League of Legends Star Kim “Khan” Dong-ha to Enlist in Military Next Year
The 2021 League of Legends World Championship may mark the last time fans witness the incredible skills of Kim “Khan” Dong-ha. In a recent live stream, the DWG KIA top laner revealed that he will be serving in the South Korean military starting next year.
Military service is compulsory for men aged 18 to 28 and can last up to three years. Unfortunately for Khan, he has exhausted all his chances to avoid it. “I won’t be able to avoid it,” he said according to a translation by Korizon’s Kevin Kim. “It will be a ‘direct hit’ as I used up all of my chances [to deny it.]”
The Clash with the LCK Summer Split
Khan’s enlistment is scheduled for June 2022, which clashes with the LCK Summer Split. While he can still compete in the spring split, Khan believes that the World Championship should take precedence. “It doesn’t make any sense for a team with their sight set on Worlds to play me in spring, but not in summer,” he said.
The Hope for Deferred Service
There was hope for notable figures in pop culture and the arts to delay their military service until the age of 30, as proposed in a bill in September 2020. However, it seems that this provision has not yet been put into effect, leaving Khan without the option to defer his service. “Why can’t I defer my [military service] to a later date?” Khan questioned. “There are such and such reasons, just know that I no longer can.”
Exemptions and the Future of Esports
Exemptions from military service have been granted to athletes in the past, such as during the 1976 Summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. With esports, including League of Legends, set to be featured at the 2022 Asian Games, there is a possibility that South Korean players or teams could receive exemption. However, it seems that the timing of these games has come too late for Khan.
As the League of Legends community prepares to bid farewell to Khan, his absence due to military service will surely be felt. Fans can catch his impressive gameplay at the 2021 World Championship before he embarks on this new chapter.
League of Legends, esports, Kim “Khan” Dong-ha, World Championship, South Korean military, military service, enlistment, LCK Summer Split, deferment, exemptions, Asian Games.