SKT Release Almost Entire Roster, Except For Faker
By Zac Cameron ·
The rebuilding phase after their disappointing 2018 season is well and truly under way, with almost the entire roster released today except for star mid-laner Faker.
In a move that many fans had been anticipating for a few weeks now, SKT T1 has official begun their rebuilding phase after a disastrous 2018 season. Breaking the news on Twitter earlier today, SKT has released seven of their players from the roster, leaving just a small handful remaining to build a team around.
The players removed from the team include jungler Kang “Blank” Sungu, who has been with the team since 2016, as well as the bot lane duo of Bae “Bang” Junsik and Lee “Wolf” Jaewan, who have been with the roster since 2015. Additionally, top laner’s Park "Thal" Kwon-hyuk and Park "Untara" Ui-jin have also been cut, along with mid laner Choi "Pirean" Jun-sik and support Park "Blossom" Beom-chan.
안녕하세요. SKT T1입니다.
— SK telecom T1 (@sktelecom_t1) November 19, 2018
오늘 팬 여러분들에게 안타까운 소식을 전하게 되었습니다. pic.twitter.com/eqtrLJrZo5
Technically, the only players remaining on the roster are AD Carry Han "Leo" Gyeo-re, support Lee "Effort" Sang-ho, and star mid laner Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok. Both Bang and Wolf reached out to fans on social media regarding their release from the team.
"Hi everybody! This is Bang, Junsik Bae :) As you have all seen or heard, I have decided to leave SKT T1. The past 5 years at SKT was an amazing journey and I would like to thank all the SKT management, coaching staff, and co-players that together took the wonderful ride.” Wrote Bang. “Every single moment and experience with SKT made me a better person and all the memories will be forever cherished. I would also like to thank all the fans who had cheered and supported me during the good times and bad times for the 6 years I debuted and played at LCK."
It remains to be seen whether Faker stays with the organization he has brought such success to over the years, or whether he will also leave to find a new team. It does seem highly likely that he will remain the mainstay of the team however, with SKT building around him once again.