TES announces promotion of secondary team top laner.

The second stage of LPL begins in just two days. TES, scheduled for the opening match, recently encountered an unexpected change. Top laner 369 stated he has some form issues and needs a break to adjust. This confirms earlier departure rumors. Management advised him, but he returned physically while his focus lagged. TES promoted secondary team top laner Zuian to temporarily fill 369's spot.

Unless unforeseen, the two will likely rotate. Zuian is expected to start against IG. After watching the Oil Cup qualifiers, trying a new player seems beneficial for TES. During the match against AL, 369's performance was notably poor—always suppressed in lane by Saint Gun and even solo killed. Even a rookie top laner wouldn't fare that badly.

Zuian previously played in LPL, debuting with IG. In 2024, he was promoted to the main team and played for a period, but his performance wasn't standout, so after the Summer Split he transferred to TES's secondary team. Last year in LDL, Zuian and his teammates won the championship cup tournament. He consecutively won Best Top Laner awards and was repeatedly selected for league All-Star teams.

Even if this young top laner underperforms, he likely won't be worse than 369 during the Oil Cup qualifiers. TES's adjustment is a necessary move. Who would have thought the player who won MSI in 2023 and was compared to Bin would now perform so poorly? Taking time to reset could benefit 369 himself. Once he regains form, he can return to chase the Worlds championship with the team.

Ruler posts response to tax evasion incident.

GEN's AD player Ruler's alleged tax evasion remains highly discussed. LCK officials and Riot have intervened, suggesting significant issues. Korean netizens harbor resentment toward Ruler due to his high salary and military exemption eligibility, yet engaging in tax evasion. Thus, the tax evasion scandal continues to headline for days.

Ruler recently addressed the tax evasion matter. He stated: I did not intentionally hide or conceal income; two issues arose during asset management. First, after his father quit work in 2018, he handled Ruler's logistics and acted as an agent. Ruler considered expenses during contract periods as human resource costs, thus necessary expenditures.

This relates to rumors about Ruler paying his father. This portion might exceed normal standards. The second issue involves stock nominal trust. Ruler explained: the purpose wasn't gifting or tax evasion; due to lacking financial management experience, he entrusted his father. Both issues are unclear; the amount paid to his father is key.

If tax auditors deem Ruler's payments to his father excessively high, it's risky. If within normal range, there's room for negotiation. But since exposed, likely payments were substantial. Ruler's attempt to clarify is tough. LCK officials prioritize this; Ruler's explanation may not suffice—legal regulations will decide.

Conclusion:

TES's decision to change top laner is undoubtedly correct. 369's form is indeed low; resetting benefits both him and the team. If the young top laner performs decently, 369's starting position might be threatened. But if he truly declines and cannot regain form, not playing might yield better public perception than playing.

Do you think Ruler will be penalized?

Feel free to share your thoughts!