Former LCK top laner Smeb revealed that Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu plans to return to competitive League of Legends after completing South Korea’s mandatory military service.
More notably, Deft is currently renting a dedicated practice room to maintain his form while enlisted. The practice room detail suggests Deft is treating his service period as a temporary break rather than retirement.
Most players who enlist struggle to return to top-tier competition after 18–21 months away from the pro scene. Deft is one of the most accomplished AD carries in League of Legends history. He won the 2022 World Championship with DRX in a historic underdog run that cemented his legacy.
Before that title, he spent years competing at the highest level across both the LCK and China’s LPL. South Korea requires most able-bodied men to complete military service. For esports pros, this typically means their careers either end or go on indefinite hiatus.
The timing often hits players during their competitive prime. Renting a private practice space shows real commitment. It means Deft can maintain a professional routine with solo queue grinding and mechanical practice even without a team schedule.
That kind of preparation would let him jump straight into tryouts or roster discussions once he’s discharged.
How much time Deft can actually spend practicing depends on his service assignment and schedule. Different branches and roles have varying amounts of free time. But securing a dedicated space at all indicates he’s serious about staying sharp.
