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[ranthroughtime]

'Ruler' Park Jaehyeok is back in Gen.G"I have to stack up trophies in these 3 years"

Interview with 'Ruler' Park Jaehyeok, Gen.G's ADC Returning after 2 years...3 year contract until 2027 Leading the 2017 LOL Worlds Championships win...Gen.G's first retired number* "I want to win Worlds under Gen.G's name"

"I forgot how I won the 2017 Worlds, as well as how I felt back then. 7 years have passed. In my career, I'm still hungry. I haven't won Worlds after the name changed to Gen.G, but I'll make sure to make some pretty Worlds skins with the rest of the players."

Gen.G's forever ADC 'Ruler' Park Jaehyeok has returned. He has his number '1', which is his permanent retired number, on his back. Kuki News met Ruler, who returned to his old team Gen.G's HQ in Gangnam.

Ruler, who joined Samsung Galaxy (currently Gen.G) has since became the team's franchise star. During the 2017 Worlds Championships, he was selected as the Finals MVP based on his strong performance throughout the games, which was the highlight of his career. He later won the 2022 LCK Summer Finals as well as being selected as its MVP, and then headed to China the following year. In JD Gaming, Ruler led the team with only one option. He swept the LPL Spring, Summer and MSI in 2023. Ruler, who played as a member of JDG until 2024, returned to Gen.G in 2025.

When asked about his life in China for the past two years, Ruler said, "It was really hard as I was in a foreign country, I had inconveniences like the language, culture and food. When there was no game to play, I didn't do anything. I only stayed in my room. Honestly it felt like I was in some stranded island. I think I did good being in the midst of that extreme environment. I'd give a score of 9.5 out of 10. Instead of feeling relieved, I felt more regretful."

"I learned a lot from the LPL. It wasn't as fight-oriented as I thought it would be. They will fight only when they're certain. There are a lot of teams that are good at macros. However, it is undeniable that they like to fight a lot, better than the LCK. Basically, they (have the feeling) of never losing to the opponent," was what he said of the LPL. "Personally, I learned how to play ADCs. It's all about survival. I'd always think about how to survive when I was hit," he added.

"I thought I'd play in China till next year. After becoming a free agent, I was looking to comeback in the LCK. Gen.G was my top priority, so after pleasantly talking with each other, I came back," Ruler said. "Actually, it's still awkward to be interviewed while wearing the Gen.G uniform. I still feel like there should be an interpreter next to me," he said with a smile.

Ruler said, "I've been watching Gen.G from the outside. After I left, I thought they became stronger. Didn't they keep on winning in the LCK?" and added, "The Worlds result is regretful, but they are certainly a strong team."

Gen.G will be joined by 'Kiin' Kim Kiin, 'Canyon' Kim Geonbu and 'Chovy' Jung Jihoon in 2025. 'Peyz' Kim Suhwan and 'Lehends' Son Siwoo took their exit, but their absence will be filled by Park Jaeheyok and 'Duro' Joo Mingyu to fill the gap. "They are all good players, so I don't have any worries," said Ruler. "(My) teamwork with Mingyu is important. Next season's key player will be him. I know that he's a support that's good at engaging. Moving forward, I plan to adjust well (with him)," he said, "I'm getting closer to Mingyu (Duro). He pulls pranks on me a lot. So that it would be more comfortable, I prefer keeping up a friendly atmosphere."

Ruler expressed his feeling about returning to Korea honestly, "It would be a lie If I say I don't feel pressured. Gen.G is a team that continuously goes to finals and win championships in the league. If I want to be recognized, I need to at least win a few times," he said, "I think it'll be fun. Wouldn't it be boring to live without any pressure or difficulties?" he said with a smile.

Ruler, who picked T1 and HLE as the teams he wants to meet the most, tells of a behind-the-scenes story with 'Faker' Lee Sanghyeok, "I met Sanghyeok-hyung twice near the dorms. He said 'Hello' with a face full of playfulness. It's a face that I haven't seen in a while so it felt good. How fun would it be to meet at the games?" he expressed with anticipation.

In lieu of him coming back, Ruler also signed a long-term contract with Gen.G, a rare case in the e-sports industry. After the 3 years playing as a Gen.G player, he said, "I might retire in 3 years. To be precise, there's a big chance of me retiring. I hope to stack up many trophies during my 3 year contract."

Lastly, Ruler said, "There were doubts on whether I would be able to come back to Gen.G. I'm glad to be back like this. I think the fans are more glad than I am. I want to achieve results the fans would be satisfied with. I'm going to play exciting games tirelessly for the 3 years," he said with determination.

*retired number (영구결번) refers to a number that is excluded so that it is not used again, to honor a player who has contributed to the team so that it will not be granted to another player. in this case it means that ruler, even if he retires, will forever be GEN Ruler, and that his number '1' will forever be his