Impact and Bengi Retirement Era
The legendary founding members step aside to pass the torch—one to a new competitive chapter, the other to the coaching staff.
This era marks a pivotal transition point within the T1 franchise history when founding members stepped away from active competition. Following years of dominance and foundational success, veteran stars Impact and Bengi moved on from their roles as players—Impact left SKT in November 2017 to continue his career in North America (never officially retiring), while Bengi announced his retirement in January 2019. Their departure signaled the end of the original dynasty core that had supported Faker since the organization's inception.
Quick Facts
- Characters
- Impact (Jung Ho-sung), Bengi (Bae Seong-woo)
- Roles
- Top Laner, Jungler
- Affiliation
- SK Telecom T1 (now T1)
- Era period
- Late 2017 Season
- Status
- Impact: Active (never retired); Bengi: Retired from Active Play
Lore & Background
The transition was not merely an end but a transformation of legacy. Impact left SKT in November 2017 to compete in North America, never officially retiring, while Bengi stepped away from active play with his retirement announced in January 2019 before joining SKT's coaching staff in November 2018. By leaving their roles on the field, they allowed fresh talent to emerge while retaining institutional wisdom within the coaching staff and management structure. This shift ensured that the organizational culture built during their tenure would survive beyond their physical presence in the game. It set a precedent for how veteran players could transition into leadership, maintaining continuity amidst inevitable roster turnover.
Reader's Guide
The era began when veteran voices signaled their departure following a grueling competitive season. Impact, the steadfast top laner who stood beside Faker since the beginning, announced his exit from active play. Simultaneously, Bengi, known for his mechanical brilliance in the jungle, stepped away to assume a leadership role within the organization. This dual retirement marked the final dissolution of the core group that defined the franchise's golden age. Fans witnessed emotional farewells during official broadcasts and social media updates. The team faced uncertainty regarding their future performance without these stabilizing forces. Management initiated a search for new talent to fill the void, leading to significant roster changes in subsequent years. Despite the losses, the veterans' transition ensured institutional knowledge remained within the walls of the academy. Their legacy shifted from winning trophies personally to mentoring the next generation of champions who would carry the banner forward into a new decade of competition.
Did You Know?
- Bengi officially retired on January 23, 2019, and joined SKT's coaching staff in November 2018, marking a seamless transition into leadership.
- This era preceded a major roster overhaul that eventually led to future championship runs.
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