The Story of Kkoma

Coaches in League of Legends are an unseen force.
They’re the glue that keeps the world’s greatest teams together and the minds behind the game’s biggest moments. But to the average viewer, their work is mostly invisible.
Behind every brilliant draft, every meta innovation, there’s a group of resolute coaches and analysts that push the scene forward.
Innovators. Stategists. Leaders. They are the game’s unsung heroes.
This is the story of one of the greatest coaches in League of Legends’ history.
Edited by: Brian Van Huynh (@beevanhuynh)
Written by: Sean Wetselaar (@SeanWetselaar)
Narrated by: Dimitri Pascaluta (@DPascaluta)
Animations by: Diego Bernal (@diegomographics)
Courtesy List: pastebin.com/KpFS04Tn
Music used under license from Associated Production Music LLC (”APM”).
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[@hanamxngo9772]

Never forget when he ran all the way to peanut doing a drunk stream

[@darebrained]

He was so calm, at least on cam. x'D

[@houstonwehaveaproblem4187]

Is there a way you can show me that? I have never seen such a thing before.

[@mini1135]

@@houstonwehaveaproblem4187 theres a clip of it in the video

[@houstonwehaveaproblem4187]

Oh ok then, I didn’t watch it yet so I didn’t know

[@BirjolaxewsChannel]

@@houstonwehaveaproblem4187 The clip is at 23:55

[@DarkwingDuc]

"When they do well, praise my players, when they don't blame me instead." - Kkoma (not verbatim)

[@Zarozian]

How noble. Have you heard of Warframe? ;D

[@jung3976]

Players win. Coaches lose.

[@brocks7191]

Zarozian yes

[@2ndintelligentWorld]

it should be "when they do well, praise them. when they don't, blame them." Cause coaches are useless.

[@oliviahyekimlipgowonjinsou71]

@@2ndintelligentWorld no, you're useless lmao

[@zealcrusader7903]

Seeing peanut laughing nervously when kkoma caught him streaming drunk was really good XD

[@mushiim8]

Thing is, he completely expected Kkoma to come - just a testament to how caring he is for the team

[@ViperDivinity]

Because Kkoma will give Peanut a belt

[@musicvideodog4011]

@@mushiim8 Seriously lol "Kkoma you are so late" LOL

[@mcmario001]

@@musicvideodog4011 He was wondering why kkoma was there so late, he didnt expect him to show up lol...

[@Kipper.]

Thanks for making this video! He deserves more recognition.

[@syberdieforlove]

I keep getting triggered when he keeps saying "One of the best coaches in League of Legends" .. noo.. He's the BEST. just like Faker is the GOAT.

[@cdt.domalantajuanjosefenel3544]

But that's just it he said it himself he doesn't want the recognition he just wants his team to shine but he really really deserves it though

[@jmoa5758]

Yeah Kkoma= is Esports Phil Jackson, John Madden, etc. Up there with the greatest coaches in all fields that requires coach.

[@gabrieltorres6030]

Tbh, he's the absolute best

[@smokenxarvil]

He has a ward skin XD

[@jihoonlim2783]

Any kind of vid that talks about Faker: 'exists' Ryu: 'dies'

[@rence5257]

LMAOOOOO

[@wiryx1]

There are 9-5 coaches like Ssong, there are dedicated coaches like Prolly.. and there's Kkoma, who lives his coaching.

[@JackSmith331]

Coaches so unrecognized they can't even get good non-stick keyboards

[@justinemarkdajay7485]

Ssong is the former midlane for Najin right?

[@LautaroQ2812]

Kkoma was born in it, molded by it. Other coaches just merely adopted it.

[@holechek]

Yungbuck goes unnoticed. That man is striving to win every time and will always push his team to over-perform

[@Alex-do5ke]

He monitors his players carefully and makes sure they do well. Just look at when he looks pissed when pick /ban after a loss. He's on the ZONE!

[@iminindonesia]

He's the only coach who has skin, even for just a ward.

[@Kim-qd1mn]

What skin and ward?

[@jhonmichaelberina8960]

@@Kim-qd1mn when they got their 3rd World Championship RIOT made a special ward skin for him also requested by alot of people as appreciation for his job.

[@ducleminh4319]

Hopefully this guy gets married soon He deserved it

[@loganc2380]

he said hes probably gonna get married after worlds

[@AceTrainerLupi]

He will choose his best men based on performance during Worlds :v

[@tarukashao5691]

@@loganc2380 looks like he already got married with his coaching job at skt

[@loganc2380]

@@Surteronarto nah he raised enough money to buy a virtual waifu

[@loganc2380]

@@tarukashao5691 and true xd

[@bradperalta1274]

No coach is as decorative, no coach is as dedicated, no coach is Kkoma. Hit the feels.

[@Dorjoo]

You guys forget NO COACH HAS HIS OWN SUMMONER WARD SKIN!

[@JamesAllender]

@@yujiyujix He's not the coach though isn't he? Just the owner.

[@pdavid1758]

mgl oof

[@tobiasholding855]

@@JamesAllender he is still the coach. He is just not on stage doing draft

[@b.fmentis4496]

Ig wxz has a 100% win rate in PRO league

[@brendanzhang7488]

@@JamesAllender hes head coach,he used to be the coach in the box

[@blindeyes404]

No coach like kkoma He mold the demon, tamed the jungle, polish the star and made a bot lane pillar...

[@KleinpeterHank]

Faker was going to be Faker regardless. Kkoma did strike the motherload though.

[@jozokrstanovic9040]

Subbing Bengi, a guy that everybody flamed because "he was really bad", and giving him Nidalee to play which he never played on competitive scene. Genius plan. The hardest choices require the strongest wills. And boy does Kkoma have a strong will.

[@Josh-fg6qc]

@@jozokrstanovic9040 nah, kkoma said if bengi can't they will give nidalee but bengi said he can and he will man that's the biggest gamble in League's history

[@jozokrstanovic9040]

@@Josh-fg6qc I was thinking more like "letting him play nidalee" than phisically giving it to him

[@Josh-fg6qc]

@@jozokrstanovic9040 yah more like a suggestion but he takes the risk it's so hard to pull off a nidalee in that kind of pressure and comptetion

[@souldier6075]

I love Kkoma, probably my favorite coach. Thanks for doing a video on him.

[@alexanderdejesus4986]

Reapered is an awesome coach too

[@souldier6075]

@@alexanderdejesus4986 True, I love my boi Repered and my boi Cain

[@malcolm437]

out of the topic, nice Hamilton pic :)

[@souldier6075]

@@malcolm437 Thank you man :)

[@1xTheDarkKnightx1]

no offence but how do u love him when u have no idea how he operates or what he does ? just riding the hype train ?

[@yamadawr8119]

Add korean caption pls so the king kkoma can watch this whole video

[@tortilla6960]

soo cute dp

[@marshallbowdrie8562]

Just learn english 4Head

[@Drewzdev]

KZbin can translate the caption, you just have to switch from english to korean with the gear (setting button). Sometimes it is not always right, but it is usually close.

[@h1de882]

@@Drewzdev it's not even close due to completely inverted grammar from english to korean and slangs used in league.

[@charliec244]

I think he can understand English well enough, just not that good in replying probably.

[@floriandecoster110]

Nothing about Koma 's ward ? It would have made a longer video but his reaction and the recognition in-game seems very important if we talk about his story

[@gregoriobuenagua1235]

I was waiting for the ward

[@WasimulAkram]

First thing I did after releasing SKT's Worlds 2016 skins, I bought Kkoma ward. best ward skin so far

[@sentoo7606]

@@WasimulAkram I was lucky and get it out of a lootbox :)

[@atomknight8361]

I got it out of a chest

[@LautaroQ2812]

The facepalm when dying is just marvelous.

[@Dystxnn]

If there's the jungle, the original Lucian top, A Dead Career, the support, the greatest of all time, then kkOma is the whole map.

[@pimentoenjoyer]

A Dead Career? Who's that

[@Dystxnn]

@@pimentoenjoyer Oh. I got that from C9's Sneaky. I remember him having a video with that same exact title, corresponding to his ADC role. I took that as a reference and I thought it's hilarious so...

[@Mezha07]

He's a member of THE COUNCIL REPRESENT 👌

[@AbyssContent]

@@russell4930 FNC Huni was literally a beast, i remember he gave SKT a whole fucking hard time in MSI

[@hungtranphi6814]

the fact that Kkoma decided to keep Bengi back in 2012 show why he is the best coach to find raw talents and make them shine. No one even Bengi himself believe he suits for SKT back then but Kkoma saw something special from him and the rest is history

[@beyonder.d5486]

The only YT channel to pull off a 30+ minutes video on a professional Esport coach and once again I really appreciate how you tell their story in a mesmerising way ♥️

[@thedanzero]

esport*

[@lonelypotatojinneverfound378]

I didn't even realize it was a 34 minute video till I read this comment, really a well-made video👏

[@user-yv7tz6sr8z]

3 worlds,2 msi,7 lck 13-14 lck winter 0L champion 15 worlds 15W-1L champion

[@ivant7008]

You forgot 4 worlds appearance 3 champions, 1 silver They have NEVER been eliminated before finals in all the worlds that they participated. To me, its already impressuve af despite only manage to get 2nd place in 2017

[@a.syching678]

Makr that 8 lck and kloma getting married dec 2019

[@lostn65]

There was no LCK Winter. That was OGN. The same season they went 0L, they failed to qualify for Worlds.

[@zedrhyx1788]

its 8 lck now

[@NightFore]

Kkoma became: a coach of a professional team a coach of the world champions ✔️a legend and someone to aspire to be

[@cupcake4822]

That 2 minutes intro gave me goosebumps!!

[@isaiahmorris9197]

Ikr

[@TheRealMadbeatle]

me too, so good.

[@chocolateberries8884]

Me tooo!!

[@duchi882]

*This is awesome* Little do people see things at the perspective of a coach since they are always behind the scenes

[@darkphantom4321]

A Shadow Overseer....

[@jadyin]

I never really cheered for SKT as I enjoyed a more underdog story however Kkoma has been the one thing that I've always gotten behind. He totally deserves more appreciation.

[@vanixiii5657]

I'm sure you're happy for teddy now then too...he's finally on a team where he isn't forced to 1v9 every single game...don't get me wrong Jin air wasn't that bad...hell...they're miles ahead of me but in comparison to everyone else then Jin air was a bit behind the curve...

[@laisensei6984]

@@vanixiii5657 Yeah, Teddy definitely knows what elo hell looks like at the highest pro level.

[@nicolasiose]

When I first saw SKT they were the underdog story. It never took off tho cuz they won worlds after 6 months of being created. They never got the chance to be the underdogs XD

[@zedrhyx1788]

@@vanixiii5657 at least teddy got one hell of a training in jag carrying his team made him so great

[@yggs.]

Don't even play league but this was really interesting.

[@nixtoshi]

No idea how people that dont play finds videos like this xd

[@yggs.]

I was watching ''the history of swag'' and I found this.

[@nixtoshi]

@@yggs. KZbin's recommendation algorithm works in mysterious ways indeed

[@yggs.]

indeed, lol.

[@passerbytanuki2456]

@gthien san yea one is a ball of anger and the other is suicidal

[@aristoteliskatsigiannis5371]

No one of the greatest coaches,you mean the greatest coach of all league of legends history

[@masoudshairzadeh6820]

Aristotelis Katsigiannis wat about Ls🐀😏

[@aristoteliskatsigiannis5371]

For me he is a mastermind but still number two on my list both of them are ages ahead in terms of knowledge but I think kkoma is better every can doubt me no offense

[@masoudshairzadeh6820]

Aristotelis Katsigiannis he’s trash im better than him I’m challenger

[@finaldestination721]

@@masoudshairzadeh6820 what does being challenger even have to do with it XD

[@masoudshairzadeh6820]

Aniwa its a joke

[@OfficialFrostyNightz]

Welcome back, we missed you Kkoma

[@puncturedbicycle7264]

Behind the Unkillable Demon King is the Shadow Mastermind

[@pannedesalle4142]

The hidden blade is the deadliest

[@raphaelseat6410]

@@pannedesalle4142 Fix Bayonets !

[@pannedesalle4142]

Sir yes sir!

[@jmoa5758]

@@pannedesalle4142 "UNSEEN BLADE"*

[@darkphantom4321]

The true story of Zed Faker..... theres the shadow behind him....

[@yerrrrruim2386]

Once a eSports hall of fame is created. Kkoma needs to be a first ballot. This man molded many things for league when it was a new main event on the stage for Korea. Edited: Spelling

[@internetexplorer5695]

" What sort of player would be smiling, not being able to play on such a stage? " This hit hard for me

[@zamechove2326]

world's finest backseat gamer: KKoma

[@its2sBs]

y'all at thescore better be thankful i archived that amazing stream of peanut

[@sarelpelaez1693]

These videos are so good holy shit, i was excited since the start of the video

[@christianangelomojica374]

Griffin: We'll gently squeeze them 3:0 SKT: Aw, that's cute

[@meow-meow-beans]

Christian Angelo Mojica skt: we’re going to win msi g2: lol ty for the baron leash

[@Akaneeee..]

@@meow-meow-beans ISS THAT A WORLDSS ? WELL SEE AT WORLDS BRAA 🌵

[@a.syching678]

@@meow-meow-beans Faker has marked g2 in the interview, he's coming for them. Faker is mad and looking for revenge.

[@arlfran2002]

@@a.syching678 Like faker did in 2015 on EDG

[@kidzi4073]

@@meow-meow-beans g2 can have one msi since skt already has 2 and b2b at that. but not worlds bruh, worlds 2019 belongs to skt

[@Enamoradopor]

He's not one of the greatest coach in LoL. HE IS THE GREATEST COACH IN LOL HISTORY

[@OblivionXDDD]

ALRIGHT THE SCORE .U had my curiousity now u have my attention.

[@Rexxnarlol]

Great video! I've been following LOLs esports scene since season 4 and it's still so amazing to see all these moments again and again, from different perspectives. Thanks for shining some light on the work of the coaches, especially someone like kkoma!

[@darktirador]

watching this brought me to tears! you can really feel the passion oozing out of this mans life! ALL THE BEST TO SKT! ALL THE BEST TO HEAD COACH KKOMA!

[@Macius192]

i was so hyped whan i heard "bengi show them how scarry your nidale is " holy piece of good work with that video

[@ImpairedHeart]

Kkoma is truly the most inspiring coach in any sport without a doubt imo. An industry where the tiniest mistake is put under a microscope by media outlets in a matter of minutes. Not only surviving in such an enivironment but thriving by the basis of making consecutive appearances in global events to always highlight why Korea as a region is unstoppable and will remain the scope of League of Legends and the eSports spotlight.

[@babedont]

Absolutely AMAZING! I sincerely thank you all who worked on this project!!

[@olivermelc2051]

Never forget how coma says before 4th game (VS RNG worlds 2017) “fighting i will be prepare picks and bans for 5th game”

[@AbyssContent]

that's just how confidence he has on his team, literally the best motivational phrase ever

[@ItzBigidy]

Congrats Coach Kkoma on going 16-2 for spring split and winning Spring Finals! Looking like another championship under his belt this year.

[@sancturillore]

Ye Qiu in The King's Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou) is essentially a mix of Kkoma and Faker as a single person.

[@kei_r3]

Personally, in my opinion, Faker's situation now is like that of Wang Jiexi, captain of Team Tiny Herb. He changed his playstyle to accomodate the team's needs. But yes, all of Ye Xiu's prowess and achievements is shared by Faker and Kkoma indeed :))

[@sancturillore]

@@kei_r3 That's fair. Wang Jiexi does indeed also fit Faker's situation.

[@leftyhand5889]

Hello there fellow readers. This is what i thought when i read kings avatar

[@saratchandrab4384]

Is the Netflix series better or should I read the books?

[@sancturillore]

@@saratchandrab4384 read the novel.

[@andresromero36]

The unsung pillar of one of the greatest teams in League's and eSports history. This video was bound to happen, and I'm thankful for it. Kkoma can be described in one word: dedication. I admire him as a coach, but more than anything as a person. A coach that truly cares for his players and that strives to grow learning from his mistakes. Nothing but respect.👏

[@wassabiii600]

Who else is more devastated knowing SKT lost at the worlds.

[@cigan7971]

WASSABiii this skt roster have been together for 10 months. And yet they almost beat G2 at MSI and made it to worlds semis with a brand new roster, yea back then it was easy cuz the skill gap was quite big but now the gap is slowly closing. I mean if they workout some things they can still be on top. Besides all of this their support Effort has been playing with them for only 4 months. Meanwhile Grf has been around for 2 years with the same roster and still couldnt beat SKT in bo5. They will need some time and then they can be on top again.

[@angelo6362]

@@cigan7971 .

[@Gamber63]

N' SKT kKoma is no more......

[@technicalleon]

Great video! KkOma as coach is as much a member of SKT as any of the players and I'm glad that he got more recognition. I'm a bit sad he's not the one on stage anymore but he helped build the 2019 SKT roster. They might not have won MSI but I believe kkOma has put them in the right track.

[@vanixiii5657]

It's all to win world's again...this was the only way...we're in the endgame now...

[@ethantenorio6014]

who is here after Kkoma returns to T1.

[@lordrodrig]

me

[@SKTelecomT1FAN]

It's me..❤

[@bananaassistaint]

its honestly impressive and quite humbling too to see a person so dedicated in their job.

[@Ducky-ze1ls]

i really loves these documentary style videos, absolutely my favorite from this channel, i hope you guys will continue to do more of them!!

[@luiginocharles9990]

Watched from beginning to end, really nicely made.

[@cavefox]

if you have watched this video, you just knew all of history of LCK. it's all in one vid.

[@Kim.Minjii.]

Well made documentary, thanks alot. I used to watch SKT but knowing nothing about their history for the last 5 years, now i'm feeling close to them, and i hope they reach their goals for 2019.

[@ericzhang5441]

Watching this brings lots of love into my heart, Kkoma will always be in the heart of SKT T1!!!!

[@MoniquePaulaNoble]

I get emotional watching videos about SKT. One of the reasons is because of Kkoma. He's been with them for the longest time. I cried my heart out when they lost to SSG. 😭 Hope SKT wins Worlds this year. 💕

[@donaldtv9056]

and now he is back at t1 for the next worlds title

[@bruhbro1181]

T1 becomes 1st team to win FIVE worlds

[@sagegaminglore4887]

love this video!! coaches definitely dont get enough recognition for all they contribute, kkmoa def a innovator!

[@kevinkhuy4300]

All these esports videos almost gets me to tears, this is just beautiful. All theses moments, every worlds are full of emotions. I might just die irl at the accor hotel arena in Worlds Finals 2019 in Paris.

[@giakhangtruong54]

"The unseen blade is the deadliest" -Zed-

[@Hisato-ne7zl]

I´ve got into tears watching this! :( so beautiful

[@ShiftyReptile]

It's just as awesome to see how League has improved so drastically over the years!

[@konpitv6269]

Most motivational video ive ever watched... I almost cried because of it... kkoma is doing his best for the skt.. kudos to kkoma !!!

[@shzzznttt21]

*if riot will have their very own hall of fame, this man deserves a spot.*

[@jerickjoshuaorlanes7399]

LOL ikr. btw wassup fellow wiz*one

[@mbkn5h]

Kkoma is the model of esports coaching. The bonds between him and the players are almost visible.

[@xTrEmeZSnIpiNg]

dude your editing and narration are on a whole different level. It is comparative of a lot of high budget documentaries, with amazing analysis and storytelling. I haven't the slightest interest in LOL but your stuff really speaks to me!

[@Railer890]

By far the best of these you all have produced.

[@jankomilosavljevic7093]

my dudes i got goosebumps in the 1st 2 minutes of the video, so well edited

[@ozirusgaming7497]

Damn.. Same. 😂

[@TheJustbored05]

Watching this makes me realize the defeat from the match with G2 will not stop them at all. Just one of the few defeats they will face to be the best.

[@ethansou]

I love when they do these stories it always find a way to make me cry

[@brendanhan5647]

Love Kkoma sm. He makes the team stick together and play well

[@pro163]

I dont even like league still watched it through,but this man is a legend, hard work pays always off ❤️ much respect

[@FacetheWalls]

SKT losing at worlds is gonna give me a Kkoma.

[@joylucky7136]

i've waited so long for this, kkoma is my favourite guy in all of the esports scene

[@kellybelly1004]

I remember how all the guys at my church were obsessed with starcraft when i was in middle school and they would watch the games~ so crazy to see how far esports has come

[@Moohna]

This summer split they will bring terror they are hungry for victory after the MSI 2019

[@KingNexu5]

What a father figure! God bless this man!

[@epictcg4424]

Damn, that moment when they said he elevated players, Its so true that it gave me goosebump. He can turn a rookie into a star and a start into a super star. Then from their into legends.

[@kcm1799]

And now he's back. ❤

[@vitorcristiano9744]

the real mvp of skt is this guy he deserves all the recognition

[@lins_z2]

And now he’s finally marrying (and pretty soon :’D). So happy for him.

[@Kazutamieeee]

this guy is the legend of the legends. he deserves everything.

[@raxzcs6013]

I just need to say that Kkoma is the reason league of legends get so hyped everyone starts to tryhard after season 3 worlds and when he isn´t there anyone else did sure but he has so much impact for the scene that everyone of us who watch competitive Games need to thank him

[@Yuel402]

Now do the story KKona, GJ you've done well doing KKoma's story.

[@XXMASTERRIKUXX]

He is simply amazing I always loved him, for ever my inspiration in life on how hard he works. SKT 4 Life

[@francis7911]

This is my favorite video of this channel that is Lol related. I started following SKT on 2015 during their near flawless run during the whole year, and as I fan that followed them on that run 2016 was not as smooth. Yet 2017 and 2018 was really the hardest because 2017 you can feel it all crumbling starting summer but like every other Skt Fan I believed they would win worlds because of that SKT AURA we strongly believe. But fans and haters alike saw SKT's dynasty Crumble and on 2018 they really tried but became apparent that SKT can't keep up anymore. As a fan I don't feel the same SKT INVINCIBILITY AURA I felt during 2015 and 2016 but THIS YEAR feels a lot more reedeming because of last year. As disappointing as MSI was I Believe that with the players first taste of defeat together their resolution would be much greater and with KKOMA's guidance they will win it all again. Long my message was Kkoma was barely mentioned. That is how unseen he is on the success but not any less valuable. Love Kkoma's story the best.

[@WillTheSage]

Great documentary, thank you for shining a light on the brains behind the scenes :)

[@iwantqualitymemebecauseims9261]

I remember the days this Miss Fortune support pick ruined low elo games.

[@WhoCares869]

"I guide others to the treasure I can't not possess"

[@MrYgfamily21]

amazing video... watching this waiting for skt world 2019 qtr final

[@TheIronbark]

Excellent documentary. Thanks so much for making it

[@Zywoo797]

Benching Faker was the Bravest thing A coach could do in Leaguy

[@RPS_FFRK]

That was so nice. The coaches have been under appreciated indeed in the past. Seeing Kkoma and Faker together is like Reigen and Mob hahaha. Glhf SKT in future competitions

[@Brandino00]

always thought he deserved more recognition. this was great

[@SnowPlaysIV]

Such a great coach. The good old days are coming back to me haha I miss those times

[@kazuhiko82]

"Story of Kkoma" *Story of SKT*

[@brunofougaca]

Great ! U only forgot to mentioned his ward! It's still unique for any coach

[@Hunter-hr3or]

I just love Kkoma so much.. Thx for the that one it was lit.

[@crispchaos]

Kkoma seems like such a great leader! that is awesome you guys made this video I never really look at the people in the shadows of skt doin all this leadership.

[@varadrakshe8781]

Aahhh Another 34 minutes of pure awe

[@tsukikage3941]

A video about Kkoma and Ryu still has to show his "after fighting Faker" face

[@ecenita]

I have waited all my life just to see this. Kkoma will always be my favorite coach of all time! Thank you guys for always making quality videos like this. More to come! #AvidFanOfTheStoryOf

[@acelaryk]

Thank you for everything kkoma