Overnight Trade: BFX's 'Diable' for Nongshim's 'Taeyoon'

Apr 30, 2026

'Diable' Nam Dae-geun has left BNK FearX. His destination is Nongshim RedForce. This is not a simple transfer but a trade involving 'Taeyoon' Kim Tae-yoon.

Immediately after BNK FearX announced 'Diable' Nam Dae-geun's demotion to the second team on the 28th, rumors of a trade with DN Supers gained momentum the following day, the 29th. During negotiations, the possibility of a trade involving second-team players was discussed. However, Head Coach Joo Young-dal emphasized in an official statement today that the trade was not initiated by a proposal from DN Supers.

The coordination process between BNK FearX and DN Supers was initially positive. The teams even reached the stage of discussing a specific announcement timeline in anticipation of a smooth deal. However, an unexpected variable emerged on the afternoon of the 29th, just before the LCK approval process, and the final negotiations fell through.

The situation became urgent, primarily due to a severe lack of time. With the LCK second round beginning on May 1st, and a trade ban in effect from the start of the second round until the end of the 'Road to MSI,' the teams had roughly 24 hours to reach an agreement and secure LCK approval.

If they failed to find a trade partner within that window, 'Diable' would have been forced to remain with BNK FearX until at least the next available trade period. Miraculously, however, new negotiations began with Nongshim RedForce. Stakeholders continued discussions until the early hours of the 30th, and the teams finally reached an agreement, pending only LCK approval.

Trade cases in the LCK are rare, and a trade executed in such a short timeframe is unprecedented. 'Taeyoon,' who returned to the LCK after joining Nongshim from the LPL, will now play for BNK FearX, while 'Diable,' once considered the future of BNK FearX, will make a fresh start with Nongshim RedForce.

Nongshim RedForce announced, "Kim 'Taeyoon' Tae-yoon has been traded to BFX, marking the end of his journey with Nongshim RedForce. We are deeply grateful for the hard work and passion 'Taeyoon' showed during his time with us, and we will cherish the warm memories we built together. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and will continue to support him. We also ask for your continued interest and support for 'Diable,' who has now joined Nongshim RedForce." Meanwhile, BNK FearX stated, "Please join us in giving a warm welcome and showing your support for 'Taeyoon' as he joins BNK FearX."

This article was originally written in Korean and translated with the help of NC AI. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom. [Read Original]