T1 Match Appearance of Kim Hee-young's Son Sparks Business Buzz as More Than Just Fandom

The biological son of Kim Hee-young, chairperson of the T&C Foundation and domestic partner of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, was captured on a live League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) broadcast, showcasing his passionate support for T1.

Some circles in the business sector are paying attention to the possibility that, beyond simple fandom, he may take an interest in the esports business sector and make management moves within T1, the esports company under SK Group.

Choi was spotted watching the Round 4 regular season match of the 2026 LoL Champions Korea (LCK) between T1 and KT Rolster in person at Lolpark in Jongno, Seoul, on August 21.

He was caught on the broadcast cheering for the T1 team in the audience, clapping alongside a female acquaintance wearing a hat.

Following the end of the match, Choi shared his deep affection for T1 and the heated atmosphere of the venue through his social media.

The posts included a photo taken with T1's popular top laner Choi "Doran" Hyeon-jun, as well as a collectible uniform jacket densely covered with the handwritten signatures of T1's star players.

Amidst this, some analysts suggest this could be a sign of Choi gradually becoming directly or indirectly involved in the management of T1.

Born in 2002 to Chairperson Kim Hee-young and her ex-husband, Choi has naturally grown up as a member of the SK conglomerate family since childhood.

Although he is not yet Chairman Chey's legal child, he is practically regarded as a key member of the owner's family.

Since its foundation by SK Telecom in 2004, T1 has grown into a representative sports club of SK Group.

An esports industry insider stated, "Attention is focused on how the affection of a young-minded major shareholder family member will lead to synergy in T1's future global club operations and new business directions."

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Kim Bok-hyung | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News | Video Source: Choi's Social Media)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.