In a recent interview following their victory against Gen.G in the 2025 LCK Cup playoffs, Hanwha Life Esports' star ADC Park "Viper" Do-hyeon shared his thoughts on their upcoming match against the undefeated DK (formerly known as DAMWON Gaming). The interview, conducted on February 18, 2025, revealed Viper's cautious approach to the highly anticipated showdown.

Viper's Perspective on the Upcoming DK Match

Viper, known for his exceptional mechanical skills and game sense, emphasized the importance of not falling into DK's rhythm. "Our match against DK is expected to be another close series," Viper stated. "I made quite a few individual mistakes that need to be addressed. I believe the key to victory lies in not getting caught up in our opponent's pace."

This statement reflects the respect Hanwha Life Esports has for DK's dominant performance in the tournament so far. DK has maintained an undefeated record throughout the LCK Cup, showcasing their strength in the new "Fearless Draft" format introduced this year.

The Road to the Finals

Hanwha Life Esports' journey to this point has been nothing short of impressive. They secured their spot in the upper bracket finals after defeating T1 in a nail-biting five-game series in the first round of playoffs, followed by another full five-game victory against Gen.G in the second round.

Their performance against Gen.G was particularly noteworthy. In the crucial fifth game, Hanwha Life executed a strategy that focused on shutting down Gen.G's mid laner Chovy's Sylas. This successful tactic allowed them to snowball their advantage and secure the win, demonstrating their ability to adapt and overcome strong opponents.

DK: The Undefeated Giants

On the other side of the bracket, DK has been an unstoppable force. They've maintained a perfect record throughout the tournament, including a 5-0 sweep in the group stage and a convincing 3-1 victory against Nongshim RedForce in the playoff second round.

DK's mid laner ShowMaker has been a standout performer, boasting an impressive 9.3 KDA, the highest among all mid laners in the tournament. The team's cohesion and adaptability to the "Fearless Draft" format have made them the favorites to take the inaugural LCK Cup title.

Previous Encounter and What to Expect

Interestingly, these two teams have already faced each other once in this tournament during the group stage. In that encounter, DK emerged victorious with a 2-1 score. However, Hanwha Life has shown significant growth since then, as evidenced by their recent victories against top-tier teams.

The upcoming match promises to be a clash of styles. DK's aggressive and dominant playstyle will be put to the test against Hanwha Life's resilience and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. Viper's caution about not falling into DK's pace suggests that Hanwha Life may look to disrupt DK's usual game plan and force them out of their comfort zone.

Player Performances and Champion Picks

Throughout the tournament, both teams have showcased diverse champion pools, adapting well to the "Fearless Draft" format. Viper himself has impressed on various ADC picks, including a standout performance on Jinx in their series against Gen.G, where his positioning and damage output were crucial in teamfights.

For DK, ShowMaker's flexibility has been a key factor, with impressive showings on champions like Zoe, LeBlanc, and even off-meta picks like Pantheon mid. The bot lane synergy between Ghost and BeryL has also been a strong point for DK, often creating significant advantages in the early game.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The Korean League of Legends community is buzzing with excitement for this matchup. Many fans are praising Hanwha Life's growth throughout the tournament, with particular admiration for Viper's consistent performances and the team's ability to win crucial game 5s.

On the other hand, DK's supporters are confident in their team's ability to maintain their undefeated streak. The potential for DK to achieve a "perfect run" through the entire LCK Cup has generated significant hype among fans.

Conclusion and Predictions

As the LCK Cup reaches its climax, the match between Hanwha Life Esports and DK stands out as a potential classic in the making. Viper's cautious yet determined approach reflects the team's respect for their opponents and their own confidence in their abilities.

While DK enters as the favorites due to their undefeated run, Hanwha Life's recent giant-killing performances against T1 and Gen.G make them a formidable challenger. The series is likely to go the full distance, with both teams pushing each other to their limits.

Regardless of the outcome, this upper bracket final promises to be a showcase of the highest level of League of Legends play, with strategic depth, mechanical prowess, and mental fortitude all on display. As Viper suggested, the key may indeed lie in which team can impose their preferred pace on the game, making for an intriguing tactical battle alongside the in-game action.

The winner of this match will secure a direct spot in the LCK Cup finals, while the loser will have another chance in the lower bracket. With so much at stake, both teams are sure to bring their A-game, setting the stage for what could be one of the most memorable series in recent LCK history.