Nongshim Head Coach Choi In-Kyu: "We Fell Behind in Late-Game Teamfight Focus"

Why It Matters

The loss drops Nongshim in the LCK standings, jeopardizing playoff seeding, and highlights the growing importance of late‑game execution in high‑level League of Legends.

Key Takeaways

• Nongshim lost 0‑2 to KT after two consecutive wins
• Coach blamed late‑game teamfight focus and missed Baron timing
• Early‑mid game advantage gaps contributed to the defeat
• Team plans intensive review to tighten early-game strategies

Pulse Analysis

The LCK match on April 9 pitted two rising contenders—Nongshim RedForce and KT Rolster—both entering with 2‑2 records. After a two‑game winning streak, Nongshim looked to cement its momentum, while KT aimed to climb the mid‑season ladder. The first set unfolded as a chaotic slugfest, with both sides trading blows in the mid‑game. However, KT’s disciplined rotations and vision control allowed them to seize the Baron window, turning the tide. The second set mirrored the first, and KT’s superior late‑game execution ultimately secured a 2‑0 sweep.

Coach Choi In‑kyu identified two critical flaws: a missed opportunity around the first‑set Baron and a lack of early‑mid game pressure. In elite League of Legends, securing Baron can grant a decisive power spike, but failing to capitalize often cedes map control. Moreover, the team’s inability to translate early advantages into sustained pressure left them vulnerable to KT’s coordinated teamfights. Late‑game engagements in the LCK have become a decisive metric, rewarding squads that can maintain composure, target priority, and execute split‑push tactics under high stress.

The defeat drops Nongshim in the standings, tightening the race for playoff seeding and underscoring the thin margin between victory and loss at the professional tier. As other LCK franchises double down on analytical coaching and data‑driven scrims, RedForce’s announced internal review signals a shift toward more granular preparation. For fans and sponsors, the match reinforces the narrative that consistent late‑game performance is now a prerequisite for championship contention. How quickly Nongshim adapts will shape its trajectory for the remainder of the 2026 season.