Hanwha Life Esports officially announced the signing of Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong on Thursday, completing one of the most ambitious roster rebuilds in LCK history. The 22-year-old AD carry joins HLE after his contract with T1 expired, marking his first team change since entering professional play.
Gumayusi won three World Championships with T1 between 2021 and 2023, earning Finals MVP honors in the 2023 victory. Despite his international success, he secured only one LCK domestic title during his tenure. He now reunites with former teammate Choi “Zeus” Woo-je, who also left T1 this offseason.
The new HLE lineup features Zeus in top lane, Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok in jungle, Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo in mid, Gumayusi as AD carry, and Yoo “Delight” Hwan-joong at support. Kanavi returns to Korea after dominating the LPL with JD Gaming, where he won multiple titles and an MSI championship. Zeus and Gumayusi bring championship pedigree, while Zeka offers volatile but high-ceiling play as a Worlds 2022 winner.
The move ends the Guma-Keria bot lane partnership at T1, one of the most coordinated duos in competitive play. T1 has already secured Gen.G’s former AD carry “Peyz” as Gumayusi’s replacement. Peyz holds MSI kill records and won an LCK championship at 17 years old.
HLE now positions itself alongside Gen.G and T1 as a legitimate title contender. Gen.G dominated domestic competition in 2024 but struggled at Worlds. T1 maintains its international reputation despite roster changes. HLE’s combination of mechanical talent and championship experience creates a three-way rivalry at the top of the LCK.
