KeSPA names Deft and Rascal as analysts for South Korea’s Asian Games squad
Two of League of Legends' most decorated veterans step into coaching roles while serving their mandatory military obligations
The Korea e-Sports Association, better known as KeSPA, has officially appointed former League of Legends professionals Deft and Rascal as analysts for South Korea’s national esports team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games. Both players are currently fulfilling South Korea’s mandatory military service requirement, and this analyst role is being carried out during their official military leave.
Who are Deft and Rascal
Deft, whose full name is Kim Hyuk-kyu, is one of the most respected AD carry players in the history of League of Legends. His career spans over a decade of professional play across Korean and Chinese leagues.
Rascal, born Kim Kwang-hee, carved out his own reputation as a top lane player with stints across multiple top-tier organizations, including DRX.
The 2026 Asian Games and what’s at stake for South Korean esports
The 2026 Asian Games will feature esports as an official category. KeSPA oversees the entire selection and preparation process for South Korea’s national esports teams, and the organization has historically treated the Asian Games roster with significant rigor. Gold medals at the Asian Games carry real weight in South Korea, including the benefit of military service exemptions for athletes who earn them.
Deft and Rascal are serving in the military partly because earlier competitions didn’t produce the exemptions that would have kept them out. Now they’re being brought back in, on leave, to help the next generation of players potentially earn exactly that outcome.