A Light Goes Out
Park Jun-kyu, CEO of Riot Games’ Korea division, has passed away after a long and difficult battle with liver cancer. Park, also known as Jaysen, breathed his last on Thursday, January 9, 2020 (KST). He was 44 years old at the time of his demise.
Park Jun-kyu had only just made a public appearance on December 10 of last month, according to The Korea Herald. He had gone to the National Assembly and championed for better working environments for esports players in Korea. News of his passing on came as a shock to everyone since he had given no indication of his suffering.
Cause of Death
He had been struggling with the illness for the past year, according to sources. Liver cancer is a deadly and incurable disease, and South Korea ranks 10th in the world overall for liver cancer rates.
Park Jun-kyu had kept news of his illness under wraps. He even continued to work till the end of 2019. The Dartmouth graduate had transferred to the company from KPMG Advisory and CJ E&M’s global business division in 2014. He joined the Riot Games’ publishing division and then became its Head in 2015.
The efficient Park was awarded the position of CEO of Riot Games Korea in a remarkably short time on January 1, 2019. He spent his one year as CEO working behind the scenes for League of Legends Champions Korea while simultaneously battling liver cancer.
This goes on to prove how hardworking he was. Park Jun-kyu refused to let his deteriorating health stop him from carrying out his job at Riot. Riot Games is a famous e-sports company that has a profound presence in Korea as the creator of its flagship game, League of Legends.
Fondly Remembered
The head of Riot Music, Toa Dunn, paid tribute to Park Jun-kyu. He said that Park had a very positive impact on Riot.
He said,
“Worlds 2014 (imagine Dragons) and Worlds 2018 (K/DA) was possible because of him. You will always be remembered and forever a part of our team!”
This goes to show what a mark Park left on the company.
Chris “PapaSmithy” Smith, the League General Manager for 100 Thieves, also spoke out on Reddit after hearing the news. He expressed sorrow and said,
“I knew the Riot KR CEO as Jaysen, and he was a super friendly, approachable guy who was very interested in working with the global casters to find ways to make the LCK broadcast better for the English fans. Had no idea about his medical struggle, and thus today comes out of nowhere. Rest in peace, and my thoughts go out to his family and friends.”
Our Condolences
The official news of his death comes less than a month before the LCK, is set to begin. The competition is scheduled to start on February 5 (KST). A replacement for Park Jun-kyu’s position has not yet been announced.
KGD’s thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. May he rest in peace.
