Zeus rejects Hanwha Life contract renewal proposal
Hanwha Life Esports top-laner Choi "Zeus" Woo-je has rejected a contract renewal proposal from the club prior to the start of the 2026 League of Legends World Championship (Worlds). According to reports from Inven, the decision follows a change in the player's representation, as Zeus reportedly intends to test his value on the free agency (FA) market.
While the renewal has stalled, Zeus's current contract remains valid until mid-November. This provides a narrow window for Hanwha Life Esports to reach an agreement before the official free agency period begins. A representative for the organization stated that discussions with the player are ongoing.
The timing of the negotiations is critical for the organization. Hanwha Life Esports was eliminated from the Worlds Swiss Stage on November 1st following a 0-2 loss to the LPL's BLG. After their MSI victory and subsequent failure to reach the Worlds quarterfinals, the team must now address the future of their star player as they begin planning for the next season.
Industry insiders suggest that if Zeus enters the free agency market, he will likely be the most significant acquisition of the upcoming off-season. The club now faces the immediate challenge of securing their roster or preparing for a major transition.