The LPL Second Stage playoffs kick off in just two days. LGD, the resurrection team that upset WBG in the Knight's Path to qualify for the playoffs, published a thousand-word essay recently, recounting their experiences this stage. In it, they shared a poignant remark: "These two characters 'Phoenix' are as hot as a soldering iron on our bodies. No matter what we do, it's wrong; no matter what we say, it's unnecessary. Only we know this suffering."

After this Weibo post went viral, it immediately sparked a heated discussion. Many veteran LPL fans began to reflect on whether they have been too harsh on weaker teams. However, there were also derogatory voices, such as calling them a "match-fixing team" or accusing them of playing the victim. Comments like "they lose because they throw matches" are truly excessive. Most teams in the LPL's Phoenix Group have experienced being wrongfully accused without a chance to clear their names.

WBG coach Kim "Golden Pig" is rumored to have fled.

While LGD celebrated their playoff qualification, the team that lost to them—WBG—found themselves in an awkward position. With a top-three investment in the league, they fell into the Phoenix Group in the third stage. Even the most optimistic management would find it hard to accept such results. Barring any surprises, the roster will see adjustments in the next stage, starting with the coaching staff. Foreign media reported that Kim "Golden Pig" has already left.

According to recent reports from international media, WBG's head coach Kim Jeong-su is about to leave the team. As a world champion coach leading four well-known players, his team plummeted straight into the Phoenix Group. It's clear he couldn't stay at WBG any longer—likely terminating his contract and running away on his own. His draft picks this stage were indeed terrible: selecting three marksmen in the Oil Cup qualifiers, and being outdrafted by an unknown coach in the Knight's Path.

Hans Sama's evaluation of ON.

In the LEC, G2 Esports defeated MKOI in a five-game thriller in the upper bracket final of the playoffs, securing their spot at MSI. Their AD carry, Hans Sama, gave an interview recently. When asked if there was any particular AD he wanted to face, Hans Sama said he wanted to play against BLG because they took the First Stand championship from his team. Therefore, he's eager to challenge and defeat BLG.

Talking about the First Stand, Hans Sama praised ON: "ON is a player who is very good at finding opportunities. When you watch his plays, sometimes it looks like he's throwing, but in reality, he gives you more pressure than anyone else." He also complimented Viper: "Viper's positioning in lane is very steady. It's hard to make him misstep." Even so, Hans Sama still wants revenge.

Oner on the Asian Games alternate list.

T1, who just secured their Oil Cup qualification, gave an interview recently. Oner, who was left off the Asian Games roster, responded to the controversy surrounding the lineup. He said: "One hour after the alternate list was announced, I had already made the decision not to file an objection. Even if I did, the process wouldn't have felt good, and it might have hurt someone else (Canyon) along the way."

At the end of the interview, Oner praised Canyon: "I think he is a very outstanding player. As a citizen, I will also do my best to cheer for him." In fact, even after the list was announced, Oner could still have filed a request to compete with Canyon for a spot. But he ultimately chose to give up, allowing himself to be graceful while also making Canyon feel at ease. It's clear that Oner is a top-tier player with great character.

Conclusion:

WBG spent big money to sign Golden Pig, hoping he would lead the team to some results. Instead, not only did he fail to deliver results, but he also broke the team's historical record by plummeting all the way into the Phoenix Group. He's now thoroughly earned the title of "fraud coach." Leading WBG to such a state, even if he returns to the LCK, he'll likely find it very difficult to land a job again.

So what do you think—will Golden Pig stay in the LPL?

Feel free to leave a comment and discuss!