In a significant turn of events, Lee «Gumayusi» Min-hyung has officially joined Hanwha Life Esports as their bot laner for the upcoming 2026 League of Legends season. This announcement comes after Gumayusi’s impressive tenure with T1, where he was instrumental in leading the team to an unparalleled third consecutive World Championship victory.
On November 23, Hanwha Life Esports expressed excitement about the addition of Gumayusi, highlighting his remarkable skills and wealth of experience. «We are thrilled to welcome Lee ‘Gumayusi’ Min-hyung to our roster,» the team stated. «His proven track record will be invaluable in our quest for new achievements. We appreciate your support as we embark on this new chapter with him.»
The signing not only reunites Gumayusi with former T1 teammate Zeus but also aims to leverage their established synergy on the field. Both players have previously demonstrated their prowess as part of the legendary ZOFGK lineup that clinched consecutive world titles for T1. Their familiarity promises to lay a solid foundation for Hanwha Life Esports, providing a stable core from which the entire roster can develop.
This transition for Gumayusi comes alongside growing concerns about the cyberbullying he has faced, which has recently drawn attention from a South Korean lawmaker. The official urged the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) and Riot Korea to take more robust measures against such harassment, recognizing the need for a safer environment within the esports community.
While Hanwha Life Esports had some successes in 2025, including a victory in the LCK Cup and participation in the First Stand tournament, they ultimately fell short in other major competitions. After a disappointing early exit from the World Championships and missing MSI, the organization opted to make strategic changes, parting ways with veteran player Viper to facilitate Gumayusi’s integration into the team.
In addition to Gumayusi, veteran jungler Kanavi from Top Esports is also making his return to the LCK, stepping in for Peanut, who will be taking a break to fulfill mandatory military service. This shift, combined with the retention of the existing core players such as Zeus, Zeka, and Delight, along with their coaching staff, sets Hanwha Life Esports up for a promising start as they prepare for the 2026 season.
