Kanavi Returns to LCK With Hanwha Life Esports
Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok, one of the world’s most dominant junglers, is making a return to the LCK after six seasons in China’s LPL. Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) officially announced Kanavi as their starting jungler for the 2026 season, filling the vacancy left by Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, who has stepped away for mandatory military service.
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲, 𝗛𝗟𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗜
한화생명e스포츠에 정글러 ‘Kanavi’ 서진혁 선수가 합류했습니다. 국제 무대에서 쌓아온 경험과 뛰어난 경기 운영 능력을 갖춘 카나비 선수와 함께할 HLE의 새로운 챕터를 기대해 주세요.Seo ‘Kanavi’ Jin-hyeok has joined Hanwha Life Esports as our… pic.twitter.com/JsQUYnabbE
— Hanwha Life Esports (@HLEofficial) November 23, 2025
HLE has been aggressive in roster construction, extending contracts for top laner Choi “Zeus” Woo-je and mid laner Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo. Reports confirm with the announced the signing of AD carry Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong from T1, part of a blockbuster trade involving Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon heading to T1. The team also pursued Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu before he recommitted to Gen.G.
Kanavi’s Stellar LPL Legacy
Kanavi burst onto the scene with Griffin in 2019 but saw no LCK action, leading to a loan with JD Gaming (JDG) that turned permanent. There, he began a legendary mid jungle duo with Zeng “Yagao” Qi over five years, powering JDG to LPL dominance. The pinnacle came in 2023 with two LPL titles, a Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) victory, and a Worlds semifinal run, narrowly falling to T1.
In 2025, Kanavi moved to Top Esports (TES), winning the first split and standing out internationally at First Stand despite an upset to Karmine Corp and elimination by HLE. TES finished runner up in Split 3 to Bilibili Gaming and reached another Worlds semifinal, losing to T1 once more, matching their 2020 best.
As the longest serving Korean import in LPL history, Kanavi’s resume shows why this pickup for HWE could lead them to worlds.
HLE’s 2026 Trajectory
HLE has emerged as Gen.G’s fiercest rival, clinching the 2024 LCK Summer Split over Gen.G, the 2025 LCK Cup against the same foe, and First Stand glory. Their 2025 Worlds campaign ended in a quarterfinal defeat to Gen.G (1-3).
This latest move continues HLE’s bold strategy, combining proven stars to chase LCK supremacy and Worlds redemption.
Hanwha Life Esports LCK 2026 roster:
- Toplane: Choi “Zeus” Woo-je
- Jungle: Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok
- Midlane: Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo
- AD Carry: Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong
- Support: Yoo “Delight” Hwan-joong
Since: October 29, 2025
