The team behind Huni

In Week 4 of the NA LCS there were a few special additions in the crowd for one member of Immortals.

Seung-hoon “Huni” Heo was lucky enough to share his two latest victories against Counter Logic Gaming and Liquid with his mom, brother, and aunt, who came all the way out from Korea to watch him play. They’re no strangers to jet-setting around the world to watch Huni’s antics on and off the Rift, though. Last time we caught up with them was in Brussels during Worlds 2015 where they were cheering on Huni and the rest of Fnatic (along with Reignover’s mom).

[[{"fid":"21745","view_mode":"centered","fields":{"format":"centered","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/centered/public/huni_family_2.jpg%3Fitok%3DMUU8ZpPf","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"662","width":"992"}}]]

While Huni’s family are no longer wearing the black and orange of Fnatic, they’re no less enthusiastic with their support. It’s been a hell of a journey, one that has taken them across Europe and all the way to the other side of the world. We caught up with Huni’s family to talk about just how far the jolly top laner has come.

Just like her son, Huni’s mother answered every question with grace, a smile, and a laugh. It made it all the more obvious how apples don’t fall far from the tree.

A good boy

Games found their way into Huni’s life from the tender age of three according to his mom, and growing up it was a point of friction between them. She would get angry with him for spending so much time in front of the computer at times when he should have been focusing on more important things. Namely, his education. “He was actually really good in school. He would do all his schoolwork, but I was disappointed because I wanted him to be like all the other kids in school.”

Even as his mom talks Huni grins and interjects. “Yeah, I was just playing games.”

[[{"fid":"21746","view_mode":"centered","fields":{"format":"centered","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/centered/public/huni_rain_poncho.jpg%3Fitok%3Dv0vh-t7C","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]

As much as she wanted him to be just like all his peers, the universe had other plans for Huni. An opportunity would come knocking at his door that would take him far from the safety and security of Korea. He would leave his friends and his family behind to go and chase his dreams of becoming a pro player in Europe. “I was really disappointed," said Huni's mom. "And I was really against it because I was so worried. But I couldn’t stop Huni from following his dream, so eventually I had to let him go.”

In letting Huni follow his dreams she would give us one of the most entertaining characters ever to grace competitive League of Legends. He radiates charm and humor every time he steps onto the stage, whether he’s dancing like Gragas or cheering along with the fans when they chant his name. Watching him run rampant with Ryze or tilt Dyrus with his Cassiopeia keep us on the edge of our seats. He's the kind of player that can run away with the game at any moment.

[[{"fid":"21747","view_mode":"centered","fields":{"format":"centered","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/centered/public/huni_thumbs_up.jpg%3Fitok%3DLgu32ggD","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]

We’re infinitely blessed to have him here, but that didn’t make it any easier for his family, who struggled at first. They had to be content with streaming his games. “I didn’t know anything about League of Legends at all, but I’ve been watching Huni for about a year, so now I understand,” said his mom.

Now she watches all her son’s games. Each time Huni steps out on stage she’s nervous for him, but also incredibly proud. When asked about what her favorite memory of watching Huni play, she conferred quietly with Huni’s younger brother. After a moment, they devolved into laughter and eventually came to an agreement.

[[{"fid":"21748","view_mode":"centered","fields":{"format":"centered","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/centered/public/huni_phreak.jpg%3Fitok%3DTZVbjiwo","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"661","width":"992"}}]]

“The last World Championship in the Quarterfinals when they beat EDG. It was the first live event I went to watch him on stage,” she said, beaming as she talked about.

“I’m really proud of him now, though I feel a little bit sad that I didn’t support him a long time ago when he first started playing. I didn’t know a pro player could exist!”

She’s certainly making up for it now, coming all the way out to America just to watch him compete as part of Immortals. These days, she’s not as worried as she used to be, and is looking forward to coming back to America to watch more games.

[[{"fid":"21749","view_mode":"centered","fields":{"format":"centered","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/centered/public/huni_family.jpg%3Fitok%3DEw0trMfc","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-centered","height":"744","width":"992"}}]]

Huni seems to be settling into American life. The weather is good. The food is great. His team is still undefeated, which certainly makes things easier. Though no matter where his journey takes him he’ll always keep the ones who are cheering him on from home close to his heart.