League of Legends: Former DRX bot laner Kim Hyuk-kyu (ID: Deft) is expected to return to professional play in 2027 with NongShim Red Force..

Sheep Esports reported exclusively on Thursday that former DRX bot laner Kim Hyuk-kyu (ID: Deft) is expected to return to professional play in 2027, with NongShim Red Force emerging as a potential destination.

According to the report, Deft has been carefully planning his return upon the completion of his mandatory military service, and he has reportedly continued to practice on his own during his time away.

With the 2022 League of Legends Worlds Championship winner, who has been on a hiatus since late 2024, nearing the end of his military service, several South Korean organizations are already preparing for his return.

The report notes that among the various LCK teams, NongShim Red Force is confirmed to have reached out to Deft’s representation.

It is understood that NongShim Red Force is prepared to bench their current starting ADC, Diable, to make room for Deft.

Additionally, his former team, DRX, is also rumoured to be exploring the possibility of a reunion with Deft.

The 29-year-old Deft boasts one of the longest careers in the history of League of Legends e-sports. He began his professional journey in 2013 and quickly established himself as one of South Korea’s elite players.

He secured his first international title at the 2015 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Later, in 2022, Deft reached the pinnacle of his career by leading DRX on an epic, "underdog" Cinderella run.

During that tournament, the LCK team defeated T1, featuring the iconic "ZOFGK" roster, in the Finals to claim the Worlds Championship title.

In the first half of 2024, Deft competed for KT Rolster before stepping away from the professional scene later that year to fulfill his mandatory military service. 

It is worth mentioning that Deft has recently returned to Solo Queue, successfully reaching the "Challenger" tier this week.

Image source: Internet / Riot Games official Flickr album