On the 4th (KST), IG defeated TES 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 LoL World Championship (Worlds), held at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. Having dropped into the Nirvana Group ahead of LPL Split 3, IG made it to the Worlds stage after many twists and turns alongside the returns of Kang "TheShy" Seung-lok and Song "Rookie" Eui-jin. Taking revenge on TES, who had defeated them in the Regional Qualifier, IG advanced to the semifinals.
Speaking with Inven after the match, TheShy shared his thoughts: "I'm so happy that we achieved a good result with our new teammates. Since coming to Worlds, my teammates and I have made every day count and became much more immersed. Thanks to that, we were able to win such an important match today."
Starting LPL Split 3 in the Nirvana Group, IG requested the return of TheShy and Rookie, who were both on break. Stepping in as relief pitchers, the duo created an upset alongside their new teammates by qualifying for Worlds. Now, as if it were no longer a fluke, they are looking toward the ultimate stage—the Finals.
TheShy explained, "When my break was decided, I promised IG's CEO that if things got tough and he called me, I would help. I came back to keep my word." He added, "Even so, I didn't expect us to reach Worlds, let alone the semifinals. Winning the championship is still a dream rather than a goal for me. I dream that winning the title will follow naturally as I achieve my goal of showing everything I can."
Below is the full interview with TheShy.
Q. How do you feel about the victory, and how did you prepare for the match against TES?
I'm so happy that we achieved a good result with our new teammates. For today's match, we focused our preparation on the mid lane pick/ban, establishing the tier list for the bot lane, and understanding the matchups between jungle champions. Personally, I had a brief chat with the coach regarding the top lane pick/ban.
Q. You lost against TES in your previous match during the Regional Qualifier. What changed compared to then?
Back then, to be honest, I don't think our team was playing that well. Of course, there were things we did well, but we had many shortcomings, and I wasn't fully satisfied with my own performance either. But coming to Worlds and going through the practice process changed a lot of things. Regardless of wins or losses, my teammates and I spent every day gaining enough from the experience, and we became more immersed in our current situation. Accumulating that experience allowed us to win such an important LPL civil war today.
Q. In which area do you feel you've grown the most?
When you come to Worlds, all teams practice in their hotel rooms. I think that enclosed space gave us a bit more focus. Our team cohesion definitely improved a lot as well. We grew significantly in terms of understanding what kind of communication is needed in specific situations, who feels comfortable or uncomfortable doing certain things, as well as making detailed calls. In particular, I think we grew a lot on the offensive side. While we're still a bit lacking defensively, overall, quite a lot of areas have improved.
Q. Starting in the Nirvana Group and simply qualifying for Worlds was already called a 'miracle run,' but now you've reached the semifinals. What is the source of this strength?
There could be countlessly many reasons. Whether it's the real reason or not, it could be the experience of the veterans or the passion of the rookies. But personally, I think someone on our team—excluding me—has incredible good luck. I feel like we shared that good luck to produce this result.
Q. Why do you think that "someone" isn't you?
It could be me, but I don't think it's me (laughs).
Q. We understand that you took a break for two splits this year due to an injury.
Actually, I didn't take a break because of an injury. I believe being a professional gamer consumes a lot of mental energy. Since I've been a pro for a long time and am now approaching my thirties, I've been using breaks to manage that. Because my presence on stage can't last forever, I also don't want to get too comfortable with it. Still, I feel great coming back and having things go so well.
Q. So while it wasn't a physical injury, it was a break for your mental health. What was the decisive reason that made you resolve to return amid all that?
I am really close with IG's CEO. After Worlds last year, I told him I'd probably take a break next year, and we agreed that it would be great for me to get a proper rest for a year. That's when I made a promise to him: 'If things get too tough, call me. I will definitely help.' I never imagined that would actually happen, but during Split 3, the terrible thing happened where our team dropped into the Nirvana Group. So he reached out, and as a man, you have to keep your word. That's why I returned.
Q. Since then, IG truly succeeded in their revival. Coming from the Nirvana Group all the way to Worlds, and now reaching the semifinals. Did you expect such a complete resurrection?
I didn't play games at all during my break. I only played ARAM Mayhem occasionally with friends. Once I decided to return, I started playing seriously, and after about three weeks, I immediately jumped into team practice. That's why I couldn't have anticipated this outcome at all. When I first rejoined the team, the goal was to get us into the Ascend Group. The next biggest goal after that was Worlds, but back then, that sounded like a dream. Going from the Nirvana Group to Worlds is extremely difficult. But now we're at Worlds, and we've reached an even higher stage. I truly didn't expect or anticipate it.
Q. Having come this far, you can now aim even higher. Have you revised your ultimate goal?
Anyone can talk about dreams. For example, you can talk about absurd dreams like 'I wish 10 billion won fell from the sky.' For us, winning Worlds is that kind of dream, though it feels a bit closer now than before. There are still many teams evaluated as being better than us. Since I'm human, I naturally have greed and expectations for winning, and I even go to sleep dreaming of winning the title. However, the goal I can speak of is to show fans everything I can inside the game and fulfill their expectations. And in the process of achieving that goal, I simply fervently dream that winning the championship will follow.
Q. Lastly, do you have any words for the fans who are sharing the same dream?
I'm so grateful to all the fans supporting us. I'm sure Korean fans have other Korean teams they are cheering for, but I'd be even more grateful if you could cheer for us as well. I'll work even harder so that during the final match, both the fans and I can smile together.
