Park “
” Jong-hoon is preparing to return to competitive
League of Legends after spending the last two years completing his mandatory military service in South Korea. The jungler spent three years with
, becoming one of the most successful imports in Brazilian League of Legends history by winning four consecutive splits before stepping away from the competitive scene in 2024.
In an exclusive interview with Sheep Esports, Croc opened up about his time in the military, the experience of watching professional League of Legends from a distance and the motivation that brought him back to the game. The jungler also reflected on his final split with LOUD, admitted that he had lost his motivation during that period and discussed his relationship with the Brazilian organization.
How was your experience serving in the South Korean military, and how much did you miss competing?
Park “Croc” Jong-hoon: “I was able to play a little bit because they managed all of my schedule. For legal reasons, I wasn't free to play whenever I wanted, but I could play a little during my vacation or sometimes when I was allowed to go out. It wasn't really serious. I just played for fun, or sometimes I had to be nice to the people who were in the army with me, like the people in my unit, so I played with them. While I was serving in the army, I was watching Worlds, MSI, LCK and other competitions. Some of the pro players inspired me. I was thinking, "If I come back to play, can I reach the level I had before I joined the army?" So now I've started training again, and I think I'm doing well right now. I really missed the Brazilian fans, so I want to go back to Brazil again.
When did you realize you wanted to return to professional League of Legends?
Croc: I don't really have a specific moment. I'm 28. I saw some old players retire, and some players stopped playing. There are a lot of players who just disappeared over the last two years. It's weird, you know? I know the younger and talented players can be better, but I think there's a big difference between experienced players and players who have been champions. I was thinking, "Maybe these guys are losing motivation to keep playing." That made me think about how the scene is right now. There aren't many old or experienced players anymore, so maybe some organization wants me because of that. I was thinking that I want to compete with young talent again. It gives me new motivation. I want to challenge myself again.
Looking back at your final split with LOUD in 2024, how do you evaluate that period?
Croc: I kind of regret it. During the split in 2024, I thought I was doing my best, but I wasn't. A few months later, I realized that I didn't try my best. I completely lost my motivation to play during my last split. To be honest, I'm really sorry to my teammates for that. I realized it very late, and I kept thinking about why I had lost my motivation during my last split. We had won four splits in a row and set a new record in Brazil. We went to the international stage again, and at that time I was very confident. We were scrimming against really good teams and winning a lot of games. Against minor regions, we didn't lose a single game. Against major regions, we also played against some really good teams. I was very confident going into the Play-In.
Our whole team was confident that we could beat
, and if we won, we would face
. Everyone thought that. But we didn't. We lost 2-1. After we lost against them, I was thinking, "
We were here two years ago, and we're in the same place again." I put so much effort into the first split of 2024. I analyzed every team we could face internationally. We knew every team's players, what champions they were good at and what they liked to do. I tried so fu**ing hard, and we got the same result. That's when I lost my motivation. I realized it much later, after we lost. That was my last split.
LOUD Croc during his last CBLOL Split in 2024. Credit: Bruno Alvares/CBLOL
After two years to reflect on that period, is there anything you would do differently today?
Croc: Not really. I just want to challenge myself again. I've been watching Worlds. I'm a big fan of this region, and I think I can compete at that level. My game knowledge is still there, I think.
What can you bring to a team now that you couldn't necessarily offer earlier in your career?
Croc: Everything that you face with your team. Young players also need some first steps and guidance. There are some popular players, but experience is also important.
After two years away, do you feel like you have something to prove about your ability to perform at your previous level?
Croc: Yeah, I want to prove myself again. I know it's kind of risky because I've been away for two years. It's a little cringe to say that I was one of the best junglers in Brazil, but I want to challenge myself again. That's why I want to go back to Brazil. Of course, I could be a coach and work with young talented players, but I want to come back as a player.
Have you seriously considered returning as a coach or joining a coaching staff instead of immediately trying to play again?
Croc: To be honest, I'm interested in both coaching staff and playing. But I prefer to come back as a player. If there's a really good offer for me, especially to work with young talented players as a coach, I'm always open to it.
How does it feel to see Brazilian fans still remember you and support your potential return?
Croc: I'm thankful to them. I'm nothing, you know? I'm just one human who loves to play League of Legends and loves Brazil. They gave me so much more than I gave them. I'm always thankful for that.
How closely have you followed LOUD during your two years away, and what do you think about the junglers who replaced you?
Croc: Yeah, I was watching. When I was the jungler, it was me and then there was
(
Johnson Le). In the past two years, LOUD had
(
Diogo Rogê),
(
Ko Yeong-jae) this year and then
(
Enzo Candido). I really want LOUD to be a champion every single split. Sometimes, if they're doing well, I'm happy for them. It's hard to explain, but I really want them to win.
LOUD already has a young jungler. Would you be open to joining another organization if the right opportunity came?
Croc: Yeah, of course. I posted that I was a free agent, and I think I should have posted it after the split was over because some people kept asking to kick the current jungler and bring Croc back again. I don't think that's good to see. I think that was my mistake. Anyway, I don't want to take their place. They're doing great. Their whole five-man roster made it to third place, and that's not easy. Everyone is competing so hard, and being a champion is always hard. I think even getting third place with really young, talented players is not easy. I really want to go back to Brazil, but I don't want to forfeit anyone's place. I'm always open to going to other teams.
What do you think about fans asking LOUD to replace Sinatra and bring you back?
Croc: I have to give my opinion about this. First, professional players shouldn't worry about that. If you're talking about media during the preseason or if someone is struggling, that's okay, but when you're in a very important period and you're trying to find your form, that's not good. Your fundamentals have to come first. Second, I understand why the fans are saying this, but it's not good to watch. I think both the players and the fans have a problem with this. Fans can say what they think, but they shouldn't be trying to take someone's place.
Why should the player worry about, "Oh, LOUD is going to kick me and bring Croc back if I lose"? They shouldn't worry about that. They should just win. They shouldn't have another motivation like worrying about being replaced. They should prove themselves and think, "I'm going to stay here, no worries." It was too aggressive toward Sinatra. It's not an excuse that he's a young player or that he doesn't have much experience. That's not an excuse for a professional player. But the fans were also too aggressive about it. From my point of view, it doesn't look good.
SIf your only offer from Brazil came from paiN, one of LOUD's biggest historical rivals, would you consider joining them?
Croc: If only
offered me, I would find it difficult. My relationship with LOUD makes it difficult. But I think I would have to go if I want to keep playing. Going back to Brazil has a huge impact on me, even if that means going to paiN. I don't want to stay like that for too long. If I really want to go back to Brazil first, then yes, I would consider it.
Would you consider playing outside Brazil if an interesting opportunity came from another region?
Croc: Only in South Korea, I think. If there's a very good offer in Korea, maybe I can stay here. Otherwise, I just want to stay in Brazil.
If playing in Tier 1 wasn’t immediately an option, would you be willing to start from Tier 2?
Croc: It depends. If they pay well, yes. [laughs]
What would make your comeback successful: returning to a professional roster, going back to Brazil, winning another title or returning to international competition?
Croc: I really want to win again. That's why I want to come back as a player. I know how good it feels, so I really want to be a champion again.
LOUD Croc após ganhar seu quarto título de CBLOL. Foto: Bruno Alvares/CBLOL
What is the biggest difference between the Croc who left competitive League of Legends in 2024 and the player trying to return now?
Croc: I gained a lot of motivation in the army. I know now how much I appreciate this opportunity. Before, when I was winning everything, I thought, "I'm a champion. Every organization will want me if I become a free agent." But during these two years, I realized that it was a really precious opportunity for me. That's what changed my motivation. That's the biggest difference.
After winning four consecutive splits in Brazil, what do you still want to accomplish in League of Legends?
Croc: This time, I want to prove myself. When I kept winning, everyone said, "This guy is just winning because he's on LOUD. LOUD has the best lineup, the best players, so they're winning because of that." I want to prove myself again. I messed up my last split, so I want to fix it a little bit.”
