Nongshim RedForce defeated BNK FearX 2-1 on August 23 in the final regular season match of the 2026 LoL Champions Korea (LCK), held at CHZZK LoL PARK in Jongno. With this victory, Nongshim RedForce locked in second place in the Rise Group and is set to face BNK FearX again in Round 2 of the Play-In Stage.

The following is the full text of the press conference with Nongshim RedForce Head Coach Choi In-kyu and 'Lehends' Son Si-woo.

Q. Please share your thoughts on today's victory.

Head Coach Choi In-kyu: I'm happy we won the last match of the regular season. Since BNK FearX could be our next opponent, winning against them today and starting off with good momentum means a lot.

'Lehends': Our next match is against BNK FearX, and I feel we got a good read on them through this match. We'll prepare well for the next match and make sure to win.

Q. You lost Game 1 today, but turned it around by taking Games 2 and 3. What was the driving force behind the comeback victory?

Head Coach Choi In-kyu: Even when we fell behind in-game, the players didn't lose sight of our objectives or the strengths of our team comp. Choosing favorable teamfights and macro plays based on that served as the foundation for the comeback.

Q. (To 'Lehends') You just mentioned that you "got a read" on BNK FearX. What specifically did you figure out?

'Lehends': Rather than saying I "got a read on them," I'd like to rephrase it as simply "warming up" ahead of the upcoming multi-game series.

Q. With this match, the regular season has officially come to an end. We'd like to hear from both of you on how you evaluate the past season.

Head Coach Choi In-kyu: In a word, it was "eventful." It would have been much more rewarding if we had achieved great results amid such a dynamic environment, so I'm very disappointed that we fell short of our target results. It must have been tough on the players, but I'm grateful to them for staying composed and playing well through the final match.

'Lehends': Naturally, there are regrets. That's why I felt all the more strongly that we needed to end the regular season on a high note together. We can't let this year end as just a disappointment, so using today's victory as a stepping stone, I'm determined to keep delivering good results in the upcoming matches.

Q. You need to prepare for the Play-Ins right away. How do you plan to prepare for the multi-game series against BNK FearX?

Head Coach Choi In-kyu: I think both teams learned a bit more about each other through today's match. Since we didn't win overwhelmingly, we need to improve a lot in both draft and in-game play. We must significantly elevate our performance in the first Play-In match to have a chance in the subsequent matches.

Q. (To 'Lehends') In an earlier interview, opposition player 'Clear' provoked you by saying, "If we meet again, I'll destroy you." Do you care to respond?

'Lehends': I think that taunt was directed at 'Kingen', not me. 'Kingen' will win the next match and get perfect revenge for us instead.

Q. Finally, any last words for the fans?

Head Coach Choi In-kyu: Our next match is a best-of-five series. Since we couldn't bring much joy or excitement to the fans during the regular season, we will win the next match with an entertaining and strong performance so that supporting Nongshim feels truly worthwhile. We will prepare well and come back strong.

'Lehends': Personally, I'm really looking forward to a best-of-five match and think it will be very fun. I will prepare well and make sure we win. Thank you.