League Champions Korea (LCK) franchise Hanwha Life Esports has announced on social media that it has signed several players for the 2021 League of Legends season, taking huge steps in completing their offseason. Among the signings are DRX's former mid laner, Jeong "Chovy" Ji-hoon, and AD carry Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu.
HLE's most significant signings are recent 2020 Worlds quarterfinalists Chovy and Deft, who joined after DRX parted ways with the bulk of its roster. The two players join a mix of up-and-coming talent, the most prolific among them being former Team WE top laner Morgan.
The team has revamped its roster following a disappointing 2020 LCK season, as they finished outside of the playoff picture during the spring and summer seasons. Their summer campaign was trickier as they suffered from the departure of then-starting mid laner Kang "Tempt" Myung-gu and, despite the inclusion of AD carry Park "Viper" Do-hyeon, struggled to a 2:16 split record.
HLE's season was not completely wasted as they included Academy prospects CaD and mid laner Jeong "Mireu" Jo-bin, and allowed rookie Lee "DuDu" Dong-ju to adapt to the stage environment ahead of 2021. With CaD's extension and DuDu's signing until 2022, the team is banking on future talent to rise with Chovy and Deft's assistance.
The team has yet to announce its starting support for 2021, although Oh "Vsta" Hyo-seong is under contract until 2021. However, the player sat behind the now-free agent Son "Lehends" Si-woo during the summer split, and there has yet to be any indication that he would be assuming the starting role.
