Buzz
The speculation surrounding Scout's comeback to LCK is causing a buzz in the global League of Legends community, especially within the realms of LPL and LCK.
Just a few days ago, rumors from both LPL and LCK hinted that the Korean duo who clinched the 2021 Worlds, Viper and Scout, are contemplating a 'homecoming.' While there are reports of teams reaching out to Viper, Scout's move to LCK appears rather 'impossible,' potentially putting his career at risk.
As known, Scout originally emerged from the SKT T1 ranks and was once touted as a potential successor, even challenging Faker's mid lane throne. However, unfortunate timing led him to SKT T1 during Faker's prime. Naturally, no one could overshadow Faker during the years 2015 - 2016 to give Scout a starting position. Consequently, Scout departed SKT T1 and transitioned to EDward Gaming from Spring 2016 until now.
At present, Scout revels in glory with achievements like winning the LPL Summer 2021 championship and clinching the 2021 Worlds title. Alongside the EDG ensemble, they brought the Worlds trophy back to the LPL after a 2020 season dominated by Korean teams. Moreover, this championship holds even greater significance as it marks EDG's inaugural Worlds triumph in the organization's history.
Returning to LCK could be deemed as a 'career regression' for Scout, with Faker's prominence being a major factor.
Competing in other top-tier teams, Scout would have to vie against younger contenders like Bdd, ShowMaker, Chovy, who might lack experience but certainly have youth on their side. Scout played a pivotal role as a playmaker in EDG's conquest of the 2021 Worlds, reminiscent of Faker's role in the 2021 season. This implies that Scout acknowledges the need to yield the stage to his younger, more talented teammates. While this underscores Scout's adaptability, it also poses a challenge. As evidenced in the losses against DWG KIA and Gen.G Esports, Scout's teammates faltered, and he couldn't reclaim the momentum. Conversely, 'carrying the team when necessary' is a hallmark trait of players like ShowMaker, Bdd, and Chovy.
Compensation and Title Contention
Joining teams in the lower ranks of LCK, such as KT Rolster, Nongshim RedForce... would unlikely offer Scout the same perks as EDG and LPL. Furthermore, the ability to compete for titles would also be questionable. Take Hanwha Life Esports, for instance. Despite their strength, they possess a mid-tier roster mostly comprising young talents, with only Deft and somewhat Chovy boasting the most experience. The outcome? They struggled in LCK throughout the past season, and in Worlds, got trounced 3-0 by T1 in the Quarterfinals, even losing to LNG Esports in the play-in stage and PSG Talon in the group stage - a team rated much lower from the PCS. Additionally, Hanwha Life Esports also has the 'golden backbone' Chovy, whereas Scout, as mentioned earlier, excels as a playmaker, but his ability to 'carry the team' regularly in a mid-tier team would need reassessment.
Excessive Risk
Speculation suggests that Scout might return to LCK to secure a spot in the South Korean national team roster for the Asian Games 2022, thereby exempting him from military service. However, this scenario seems even less likely. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, Scout would have to compete with at least Faker, ShowMaker, Chovy, Bdd for the mid lane position in the South Korean LoL national team, and it's almost certain that maximum conditions would be provided for Faker - the iconic figure of LCK. Secondly, it's not guaranteed that South Korea would win the LoL event to meet the military service exemption criteria for players. Recall, in the Asian Games 2018, South Korea fell to China, and Scout's former teammate - Meiko, was a member of the winning Chinese team that year. Betting on his career this way, Scout would undoubtedly have to weigh his options carefully.
Certainly, rumors only linger as rumors. Scout, the reigning champion of Worlds 2021, is highly regarded by the entire LPL community. Perhaps Scout will return someday, but if he were to move to the LCK during this transfer window, his career would immediately come under scrutiny.
