Pungyeon returns to BRION roots with LCK signing after CFO departure
The 22-year-old mid laner rejoins the organization where he first launched his professional career in 2021
Lee “Pungyeon” Jong-hyuk is heading back to where it all started. The mid laner officially joined HANJIN BRION in the LCK on June 29, 2026, leaving CTBC Flying Oyster after a roughly five-month stint in the League of Legends Challengers Pacific.
Pungyeon first entered the professional scene through BRION Academy back in February 2021, making this return less of a gamble and more of a reunion tour with upgraded credentials.
From academy roots to regional detour and back
After his initial stint in the BRION Academy system, the mid laner picked up experience with SANDBOX Academy and Freecs Challengers before moving to CTBC Flying Oyster on December 22, 2025, sending him to the LCP. That experiment lasted until approximately May 2026.
Those needs became acute after Loki, the team’s previous mid laner, departed earlier in 2026. Pungyeon slots into that gap at 22 years old.
A rebranded BRION with new backing
HANJIN BRION underwent a significant rebranding in January 2026. The team previously operated under the names Fredit BRION and OKSavingsBank BRION, reflecting past sponsorship deals. The partnership with OK Financial Group concluded in 2025, opening the door for Hanjin Group to step in as title sponsor.
Hanjin Group is best known for its logistics operations and its ownership of Korean Air. The team’s lineage includes several rebrands, having transitioned from Kongdoo Monster to Brion Blade, and finally to OKSavingsBank BRION, before commencing its collaboration with the Hanjin Group.
The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. No contract length or transfer fee has been made public.