by DRX coach Kim “Ssong” Sang-soo’s contract came to an end on November 21, just after the South Korean led the team to the League of Legends World Championship title.
On Thursday, Ssong made public that he was on the lookout for a new organization to join. He also reassured potential teams that he has the zest for another quest to claim the Summoner’s Cup.
“I have confidence to win Worlds again in 2023 with any team if they are desperate to win,” Ssong said on Twitter.
“The new meta in 2023 will require creative but strong draft, which all the players and coaches should discuss and prepare. Please contact me at [email protected].”
The 33-year-old mid laner and coach started his career in early 2013 with the Korean team Najin Black Sword, after which he moved to the KOO Tigers in time for the 2015 LCK Summer, and in 2017 he transitioned into the LCS team Immortals. He went on to coach other North American teams such as TSM, Echo Fox, and Counter Logic Gaming before returning to Korea with DRX in December 2020.
In his debut season in North America, Ssongs was named Coach of the Split during the 2017 NA LCS Summer. In the same event, he led Immortals to a second-place finish after they were defeated 1-3 by TSM in the finals. In addition, the team competed in the 2017 LoL World Championship, but Immortals ended up finishing in a disappointing 14th-16th place.
Several reports suggest that Ssong’s inability to find a new organization despite his unwavering reputation was because while he was leading DRX to their big win in the 2022 Worlds, LCK teams were already overhauling their coaching staffs, hence there are barely any openings in these teams. It is understood that the coach has resorted to accepting lower roles with less pay, yet he still has not reached a deal with any team.
It is unknown what options are left for Ssong. It is probable that a team might bring him in despite having another coach, or else he might take a position with an academy roster.
