On Jun. 22, Dplus KIA faced KT Rolster in the 2023 LCK Summer Split. Dplus KIA prepared multiple Statikk Shiv builds to face KT Rolster, but they weren’t able to secure a win as they went down 0-2. After the match, head coach Choi “Acorn” Cheon-ju and bot laner Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu joined the media for an interview.

What do you think about today’s match?

Acorn: We worked hard as we prepared, so we were quite confident, but it’s really regretful that we lost 0-2. Since the players did well in an unfavorable situation in game 1, I thought we might be able to turn it around and win 2-1. Unfortunately, we lost game 2 too. Still, we’re working hard to improve, so we’ll be back focused in our next match.

Deft: As Acorn said, our performance in game 1 was alright. I thought our draft was pretty good in game 2, but I made a mistake I shouldn’t have made at Lv. 1. That wasted our mid laner’s Teleport. The early death was critical. We had a few chances afterward, but the opponent fought well, so we lost.

(To Deft) You played online last match and returned to LoL Park today. How was it?

Deft: I’ve played online before, so I didn’t need much time to adapt.

Are you fully recovered now?

Deft: This was the second time I was diagnosed, and the symptoms were the same. I was sick for about two days, and I was quite fine afterward.

KT picked Quinn in game 1. Since you picked Renekton, there was a chance for Quinn to appear. Did you expect it? Was it difficult facing it?

Acorn: Renekton struggled a lot. What we thought was that it was important to pick Renekton if the opponent picks Vi. We were aware that they could pick Quinn, but we didn’t think too much of it. Our draft was rather unprepared.

Your next opponent is Gen.G. How do you think it’ll go?

Acorn: Our performance in the LCK may have been a bit disappointing, but considering our scrims and players’ conditions, we have a good chance. If the draft goes well and the matchup is one that the players feel comfortable playing, we have what it takes to win.

(To Deft) You’ll be facing Peyz, who’s great playing Aphelios, Jinx, and Zeri. You’re known for your proficiency in playing those champions as well. How do you think it’ll go?

Deft: If we end up with a draft that features that matchup, it’ll be fun. Aside from the draft, I’m thinking of not making the mistake I made in game 2. I’m trying to pinpoint why that mistake happened. Today’s loss had more to do with the plays than the draft. I’ll go into the match with that in mind.

In game 2, the three laners all built Statikk Shiv. Was it intended to clear the lanes quickly? Will you be attempting the same strategy again?

Acorn: It’s a strategy that appears in other leagues and LCK games — everyone’s building Statikk Shiv. The item is OP, and being able to push first to gain a turn is very beneficial. We can clear vision or place ourselves for an objective fight first as well. We’ll be using it actively.