?
Jaehyuk: First, I want to be remembered above all for my skill, and second, as a player with good character.
Could you share a small story or a TMI from your career that fans would enjoy?
