Zeus left T1 because he accepted a more lucrative free-agent offer from Hanwha Life Esports during the 2024 League of Legends offseason, ending his four-year tenure with the organization. The departure was not a single dramatic event but the result of contract negotiations that broke down over timing and financial terms, leading to one of the most talked-about roster moves in LCK history.
Background: Zeus’s Rise with T1
Choi “Zeus” Woo-je joined T1’s academy system in 2019 as a highly touted top laner, eventually debuting on the main roster in 2021. He quickly became known for his mechanical skill on carries like Jayce and Kennen, and by 2022 he was a full-time starter. Over the next three years, Zeus helped T1 reach three consecutive World Championship finals, winning the title in 2023. He also earned the 2023 World Finals MVP, cementing his status as one of the best top laners in the world.
T1’s roster during this period—Zeus, Oner, Faker, Gumayusi, and Keria—was widely considered a generational lineup. They won the 2023 World Championship and the 2024 LCK Spring Split, and they finished as runners-up at the 2024 World Championship. Zeus’s individual accolades include multiple LCK All-Pro selections and a 2022 LCK Spring MVP award.
The 2024 Offseason Negotiations
Zeus’s contract with T1 was set to expire in November 2024. Under LCK rules, teams can negotiate with their own players during a pre-free-agency period, but players become eligible to talk with other teams once the official free agency window opens. According to reports from Korean esports outlets, T1 and Zeus’s representatives had been in discussions for months, but the two sides could not agree on contract length or salary.
On November 19, 2024, the first day of free agency, Hanwha Life Esports announced that Zeus had signed with them. T1 later confirmed the departure in a statement, saying that negotiations had fallen through despite their best efforts. Multiple sources indicated that T1 had presented a final offer that was lower than what Hanwha offered, and that Zeus’s side wanted a longer contract with higher guaranteed money.
Why the Negotiations Broke Down
The breakdown appears to have been about both money and timing. Hanwha Life Esports, with the backing of a major insurance conglomerate, was willing to offer Zeus a contract worth reportedly around 3 billion KRW (approximately $2.1 million USD) per year—a significant raise from his previous salary. T1, while profitable, operates under a salary cap that the organization has historically been careful about, especially with Faker’s massive contract already on the books.
There were also reports of a disagreement over the negotiation deadline. T1 reportedly wanted a decision by a certain date, while Zeus’s agent asked for more time to evaluate offers. When T1’s deadline passed without an agreement, the team moved to sign a replacement—Doran from Gen.G—leaving no room for Zeus to return even if he had changed his mind.
Fan Reaction and Misinformation
The news sparked intense backlash from T1 fans, who directed anger at Zeus’s agent, a man named Kevin Lee. Some fans accused the agent of leaking false information to the media to pressure T1 into a higher bid. T1’s management publicly stated that they had not been given a chance to match Hanwha’s offer, while the agent claimed that T1 had refused to negotiate in good faith. The conflicting accounts led to widespread speculation and even death threats against the agent, which he later addressed in a statement.
One common misconception is that Zeus left for a much larger salary than T1 could ever match. In reality, the reported gap was not enormous—Hanwha’s offer was higher, but T1’s final proposal was reportedly within 10-20% of it. The issue was more about the contract structure and the perceived lack of communication than pure dollar figures.
Zeus’s Performance with Hanwha Life Esports
Zeus joined Hanwha Life Esports for the 2025 season, teaming up with star players like Zeka and Viper. In the 2025 LCK Spring Split, Hanwha finished second in the regular season and made it to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by Gen.G. Zeus’s individual performance remained strong, but the team has yet to replicate the synergy he had with T1’s roster.
At the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational, Hanwha Life Esports reached the bracket stage but lost to T1 in a highly anticipated matchup. That series drew enormous viewership, as fans were eager to see Zeus face his former teammates on the international stage. T1 won the series 3-1, with Zeus performing well but not enough to carry his new team to victory.
What It Means for T1 and the LCK
For T1, losing Zeus meant bringing in Doran, a solid top laner but not on the same level as Zeus in terms of carry potential. T1’s 2025 season has been mixed: they won the LCK Spring Split title but lost to Gen.G in the Summer Split finals. At the 2025 World Championship, T1 was eliminated in the semifinals, leading some analysts to question whether the team made the right decision in letting Zeus go.
For the LCK as a whole, Zeus’s move signaled a shift in the balance of power. Hanwha Life Esports, which had been a mid-tier team, became a legitimate contender. The move also highlighted the growing financial disparity between the top LCK organizations, with Hanwha and Gen.G willing to spend heavily while T1 relies more on brand revenue and player development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Zeus leave T1 because of Faker?
No. There is no credible evidence that Zeus left because of Faker or any other teammate. The decision was based on contract terms and the opportunity to earn more money with Hanwha Life Esports. Zeus has spoken positively about his time with Faker, and the two remain on good terms publicly.
Could Zeus have stayed if T1 matched Hanwha’s offer?
Possibly, but not necessarily. Reports suggest that T1’s final offer was lower than Hanwha’s, but the bigger issue was the negotiation process. T1’s deadline and the agent’s request for more time created a breakdown in trust. Even if T1 had matched the salary, the relationship may have been too damaged to continue.
Was Zeus’s agent the reason he left?
Zeus’s agent, Kevin Lee, was heavily criticized by fans, but the agent’s role is to get the best deal for his client. Whether he mishandled negotiations is a matter of interpretation. T1’s management claimed they were not given a chance to counter, while the agent claimed T1 was unwilling to negotiate fairly. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle.
Is Zeus happier now that he left T1?
There is no public statement from Zeus indicating his personal happiness. He has said in interviews that he is focused on his new team and wants to win with Hanwha. However, the team has not achieved the same level of success as T1 did in 2023, and it is unclear if he regrets the move. Players rarely admit regret publicly.
Will Zeus ever return to T1?
It is possible in the future, but unlikely in the short term. Zeus signed a multi-year contract with Hanwha Life Esports, reportedly through 2026. Esports contracts are sometimes bought out or renegotiated, but there is no indication that either side is interested in a reunion right now.
Broader Context: Esports Contract Dynamics
Zeus’s situation is not unique in esports. Player movement often comes down to salary, team success, and personal relationships. Unlike traditional sports, esports contracts are typically shorter (1-3 years), and players have more leverage during free agency. Teams like T1 must balance the desire to keep star players with the need to build a sustainable roster around other high-cost players.
In the LCK, the salary cap is a relatively new addition, and teams have different approaches to it. Hanwha Life Esports, with its corporate backing, has been willing to exceed the cap and pay luxury taxes, while T1 has historically been more conservative. This financial philosophy played a direct role in Zeus’s departure.
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