May 11, 2016 — Fnatic have announced via YouTube that Bora “YellOwStaR” Kim will be returning to their League of Legends roster. “It is time for a ‘new’ start!” Kim states on Twitter regarding his return to the five-time European LCS champion organization. “[A]fter expressing my desire to come back to Europe, I thought directly about coming back home.” YellOwStaR had previously been on the Fnatic roster from January 2013 to December of 2015. In the 2016 Summer Split, however, Kim was contracted by North America’s Team SoloMid. Team SoloMid allowed for the sale of his contract, which was slated to last until they end of the season, while searching for new supports in Korea.
“Bora has incredible work ethic, an immense amount of competitive experience and game knowledge combined with an extremely valuable ability of shotcalling and guiding the team,” says Fnatic Head Coach Luis “Deilor” Sevilla Petit in a statement on Fnatic’s website. “On top of that he already has a built-in synergy with Rekkles, knows the organization, the coaching staff and the fans. He is the perfect fit for the team.”
YellOwStaR’s return marks a hopeful return to form for Fnatic who, for the first time in their history, did not make the 2016 European LCS finals. Instead, losing to eventual victors G2 Esports 1-3 in the semifinals and taking third over H2k-Gaming in a 3-2 decider match. YellOwStaR will be replacing rookie support Johan “Klaj” Olsson, who has stated on twitter that he will remain with the Fnatic organization. ESPN reports that Klaj will “head up” a Fnatic owned challenger squad.
