Two months ago, AHQ League of Legend's pro, Cheon
"Promise" MinKi, ruefully admitted on the Inven forums that he intentionally threw
games due to threats from his team's manager. Just minutes after writing the
post, Cheon attempted to take his own life, jumping from the top of a
twelve-story building - but the flexible metal roof of a shed and the pliable
plastic of a recycling bin mercifully intervened. Despite all odds, the young
marksman lived, although multiple fractures (including a broken right arm and leg)
now devastated his body. Promise emerged from his coma, underwent several hours
of surgery, and began a slow and painful path to recovery.
(The shed Promise hit.)
His story garnered international attention for weeks.
Fund-raisers brought an influx of substantial donations from well-wishing fans.
Fellow players streamed for him and NA LCS teams kicked in proceeds from their
merchandise sales. In total, almost $53,000 US Dollars were raised. The last update we had was during a
visit last month from Inven, when Promise became overwhelmed with emotion. Barely
able to write due to his injured hands and unable to speak due to a badly broken
jaw, he could express only that he was sorry for his actions, thankful for his
survival and amazed by the outpouring of love he was receiving from everyone.
So how is he doing now?
This past weekend, Promise updated his Facebook page,
showing just how thin he'd become while lamenting his half-swollen face (labeling
one half 'Starved Promise' and one half 'Fat Promise,') but considering his
condition two months ago, he looked remarkably well. His jaw, which had been wired
shut, can now move, and his mouth is able to open a fair half-inch. (A feat he
measures by how many stacked tongue depressors he can fit in there.)
His spirits seem brighter, despite considerable bouts of
pain. His Facebook posts reflect a craving for pizza and a desire to game
again. While it may still be some time before he can eat solid foods, he's been enjoying soup and ice cream. He is in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation
for treatments. His hand (which had several pins placed in it) is very weak and
his thumb function is bad. (He's been working on gripping and moving a mouse.) He eagerly looks forward to getting rid of the splints on his arm and leg.
From the tone of his posts, Promise seems to have grown mentally stronger. It's an encouraging sign from a young man who was at such a point of despair back in March.
His Facebook page is MinKi Cheon if you'd like to send him a fast hello or note of encouragement. I'm sure Google
Translate will make your words understandable enough.
