T1 Stadium Sighting of SK Chairman's Partner's Son Sparks Business Buzz Over Next-Gen Management

The biological son of Kim Hee-young, chair of the T&C Foundation and companion of SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, was spotted on a live LCK broadcast, revealing his passionate support for T1.

Some circles in the business community are paying attention to the possibility that, beyond simple fandom, he might take an interest in the esports business sector and begin management steps at T1, the esports company under SK Group.

According to Bloter, Choi attended the Round 4 regular season match of the 2026 LoL Champions Korea (LCK) between T1 and KT Rolster held at LoL Park in Jongno, Seoul, on August 21.

He was also caught on the broadcast cheering for the T1 players by clapping alongside a female acquaintance wearing a hat in the spectator seats.

After the game ended, Choi shared his deep affection for T1 and the vibrant atmosphere of the venue through his social media.

His posts included a photo taken with T1's popular top laner, "Doran" Choi Hyeon-jun, as well as a collector's uniform jumper densely filled with the autographs of T1's flagship star players.

Some analysts suggest this might indicate moves by Choi to gradually and directly or indirectly get involved in T1's management.

Born in 2002 to Kim Hee-young and her former husband, Choi naturally grew up as a member of the SK conglomerate's ruling family since childhood.

Although not yet a legal child of Chairman Chey, he is virtually considered a key member of the owner family.

Since being founded by SK Telecom in 2004, T1 has grown to become a representative sports club of SK Group.

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

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Kim Bok-hyung | Design by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News | Footage source: Choi's social media)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.