In a surprising turn of events, the powerhouse of Asia Pacific Valorant, DRX, has unveiled a lineup adjustment just before the highly anticipated VCT 2024 Pacific Stage 1, set to kick off in Seoul, South Korea, this Saturday. The departure of Cho “Flashback” Min-hyuk from the primary roster has been confirmed, causing ripples of speculation and intrigue among fans.
As of yesterday, the 18-year-old sensation has been relegated to the reserve squad indefinitely, following what DRX describes as a mutual decision made with careful consideration. In an official statement released by the South Korean organization, DRX addressed the situation, stating, “On April 3rd, 2024, Flashback issued a formal request to the DRX management to be placed on an indefinite leave for personal reasons that we will not be commenting on.”
Flashback’s absence presents a potential setback for DRX as they brace themselves to clash with formidable adversaries in the group stage of Pacific Stage 1, including the likes of Gen.G, T1, and the Filipino powerhouse, Team Secret. Hailed as one of the brightest talents in the APAC scene, Flashback showcased his prowess during his debut in the VCT 2024 Kickoff back in February.
During the Kickoff, Flashback demonstrated his mettle as one of DRX’s standout performers, spearheading victories against determined Talon Esports and DetonatioN FocusMe, securing the team’s top spot in the group stage. However, DRX’s valiant campaign was ended by eventual champions and domestic rivals, Gen.G. Despite the setback, Flashback garnered widespread acclaim from audiences across the APAC region, including in Southeast Asia.
Moving ahead, Kang “BeYN” Ha-bin, another product of the DRX Academy, is set to step up and take over Flashback’s role in the upcoming tournament. While this marks BeYN’s debut with the senior squad, dismissing the 20-year-old as a novice would be a mistake. BeYN has diligently honed his skills and mentality during stints with several B-tier teams in South Korea and China between 2022 and early 2024.
