In recent days, LCK Spring 2024 has been facing many difficulties and significantly impacting the teams, players, management systems, fans, and all the media surrounding the tournament. This is because the LCK Spring 2024 is under DDoS attacks, causing matches to be switched to a pre-recorded format – live commentary afterward. This has made it challenging for both domestic and international fans in the LCK to follow the matches closely. At the same time, the LCK organizers are forced to take steps to adjust the broadcast schedule accordingly.
Recently, the LCK organizers made another announcement, but instead of news about the LCK Spring 2024 overcoming the DDoS incidents, it was simply a change in the broadcast schedule that will correspond to the usual match times if broadcast live as before.
Specifically as follows:
“Hello, this is Aiden Lee, Secretary-General of LCK. The DDoS attack that started on February 25 has severely impacted the LCK. Some matches were suddenly postponed right before live broadcast, and pre-recorded matches, introduced as a temporary measure, had to be aired at times later than usual. During this process, fans have been disappointed and faced many inconveniences due to our operational responses that did not meet the importance of the LCK. For this, we sincerely apologize.
We recognize that the attacks on popular streamers over the past few months and the attacks on the LCK have differences in pattern and scale. We began investigating the attacks on streamers immediately after they occurred, and we have taken steps to report the attacks on the LCK to the authorities and law enforcement immediately after they occurred because we believe these DDoS attacks are clear criminal acts. We are working closely with Riot Games’ global teams, relevant departments, and internal and external experts to analyze the cause of the attack and implement preventive measures.
The LCK has implemented a step-by-step plan to move towards normalization by protecting against DDoS attacks. There may be some changes depending on the situation, but the basic plan is to move from pre-recorded broadcasts to live broadcasts without an audience, and then return to normal operations.
Since the last DDoS attack, additional protective measures have been deployed at LOL PARK. There have been some attacks during pre-recorded broadcasts, but so far, the protective measures have been effective. Therefore, we intend to move the pre-recorded broadcast time back to the normal time of 5 PM starting from the first match of Week 7 on March 6. Weekend matches will also be broadcast at 5 PM.
In addition to the additional protective measures, we will soon introduce a more reliable system at LOL PARK. We had hoped to implement it sooner, but in reality, the conditions require more time. If no major issues arise during this process, we intend to return to normal as soon as possible so that fans can watch and support their favorite teams at the stadium. If there are any changes, we will continue to update.
A complete shutdown of the LCK would affect teams, players, fans, sponsors, viewers, streamers, journalists, LCK staff, and countless others in the ecosystem. We believe this is precisely what the criminals behind these DDoS attacks are hoping for. When one method is blocked, they seek to attack in another way, making it difficult to predict what will happen. But no matter the situation, we will find a solution. We will do everything possible to ensure that the LCK does not stop.
We regret to say this, but the LCK needs your support and encouragement throughout this process. We recognize that we have not achieved our goals.
We are very sorry to say this, but the LCK needs your support and encouragement throughout this process. We recognize that we have not achieved our goals in some areas. Our top priority is to control this DDoS attack and get the LCK back on track with your support.
When the situation stabilizes, we will comprehensively review our processes and responses to ensure that you can continue enjoying your experience with the LCK. We sincerely apologize once again for this inconvenience.”
The latest announcement from the LCK organizers regarding the DDoS incident
However, the LCK organizers themselves emphasized a very important point in their announcement: “During the time when matches are only broadcast as replays, there are still some cases being DDoSed.” This means that the tournament is still not fully stable. Additionally, the announcement also indicated that the organizers believe that the disruptors may want the tournament to shut down completely. This is certainly a scenario no League of Legends fan wishes to see. But clearly, the ongoing DDoS actions are having a very negative impact on the current tournament.
Previously, there had been much discussion and speculation from the global League of Legends community about this issue. The LCK media speculated that it could be related to the LPL region – a long-standing rival that T1 recently defeated at the World Championship. However, according to the LCK organizers, the manifestations and methods of the DDoS attacks on the tournament and those faced by LCK streamers were not similar at all.
It would be a disaster if the LCK Spring 2024 had to be indefinitely postponed, not just for this region but for the entire League of Legends scene. Therefore, fans may have to accept some solutions as both the tournament organizers and Riot are working hard to resolve the issue.