To continue TGH’s “Where is Every Member of the Original Spark Lineup Today?” series, this week, it is time to look at Hangzhou’s first healing core. The Spark decided to keep things simple with a lineup of three members: Hyeong-geun “Revenge” An, Ho-jin “iDK” Park and Hui-chang “BeBe” Yoon.
Revenge
Revenge is potentially the least memorable member of the Spark’s initial Support lineup. Though this does not mean the Korean healer comes without a storied past. In the final season of APEX, Revenge played on the 7th-8th placed CONBOX team. This squad featured current Mayhem Tank Min-seok “OGE” Son and Spark DPS Minho “Architect” Park. Revenge then joined Team Seven, after the departure of the tournament which disbanded CONBOX. Seven featured Spark alumni in Jun-ki “Bazzi” Park and Jaehwan “Adora” Kang. This chemistry is potentially the sole reason why Revenge was given an opportunity with the Spark. Unfortunately, Ho-jin “iDK” Park and Hui-chang “BeBe” Yoon became the Spark’s mainstay healing duo which limited Revenge’s playtime.
Today, we part away with @Ow_Revenge . Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the team. You are known as a workaholic with your constant practice and streaming. You are always be part of Spark and we wish you the brightest future. pic.twitter.com/IkEMiV9g6Y
— Hangzhou Spark (@Hangzhou_Spark) November 11, 2019
Because of the lack of play, Hangzhou announced Revenge’s release on November 11, 2019. While the Ana/Zenyatta main could have played an important flex role in the OWL, Contenders Korea’s RunAway did see an opportunity to use Revenge in a big way.
📣Runaway Roster Update
러너웨이의 새로운 힐러진을 소개합니다!
전 OWL 항저우 스파크 소속 @Ow_Revenge 선수와
전 그리핀 소속 @ChiYo_Mainsup 선수가 러너웨이와 함께하게 되었습니다.새로운 두 선수에게 많은 응원과 사랑 부탁드립니다.😍#RUNAWAY #REVENGE #CHIYO pic.twitter.com/hxaLZcpGsH
— Runaway OW I 러너웨이 OW (@Runaway_OW) December 24, 2019
On Christmas Eve, RunAway announced their new Support duo after Jae-gon “LeeJaeGon” Lee and Nam-jin “Gangnamjin” Kang made it to the OWL. Currently, the Korean Support has helped the current iteration of Runaway to a handful of Top 3 finishes in major Tier 2 tournaments.
BeBe
Like Revenge, BeBe was another Spark player coming into the league who had previously played with other members of the team. BeBe was a part of the X6-Gaming squad that consisted of almost half of Hangzhou’s initial roster. The team included Kyeong-bo “GodsB” Kim, Seong-Wook “Ria” Park, and Da-un “NoSmite” Jeong alongside BeBe. From there, BeBe became one of the Spark’s most recognizable players with this Support partner iDK. The duo would become one of the Overwatch League’s most unsung Support lineups with their steady play and selfless style. This composure helped the Spark to a 3rd-4th place finish in the Stage 2 finals of 2019 and a 4th place finish overall.
For the 2020 season, the Spark called up Liu “M1ka” Jiming and Tong “ColdesT” Xiaodong to provide some cushion for the team’s healing core. In the end, however, ColdesT ended up with similar statistics to BeBe even without the absorbant amount of playtime BeBe was given. On top of that, M1ka shone as an elite Mercy player in the OWL when paired with Bebe. With iDK’s flexibility on Main Support, M1ka’s top-tier Mercy play, and ColdesT’s comparables, Hangzhou was in a tough spot with BeBe.
Thank you @bebezzangv who’ve led the team since our inaugural Season. Your signature shot calling will be remembered forever. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! pic.twitter.com/3vyUuwF3r4
— Hangzhou Spark (@Hangzhou_Spark) October 18, 2020
The team decided to let go of their starting Flex Support on October 18, 2020. BeBe did find a new team shortly after as he signed a contract with the Washington Justice on November 19, 2020.
iDK
As the last-standing member of the original Support roster, iDK is potentially in the top three for the Spark’s “faces of the franchise”. As previously mentioned, iDK did have a successful run with BeBe with the early Hangzhou lineup. But even before the OWL, the Korean Support played with some highly classed talent. In between his tenures with Lucky Future Zenith and captain of Afreeca Freecs, iDK played on the famous Lunatic-Hai squad. This second iteration of L-H was the result after the majority of the original APEX lineup became the Seoul Dynasty. His duo partner on Lunatic-Hai was none other than the 2020 OWL Rookie of the Year Kyung-bo “Alarm” Kim.
Now after his tenure with Alarm and BeBe, iDK is the leader among the pack of young healers the Spark have brought in. Alongside ColdesT and M1ka, who have proven their worth, iDK also has an opportunity to play with former Element Mystic Flex Support Jeong-ho “MCD” Lee.
Please welcome our newest Flex Support, and excellent shot caller, Jeong-ho “MCD” Lee (/≧▽≦)/ @mcd_ow #sparkbang pic.twitter.com/O2Q8IM0VtJ
— Hangzhou Spark (@Hangzhou_Spark) November 17, 2020
For someone who had such strong public statements going into last season, iDK is someone who the Spark are hoping can lead the team to another playoff run in 2021.
Stay Connected
Featured Image Courtesy of Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment
Follow The Game Haus for more sports and esports coverage.
Twitter: TGH Esports
Facebook: The Game Haus
“From Our Haus to Yours”
