The LCK Roadshow event benefits the region but frustrates Korean fans
As previously announced, at the beginning of the season, the LCK announced the LCK Roadshow which will take the tournament to various regions around the world instead of just being held at LoL Park as usual. The LCK Cup 2026 will officially implement this mechanism, with the latest announcement from the LCK stating that the finals will be held in Shanghai. This will be the first time the LCK organizes a match overseas. Previously, the LCK had moved the tournament to the 3 PM and 5 PM slots (Vietnam time), which corresponds to 5 PM – 7 PM in Korea – the prime time for entertainment in Korea.
However, these changes have left Korean fans frustrated. Specifically, the shift in match times means that fans attending the tournament at LoL Park will have to leave very late. For example, a match starting at 7 PM could finish around 10 PM – close to 11 PM at night. Meanwhile, only the LCK has changed its match times, while other public transportation remains on the old schedule. As a result, on numerous forums, LCK fans have continuously criticized the LCK for the inconvenience of the new match timings.
Next, the recent announcement from the LCK organizers has been the “last straw”. Korean fans will face many difficulties in attending the finals, which is the most important match of the tournament.
– I arrived to watch the match at 4 PM, and I didn’t get home until 1 AM, having to circle around LoL Park 4 times because I couldn’t find any public transport to get home.
– I can’t imagine that a finals match of the LCK would not be held in the LCK.
– Transportation will be very difficult; imagine buying a ticket and then the finals are not featuring your favorite team.
The LCK Teams Also Face Difficulties
Traveling to other countries is not a simple matter for LCK teams at this time, as it will involve travel and accommodation costs for the entire team, including players, coaches, and more. Therefore, the latest announcement from the LCK is attracting significant attention with a wide range of emotional reactions. While international fans seem quite excited, fans in the LCK are feeling dissatisfied.