Park ‘Ruler’ Jae-hyuk, bot laner and founding member of League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) team Gen.G, has officially parted ways with the team after a seven year tenure.

The team made the announcement less than two weeks after Gen.G was eliminated from the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds 2022), where they made it to the semifinals before losing to eventual champions DRX. Team CEO Arnold Hur later revealed the departure was requested by Ruler himself.

The organisation had posted a five-minute tribute video for Ruler, highlighting his beginnings in the LoL competitive scene with Samsung Galaxy (SSG) in 2016, which was later acquired by KSV, and rebranded to Gen.G, celebrating his success and contribution to the organisation along the way.

Ruler’s journey

Ever since he joined, Gen.G had experienced turbulent times where the team struggled to find success domestically. However, Ruler was often viewed as the most consistent while the roster was shuffled and built around him.

2022 was the year for Gen.G to shine as they finally won their first LCK title in Summer 2022, which also marked the first time Ruler won the domestic title, despite him having a Worlds title to his name.

The organisation entered the Worlds 2022 as one of the favourites, but suffered a 3-1 loss in the semifinals to DRX.

Now a free agent

Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur explained further, that despite the team having the option to extend Ruler’s contract, the player had requested Gen.G to allow him to explore free agency. He left upon mutual agreement with the organisation.

His decision to become a free agent will surely inflame the competitive demand for AD Carries in the LCK. As for the team, his replacement will have big shoes to fill considering Ruler’s status as an LCK icon.

Gen.G’s current roster

Top Laner - Choi ‘Doran’ Hyeon-jeon

Jungler - Han ‘Peanut’ Wang-ho

Mid - Jeong ‘Chovy’ Ji-hoon

Bot Laner - TBA

Support - Son ‘Lehends’ Si-woo