Stars inevitably lose their light. Yet, until that moment arrives, they shine the brightest, painting the night sky with their brilliance before remaining as celestial bodies for years to come.
Kim Hyuk-kyu, better known as “Deft,” shares that same essence. For over a decade, he has never stopped shining, never relinquished his brilliance. Through losses and setbacks, he has continued to rise, embodying the spirit of relentless perseverance.
If one phrase could define him, it would be: “What matters is an unbreakable spirit.” During his 2022 League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) victory, this phrase became synonymous with his journey, resonating far beyond the game and into the hearts of countless fans. Deft has always fought through uncertainty, maintaining unwavering focus until the very last moment—and more often than not, crafting miraculous comebacks.
His arrival on the professional scene was dazzling from the start. In 2013, he burst onto the esports stage with the nickname “Crazy High Schooler,” a moniker that reflected the fearless, electrifying style he displayed.
Among a sea of talented prospects, he shone the brightest, racking up thousands of kills and cementing his place as one of the greatest AD carries of his era. His career reached its peak in 2022 when he lifted the Worlds trophy, a culmination of years of perseverance. Yet, despite everything he has accomplished, he still seeks new challenges—because a star does not fade until the very end.
Deft’s entry into League of Legends was unplanned. A 16-year-old high school student at the time, he initially played the game casually during winter break, simply following his friends. In the beginning, he lagged behind them in skill. But within a couple of months, he had not only caught up but surpassed them. As his rank continued to climb, he realized he might have a natural talent for the game.
“Honestly, I was the worst among my friends at first. But after a month or two, I started getting better—much better. Watching my rank rise so quickly made me think, ‘Maybe I’m actually pretty good at this game.’”
At the time, the highest rank was Platinum. After reaching that milestone, he contemplated quitting. But just as he considered stepping away, Riot Games introduced a new tier—Diamond. He set himself a new goal: reach Diamond before stopping. That goal led to another, and before he knew it, he had received an offer to join a professional team.
However, pursuing an esports career wasn’t an easy decision—especially because his parents strongly opposed it. His mother, who worked in the public sector, envisioned a stable career for her son, and back then, professional gaming wasn’t widely recognized as a viable profession.
“My parents first thought I was just trying to avoid studying. So of course, they were completely against it. But I had proof—I showed them my in-game rankings, trying to convince them I actually had potential. Then, once I made my debut and put on a strong performance, they slowly started to accept it.”
Even after convincing his family, the road to success was filled with obstacles. His first year as a pro didn’t bring the results he had hoped for, and his parents once again suggested he should return to his studies. But rather than give up, he persevered. By his second year, his results improved, and he began solidifying his place among the elite AD carries of the game. Perhaps, without realizing it at the time, he was already developing the resilience that would define his career.
Over the years, Deft built a legacy across both the LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) and LPL (League of Legends Pro League), achieving milestones that few could rival. He became one of the all-time leaders in kills and consistently competed at the highest level. Yet, despite his impressive individual records, he always emphasized the importance of teamwork over personal accolades.
And among all his victories, there was one that stood out above the rest—his 2022 Worlds championship run. It was the moment he had dreamed of for a decade. After countless attempts, he finally stood on the world’s biggest stage, lifting the Summoner’s Cup.
“Even at the very end, it didn’t feel real. We secured the final team fight, but none of us fully grasped that we had won until the Nexus fell. My only thought was, ‘Wow… this actually happened.’”
Now, after more than a decade at the top, Deft faces another challenge—mandatory military service. While the thought of leaving the professional scene for nearly two years might be daunting to some, he remains calm about it.
“I don’t know much about military service yet, but I just hope to stay healthy and return without any injuries.”
Yet, his career is far from over. Unlike many who step away permanently after service, Deft has no intention of retiring just yet.
“I don’t know how much the game will change in two years. But as of now, I still believe I have what it takes to compete at the highest level. And if the situation is right, I’d love to continue playing.”
Even beyond his playing career, he has his sights set on coaching and leadership roles.
When asked how he wants to be remembered, he didn’t hesitate. “I want to be known as a player who always found a way.”
He hopes that people will remember him not just for his mechanics or accolades, but for his unwavering determination—the way he never gave up, no matter the circumstances.
Though Deft’s time as a player may be entering its final chapters, it is far from over. A new generation of stars has begun to rise, and the brilliance of his early years may have softened. Yet, this does not mean the end. Some stars, before they fade, burn the brightest.
But what we do know is that giving up has never been an option for him. Perhaps, only when he chooses to stop shining, we can finally say that Deft’s journey has come to an end.
―Please introduce yourself briefly.
“I’m Kim Hyuk-kyu, formerly the AD carry for KT Rolster. Most people know me as Deft in the League of Legends scene.”
―What made you start playing League of Legends? And what was your first champion?
“It was during my winter break when I was 16. I started playing just for fun, but I officially began my pro career at 17. At first, I thought I would stop once I reached the highest rank at the time, Platinum. But when they introduced Diamond, I kept playing, and somehow, I ended up here. My first champion was Kog’Maw. Back then, I didn’t even understand the concept of AD carry or support—I just picked him because he was free to play.”
―What do you think is the most appealing aspect of League of Legends?
“The biggest appeal is that it’s a team game. I’ve always enjoyed team sports like soccer. The fact that each player has a unique role to play makes it even more interesting.”
―If you weren’t an AD carry, which position would you have chosen?
“I probably would have played support. There’s no deep reason behind it—it’s just that my computer at home wasn’t very good, so I usually played League at PC cafés. But when I played at home, I mostly played support, and I actually won a lot of games that way.”
―You hold one of the highest kill records among AD carries in both LCK and LPL. How does that feel?
“Honestly, records like ‘most kills’ or ‘first to achieve something’ are bound to be broken eventually. If another player has a long career like mine, they will surpass those numbers. That’s why I value team championships more than individual records.”
―What is the most memorable victory in your career?
“It has to be the 2022 League of Legends World Championship. The first pro players I ever watched were competing in Worlds, so winning it naturally became my goal. It took a long time to achieve, which made it even more special.
But when we actually won, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it. I remember thinking, “Wait, this is actually happening?” Even when we had a clear advantage in the final game, I couldn’t relax until we destroyed the Nexus. That moment was unforgettable."
―How would you compare your playstyle from your early days to now?
“When I first debuted, I was more focused on individual play rather than team synergy. League isn’t a game played by machines—it’s a team game, and coordination matters. Back then, I wasn’t very good at that part.
I also prioritized my own emotions, which probably made it difficult for my teammates. But over time, playing in teams like KT and working with great teammates helped me mature. Now, if I had a teammate like my younger self, I would know how to handle them better.”
―If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?
“Knowing the future would ruin the fun, so I wouldn’t give any advice. (Laughs) But I would tell myself, “You’re doing well.” Back then, I was pushing myself to the limit without knowing what the future held. I’d just give myself a pat on the back and say, ‘You’re doing great.‘"
―How would you rate your own playstyle on a scale of 1 to 10?
“I think my performance can be judged in two ways: my in-game mechanics and my overall impact on team play. Apart from my early years, I believe I’ve contributed a lot to my teams, so I’d rate my team influence around 8 to 9 points. But I feel my mechanics still have room for improvement, so I’d give myself a 7 overall.”
―What was your best match and the one you regret the most?
“The best was definitely the 2022 Worlds final. The one I regret the most? My last match of the 2024 season—I wasn’t able to accomplish what I had hoped for."
―You once said that you would retire without regrets if you played the perfect game. Do you still feel that way?
“I’ve played over 10,000 games by now, but I don’t think I’ve ever come close to a perfect one. Every game leaves some room for improvement.
I used to think winning Worlds would put an end to my lingering attachments to the game. But after winning, I found myself wanting more. Now, I wonder if it’s even possible to quit just because I’ve achieved a goal."
―If you had to pick your all-time best team, who would be in it?
“Rather than focusing on individual players, I think League should be evaluated by teams. The best teams I’ve ever seen were Samsung White in 2014 and T1 from 2015 to 2016.”
―You spent a long time with KT Rolster. What are your thoughts on your time there?
“I was with KT for three years, and even though we won a title, I regret not being able to achieve more. That aside, I’m incredibly grateful to KT fans. There’s a unique energy that only KT fans can give.
When I first joined KT, and even when I returned, I always felt that love and support. No matter the results, the moments I shared with KT fans in the arena will always stay with me.“
―Do you have any pre-game rituals?
“I don’t eat or drink anything before a match. I hate having anything interfere with my focus. Even drinking water—sure, I could go to the bathroom beforehand, but even that small detail feels distracting.
Oh, and completely unrelated, but my favorite food is sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken. (Laughs)"
―The phrase ‘Unbreakable Spirit’ became widely associated with you. Does this align with your personal philosophy?
“I really hate losing. Every time I lose, I remind myself, ‘This isn’t the end.’ In League, you always get another chance. I know I’ll face my opponents again, so I just have to beat them next time. Even if I lose in the moment, I keep going because I know there’s always a next time.”
―Many fans are sad about your military service. What are your plans for the future?
“One of my strengths is being very objective about my abilities. I still believe I can compete at the highest level, even at Worlds. Of course, the game will change a lot in two years, but I’m not thinking about that too much just yet.”
―What advice would you give to aspiring pro players?
“I don’t think I have extraordinary natural talent, but I’ve always had an intense drive to improve. If you don’t have overwhelming talent or an unwavering competitive mindset, you should really think carefully before pursuing this path.
Looking back, I was always the player who practiced the most, no matter which team I was on. I barely took breaks, even during holidays. I would set goals—reaching a certain rank, getting a certain number of wins—and I wouldn’t stop playing until I achieved them. Sometimes I’d play for two or three days straight without sleeping. Whether that was the most efficient way, I don’t know. (Laughs)”
―Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?
“Just as I’ve grown older, so have my fans. Some of them have gotten married, others have started working. As a pro player, the fans who have been with me through the years mean the most to me.
Their support has been a driving force in my career, and I’m incredibly grateful. Whether I continue as a player or transition into coaching, I hope we can keep having a positive impact on each other’s lives.”
