Why Did Aiming Leave KT Rolster? DRX Jiwoo Trade Explained

DRX and KT Rolster have just swapped botlaners Jiwoo and Aiming in a trade, and the LCK community is abuzz. Let’s explore everything we know about the move.

DRX Trades Jiwoo for KT Rolster Botlaner Aiming

On July 30, 2026, Korean League of Legends team KIWOOM DRX announced it would be trading its botlaner Jiwoo for KT Rolster’s Aiming. In an X.com post detailing the decision, the organization stated that “We sincerely thank Jiwoo for all of his contributions to our team and wish him nothing but the best of luck as he begins the next chapter of his career with kt Rolster.”

Jung “Jiwoo” Ji-woo spent around eight months under the DRX banner, with previous experience at Nongshim RedForce. He notably participated in the 2025 Asia Invitational with the team, scoring third place. Meanwhile, Kim “Aiming” Ha-ram will join DRX immediately, carrying nearly a decade of heavy LCK experience.

DRX wrote: “We are excited to welcome Aiming as the newest ADC of KIWOOM DRX League of Legends. Please send your continued support to both players as they embark on their new journeys.”

Why Did Aiming Leave KT Rolster?

Aiming also made a post on his Instagram account with more information about the move. The botlaner shared that he had reportedly experienced internal arguments with his KT Rolster teammates, which contributed to the decision. Aiming cautioned that “This statement is not intended to criticize anyone or determine who is responsible. Rather, I wanted to honestly share how I feel with the fans who were worried by this sudden news.”

“Because I wanted the team to improve, I actively participated in the feedback process. During that process, differences in opinion arose between players,” Aiming detailed. “In the course of those discussions, I was the first to receive emotional remarks from the other player, and as the argument continued, we exchanged words that ended up hurting each other. During that process, both of us failed to control our emotions, and we both crossed the line with harsh expressions and inappropriate behavior.“

Aiming claimed he had met with the team’s Head Coach afterwards, and wanted to continue playing on the team to finish out the season. However, the roster allegedly remained firm, and “strongly expressed that it would be difficult for us to continue together […] the situation became difficult to resolve.”

The botlaner said, “I deeply regret not handling the situation more maturely and saying things that caused each other significant hurt.” He ended the post by explaining that he would accept KT Rolster’s decision, but reiterated, “I personally regret that I wasn’t given enough opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with the organization about my own perspective and thoughts before such an important decision was made.”

What Does This Mean for League of Legends Esports?

DRX has a lengthy League of Legends legacy, with a Worlds 2022 win under its belt. The team, however, is facing serious regional competition. T1, Hanwha Life Esports, and Dplus are reigning supreme in the 2026 Season. Though T1 has had moments of inconsistency this year, the team is on a fearsome three-year Worlds winning streak and dominated the Esports World Cup’s Korean qualifier. HLE impressed at MSI, carrying home the trophy after defeating BLG and qualifying for Worlds. Though Dplus is facing some organizational struggles beyond the Rift, its roster is hungry for victory and steamrolled through some of the EWC’s most difficult matchups.

This move occurs midway through the LCK season, while the Playoffs are fast approaching in September. The LCK stakes are high, since its winners qualify for Worlds 2026.

In terms of community sentiment, many DRX netizens appear unhappy with Aiming’s addition to the roster. The pro previously became the center of community discussion due to resurfaced online comments and a controversial relationship with a much younger fan.

One user wrote, “Literally can’t believe you made such [a horrible] decision like this.” Another, @DRXAnca, said, “As long as this man is in the team, I am no longer a DRX fan.”

Stay tuned for more League of Legends esports and in-game news.