Updated on May 11, 5:09 p.m. (GMT+8): Improved relevancy, updated introduction.
In 2024, seven years after he kick started his pro player career, Kim “Kiin” Gi-in finally won his fist ever LCK championship with Gen.G.
For his outstanding performance in the series against longtime rivals T1, which included solo kills on Choi “Zeus” Woo-je in tank versus tank matchups, he bagged Finals MVP.
Before this in 2023, he had a good year with KT Rolster and even qualified for Worlds. He won the most MVPs in LCK Spring 2023 in the top lane role and had culminated the highest LCK Spring Playoffs MVP points.
Kiin’s journey to the top began modestly. Back in LCK Summer 2017 when he was on Ever8 Winners, they finished in last in the league.
Despite results, his potential was recognized by Afreeca Freecs (now Kwangdong Freecs). This pivotal transition set the stage for his explosive career. With the Freecs, he finished second in LCK Spring 2018 and eventually clinch a coveted spot at Worlds that same year for the first time ever.
In an exclusive interview with ONE Esports, Kiin peels back the layers of his career and shares pivotal moments that shaped his remarkable ascent.
Kiin’s path to LCK: an unfolding of fateful circumstances
Kiin’s introduction to the world of professional gaming happened during his high school years.
“I used to play League of Legends when I was in my third year of high school because I found it very fun to play,” he recalled.
This budding affection for the game paved the way for his involvement in the LoL community, which eventually led to a fortuitous opportunity.
“A team was on the lookout for players to join their academy teams, and my friends suggested that I should give it a shot, because they thought I was good,” he recounted.
The decision to embark the path of professional gaming wasn’t part of Kiin’s initial life blueprint. He had plans to enter the workforce after completing his education in a technical college.
“While there might have been a point in my life when I considered esports as a profession, I may not have taken the leap to try out for that team if it hadn’t been for my friends’ encouragement,” he said.
Fate intervened as well, propelling him into the main LCK league unexpectedly. “One day, our team encountered some difficulties, and I was abruptly placed into the main team, which marked the turning point of my debut,” he shared.
This unexpected elevation to the main league left an indelible mark on his trajectory. “In a way, I was very lucky,” he said.
Kiin’s personal life and beyond professional gaming
Despite these lucky breaks, Kiin’s journey was not devoid of challenges, especially when it came to familial support.
Gaining parental approval for a career in professional gaming proved to be an uphill battle. “Certainly, my parents had their reservations,” he chuckled, reflecting on his family’s initial apprehensions.
However, his tenacity and the gradual blossoming of his career led to a shift in their stance. “During my debut year, our team secured 10th position, so my parents were somewhat hesitant. It wasn’t until my second year, with our team’s rise to second and third places and the qualification for Worlds, that my parents started to become supportive,” he revealed.
Beyond the world of intense competition, Kiin finds relaxation in other popular games during his leisure time. “I play a lot of popular games; during the 2018 off-season, I used to play a lot of Lost Ark, and I still play a bit of MapleStory,” he shared.
“I like to go out and eat delicious food. I wouldn’t say I am a foodie, but I do enjoy going out and enjoying good food,” he added.
At some point in time Kiin would first have to fulfill the obligatory military service in South Korea. After that, he still sees himself in gaming, but pursuing something that does not involve coaching.
“I don’t think I would want to become a coach or anything like that, but maybe I’ll think about being a streamer,” he pondered. “Teaching someone is not really my style.”
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