Nongshim RedForce has allowed Lee "Dambi" Hyuk-kyu to explore his options for next year. Dambi himself said he is still in talks with the club, but has been given permission to look at other offers.
Dambi has been part of the current Nongshim core since March 2023, and has played alongside Francis and Ivy since their Team OGS days. He was once regarded as the most dominant Neon player in the world and was MVP of Masters Santiago.
The team's path began in VALORANT's Premier system, which earned the then-Sin Prisa Gaming roster a spot in the Open Qualifier of the Korean Challengers circuit. From there the roster won through its region and Pacific Ascension to reach VCT, and later won Masters Santiago.
The news comes shortly after Nongshim RedForce was not selected as a partnered organization ahead of Riot's upcoming partnership shift. According to the VCT Global Contract Database, all player contracts expire on November 2, at the end of the 2026 season. Head coach SilKanoN is the only one with a longer deal, running through the end of 2027. Coach Sungmin has also left the team.
Founder and CEO Evans Oh said the organization intends to stay in VALORANT and refine its roster and competitive goals, while strengthening its engagement with its global fanbase. The active roster now consists of Rb, WoohyuN, Xross, Francis and Ivy, with SilKanoN and yoman as coaches.