In light of the start of another LCK season and another intro hype video, we’ve compiled a list of the five best productions of all-time from the Korean League of Legends scene.
Honorable Mention #1: 2015 OMG Intro Video
What the hell is this?… Not an OGN/LCK video, but everyone needs to watch this at least once. This was probably the most awkward display of physical un-coordination I’ve ever seen, right from the get go. I don’t mean to slight Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, but graceful flight isn’t exactly what I’d associate with him.
#5: Spring 2017
The most recent intro added to the collection might not be the most ‘hype’, but it definitely carries a coherent message, and does a fantastic job of illustrating the state of the LCK in 2017. While I don’t necessarily agree with the choice of “Rewind/Reboot”, it nonetheless captured the idea of a massive reverse-exodus, featuring many ex-teammates re-arranged on a variety of squads with new faces.
#4: Spring 2013 Finals
This intro video had an introduction scene for itself, with some absolutely sickly synced typography. The ability of OGN to establish a crispy finals narrative thematically representing each of the teams is on display here. Plus, any video that features the dreamy Lee “Flame” Ho-Jong is basically cheating.
#3: Spring 2014
In stark juxtaposition to the other Korean intros, this one brings a cartoon-theme to the screen, pairing each player with a particular signature champ that was partially animated in. Shoutout to Park “Shy” Sang-myeon who proved (many times) that he is a G.O.A.T. intro video actor, here featured as Shyvana. What this video lacks in subtlety it more than makes up for in upfront excitement.
#2: Summer 2013
The introduction to the 2013 Summer season was all about the portrayal of dichotomies, with one of the most iconic shots pairing CJ Entus Blaze’s Flame with sister team CJ Entus Frost’s Hong “Madlife” Min-gi representing their respective elements. However, the best transition cut was definitely the seamless tranformation from LG IM #1 Park “MidKing” Yong-woo into LG IM #2’s Jeon “Lilac” Ho-jin. This video truly epitomized the golden era of sister teams. Also final boss Faker.
#1: Winter 2013-2014 Final
Imagine Dragons. SKT. Samsung Ozone. Some works are absolutely timeless. Whenever I hear “Radioactive,” this is the only thing that comes to mind. With 2 snippets, each player has their personality and playstyle uniquely expressed–the clashing zeal of Chae “Piglet” Gwang-jin and Gu “Imp” Seung-bin; the aggressive initiation of Yoon “Homme” Sung-young; Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong’s serenity, and of course Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok arising from his throne to once again put down whatever challenger walks his way.