The Samsung Galaxy World Championship skins are here, and they’re even better than expected. Apart from the new particles that come with the skins, each custom recall animation pays tribute to Korean culture in some way, according to a series of tweets by Riot Games skin producer Riot Stellari. Some also reference memes from the Korean League of Legends community, as detailed in a Reddit post by user gay_dino.
Gnar
Top laner Lee “CuVee” Seong-jin is known for his insatiable appetite in the Korean League community, according to the Reddit post. In Gnar’s back animation, Mini Gnar chows down on bananas, something CuVee is known to do on stage, especially during the World Championships. Mega Gnar, on the other hand, wolfs down noodles. These are meant to represent Jjajangmyeon, a traditionally Chinese dish adopted by Koreans. The story goes that CuVee once ate a bowl of the noodles, finished teammate Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in’s serving, and then ordered a third.
The fact that Gnar is a white tiger is also significant in Korean culture, according to Stellari. They are seen as sacred creatures that drive away evil.
Jarvan IV
Jarvan is seen holding a baseball bat while recalling. While it might seem out of place at first, jungler Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong is known for being the “benevolent enforcer” of the team, according to the Reddit post. The bat has become associated with him, even spawning several memes. He has even earned the nickname “Harry Batter and the Magical Macroplay,” since the joke goes that Ambition and his bat will make the rounds after any misplay, and the team will magically play better afterwards.
At the end of the recall, the bat transforms into a bouquet of flowers, representative of Ambition’s marriage last year.
Jarvan’s facial hair and ultimate are meant to look like Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a Korean naval commander famous for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war, according to Stellari.
Ezreal
In his recall animation, substitute jungler Kang “Haru” Min-seung’s Ezreal is meant to represent the Korean hwarang, or flower knights, long-haired, elite warrior youth from ancient Korean history, according to Stellari.
Taliyah
Mid laner Lee “Crown” Min-ho’s Taliyah picks up a crown during her recall, which is an obvious reference to his in-game moniker. In addition, she weaves marble when using the skin, which is meant to pay homage to ancient palaces. She is also wearing gear reminiscent of Hong Gildong, a character similar to Robin Hood, Stellari says.
Xayah and Rakan
The duo represent the Korean magpie, South Korea’s national bird. The plant Xayah smells while recalling is the Korean rose, the country’s national flower, according to Stellari. In addition, the carriage she rides off in is a clear reference to marksman Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk.
Rakan’s recall animation depicts him scribbling on a piece of paper, which might be a reference to the civil servant exams taken by medieval Korean noblemen, according to the Reddit post. In addition, his hat is based off the traditional Korean cap worn by those after they pass government tests, according to Stellari.
The skins are currently available on the PBE for testing, and will likely launch with Patch 8.14 in a couple of weeks barring major changes.
