Gumayusi discusses his transition from T1 to joining HLE.

Gumayusi has finally opened up about his exit from T1, addressing the speculation swirling in the League of Legends esports community following his transition to Hanwha Life Esports.

During an Instagram livestream, the prominent AD carry dismissed rumors suggesting he left T1 due to harassment from anonymous groups like T1 Support Gallery, commonly referred to as T1Gall. Recently, South Korean National Assembly member Jeon Yong-gi urged organizations like KeSPA and Riot Korea to tackle these issues.

“Some people have claimed that I left because of the hate and harassment I received. That’s absolutely not true. I wanted to clarify that. I never believed that changing teams would magically solve those problems, and honestly, I don’t pay much attention to that kind of negativity,” Gumayusi stated, refuting claims that fan backlash influenced his decision to leave the renowned organization.

His time at T1 spanned nearly seven years, starting as a trainee in late 2018 and evolving into one of the most celebrated ADCs in the game. According to the Worlds 2025 MVP, his choice to join HLE was based on personal factors.

“The reason I chose Hanwha, as I mentioned in previous articles, is that this was my first experience as a free agent. I was fortunate to receive offers from many teams, so I took my time to consider them. Hanwha Life had a very positive evaluation of me, and I’ve always held them in high regard, which led me to join,” he explained.

One of Gumayusi’s primary objectives with HLE is to secure a spot at MSI 2026, establishing a clear goal for the team’s aspirations. The addition of a player of his caliber, alongside Kanavi from the LPL, who takes over the jungle position from Peanut, marks a significant statement as they head into the 2026 season. Gumayusi will also reunite with his former T1 teammate Zeus.

While domestic championships are certainly within reach, HLE’s strategic moves indicate they are gearing up to compete against the top teams on the international stage. For Gumayusi, this transfer signifies a new beginning and an opportunity to carve out his competitive identity beyond the established T1 legacy.