

On the 3rd of June (KST), the media day for the 2019 LCK Summer Split was held. Players and coaches from each participating team came and shared a few words with the media. The main question to the teams was about each teams’ expectations for the season and who they thought would win the championship in the summer. While most teams picked SK Telecom T1 to win the championship, there were teams that picked Griffin, Kingzone DragonX, and Gen.G Esports.





KT Rolster Smeb started the day. “We’re about start the summer season, and the team atmosphere is at a very good state now. Our performance is on the rise,” said Smeb. “Although the season hasn’t started yet, as much as they’re the defending champions, I think SKT will be the best contender.” KT’s head coach, Oh Chang-jong agreed with Smeb. “Since SKT has their strengths, if they’re able to maintain their prowess, they have the highest possibility to win.”



Gen.G Esports Yoon “Seonghwan” Seong-hwan spoke next. “My goal is reaching the playoffs. The team atmosphere and scrim results aren’t bad, so I think we can make it.” and also predicted SKT to win the championship. Gen.G head coach Choi “Edgar” Woo-beom said “Our primary goal is reaching the playoffs. We’ll be preparing while thinking that we’re the worst team” and picked Griffin for the championship. “I think it’s time for them to win a title.”



SANDBOX Gaming’s Park “Summit” Woo-tae said, “Since spring was our first season, I think we can do better this season. We have experience now. SKT has the highest possibility; they should be still strong.” Their head coach, Yoo Eui-joon said, “We were able to gain some points for Worlds. Whether by winning the summer season, or through regionals, I really want to get to Worlds.” His prediction for the championship was Griffin.



Kingzone DragonX predicted a difficult season. Park “TusiN” Jong-ik was worried. “Since we don’t have PawN, the season won’t be easy. However, I really want to get to Worlds. I think SKT is the strongest team.” Head coach Kang Dong-hoon also said, “It’ll be a difficult season. We were drawing the big picture since early this year; we’ll be thinking of the summer season as that process and do our best.” Coach Kang gave the most unique prediction, but still thought of SKT as the strongest team. “There had been several upsets in the summer, last year, the year before… I think it would be fun if such thing happens again this year. But SKT is still really strong.”



SKT’s Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok said, “We learned a lot through the failure in MSI. Although we didn’t have much time to prepare for the summer, we’ll put in our best efforts to bring good results. Since Gen.G is strong in the fall, I have high expectations for them.”



Kkoma wanted to start with a clean sheet. “We’ll be starting without thinking of the spring season. Since all teams would be full-sprinting, it won’t go easy. If we’re shaky during the season, it will affect the performance at Worlds.” He picked KT Rolster for the season championship. “KT has always been strong in the summer, and they strengthened their roster.”



Griffin’s Kim “cvMax” Dae-ho said that he wanted to lead the team so that they can bring good results and enjoy playing at the same time. “Since we’ve earned some Worlds points during spring, we want to attempt diverse things. Our goal is to reach Worlds, and I think T1 would win the championship. They would have gotten stronger through their international experience.” Lee “Tarzan” Seung-yong had the same idea.



DAMWON Gaming spoke briefly. Head coach Kim Mok-gyeong said, “We’re doing our best to deliver better performance in the summer. Our goal is Worlds.” Lee “Flame” Ho-jong agreed.



Head coach Kang Hyeon-jong of Hanwha Life Esports was desperate for the postseason. “I really don’t want to say that it’s regretful after this season. Our goal is to get to the postseason at least. I think our teamwork is at a good state through our experience in the spring. I’ll pick Kingzone DragonX for the winners. They’re a team that can make things happen whenever.”



Afreeca Freecs coach Jung “NoFe” No-cheol said, “I want to show our team’s potential. Griffin and SKT has the highest possibility to win. Their synergy between the coaching staff and the players is the best.” The team’s ace, Kim “Kiin” Gi-in said, “As much as we’re practicing hard because the spring results weren’t very good, you can look forward to our performance.”



The last to speak was Jin Air Green Wings. Head coach Han “H-Dragon” Sang-yong said, “Our biggest goal in the summer is not going to promotions/relegations. The other teams would probably think of us as an easy win, but they’ll be doomed if they lose to us,” and smiled. He predicted SKT to win again. “Kkoma’s obsession would lead the team to the championship again.” Lee “Stitch” Seung-joo also spoke up. “Since spring season was the worst, there’s nowhere to go but up, and I wish Gen.G wins this time.”