On Jun. 15, in the 2023 LCK Summer Split, Dplus KIA faced OK BRION. Prior to today’s match, Dplus KIA bot laner Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to miss the game, and Cho “Rahel” Min-seong was called up to take his place. Dplus KIA put up a good fight as they won game 1, but they weren’t able to secure the win as they lost the following two games and suffered their first loss of the season. After the match, head coach Choi “Acorn” Cheon-joo and mid laner Heo “ShowMaker” Su joined the media for an interview.

How do you feel about today’s match?

Acorn: I wanted to continue our winning streak, but it’s a bummer that our momentum stopped. There were several issues today, in the game and during the draft as well. I’d like to improve that and win our next match.

ShowMaker: I thought we could win today, but I’m sad that we lost. I think we should prepare for the next match well.

Deft being diagnosed with COVID-19 should have had some effect on the team.

Acorn: I’d be lying if I say it didn’t. There wasn’t anything we could do about it. What we can do is keep our heads up despite the loss and prepare for the next match well.

ShowMaker: Deft was suddenly diagnosed yesterday, and we didn’t have much time to practice. Even so, Rahel did really well. We lost because all of us, hyeongs, didn’t do well enough. [Laughs] We don’t know what’ll happen in the next match, so we should prepare well and show a good performance.

*Note: Hyeong is Korean for big brother.

As the head coach, what will you try to improve?

Acorn: I’ll have to see how Deft is. The draft and plays change depending on Deft, so I’ll see how it goes after checking on him.

How is Deft?

Acorn: He definitely wasn’t able to play today. We’ll have to check afterward.

What was the reason for today’s loss?

Acorn: The biggest issue was that there were kills in the top lane in games 2 and 3. We had a late game comp in game 2, but there was an accident. In game 3, we had to snowball, but weren’t able to.

Any last comments?

Acorn: I don’t know how our roster will be for the next match, but whatever happens, I want to win again and start rolling. I’ll focus on that only.

ShowMaker: Our performance was regretful today, and we lost, but I hope Rahel doesn’t blame himself. I’ll prepare well so that we can win the next match.