JKL admits TES team lacks pressure resistance

Following TES’s loss to T1, the whole TES squad recently participated in interviews to explain the reasons behind the defeat. TES jungler kanavi and coach Hongmi apologized to fans during their interviews. TES captain JKL also responded, giving a reason similar to coach Hongmi’s, stating that the whole TES team was overly tense, which prevented them from showing their best performance during the match. Many viewers joked that TES is the “scrim god” since insiders often reveal TES is unbeatable in practice matches, but TES gets easily dismantled in official games.

Of course, many LPL viewers believe LPL players have weak mental resilience, while LCK players demonstrate strong pressure handling in crucial matches. For example, not long ago, T1’s official account released BP voice recordings from a key match between T1 and AL. In the recording, T1’s coach and support K both agreed that jungler ONER picking Mundo was the best choice, but ONER himself said he had never played Mundo before and didn’t even know the skills. Despite this, T1 players and ONER still chose Mundo in a do-or-die situation.

JKL defends kanavi

After TES was eliminated by T1, JKL went live for a stream. During the stream, many comments criticized TES jungler kanavi for being unreliable, and some viewers even joked that kanavi and coach Hongmi were “betraying the team.” Seeing the harsh criticism of his teammates, JKL stood up for kanavi and coach Hongmi, saying kanavi is very skilled but made mistakes due to nervousness during the match. Finally, JKL urged TES fans not to put pressure on kanavi.

Many fans also asked who will coach TES next year, especially since coach Hongmi recently revealed in an interview that he hopes to return to LCK as a coach next year. JKL said he is unsure about TES’s future transfers. Honestly, TES’s external reputation has completely collapsed this year. Although TES was embarrassing last year too, their win-loss record against LCK was 6-9. This year, after switching to jungler kanavi and coach Hongmi, TES’s record against LCK is a dismal 0-12.

Responding to retirement questions

Besides apologizing to fans during the stream, many viewers wanted to know if JKL would retire next year. Recently, insiders have speculated that JKL might take a break due to injury issues. JKL openly addressed this during the stream, revealing that his hearing has deteriorated and he experiences severe tinnitus during rest. He said he will see a doctor soon and whether he continues his professional career depends on the doctor’s advice.

Finally, JKL complained about the new LPL transfer rules during the stream. He explained that in one month, players must participate in the LPL “auction.” If players do not join, they will be banned by the league. Therefore, JKL will decide within a month whether to continue playing professionally. (The new LPL rules are quite abstract, treating esports players like “auction items.” Players cannot choose their teams directly; if a team buys you, you must join. Refusing leads to a two-season official ban.)

Conclusion

JKL currently has two options: either renew his contract with TES before the auction or participate in the auction. Honestly, joining the auction is not a good choice because you never know what teammates the buying club will assign. Many JKL fans hope he takes a break next season. (What do you think? Will JKL continue his pro career next year?)