JD Gaming has officially announced the departure of head coach Kim "cvMax" Dae-ho, effective immediately. The decision was reached by mutual agreement between both parties, as cvMax must return to his home country to focus on his health, the club announced in its statement. It also takes into consideration the team’s upcoming competitive schedule, ensuring JDG can adjust in time for the next stage of the season.

A short experience in the LPL

cvMax joined JD Gaming in 2024 and immediately took part in the Demacia Cup with the team, followed by the first split of the LPL. During the regular season, JDG won all three of their best-of-five series in the group stage. In the playoffs, they defeated ThunderTalk Gaming before falling to Anyone’s Legend, and then to the reigning champions, Top Esports.

JD Gaming took the opportunity to thank cvMax for his "unwavering professionalism" and commitment to the team, praising his rigorous coaching skills and unique management style, which elevated the team to a higher level. The JDG roster has been completely rebuilt for 2025 around Kim "Peyz" Su-hwan, who joined from Gen.G, and Lee "Scout" Ye-chan, who previously played for LNG Esports.

JD Gaming is playing this Monday morning, April 21, with the team being led by assistant coaches He "BoBo" Wen-Bo and Chen "Xiasu" Long. However, the team has not yet communicated whether these two will continue in charge or if a head coach will take over the position.

A controversial coach

cvMax is a coach whose reputation precedes him, for better or for worse. He was the head coach of the legendary Griffin roster in the LCK from 2017 to 2019, before being suspended following an investigation launched by Riot Games. The investigation revealed that cvMax had taken both physically and verbally violent actions during his time with the team, leading Riot to impose an indefinite suspension.

However, just over a week later, the suspension was lifted after Riot admitted to shortcomings in the investigation procedure. He then coached DRX until the end of 2021, before joining Kwangdong Freecs in September 2022 for a two-year stint, though without notable success.