Slow and steady, Ici Japon Corp. Esport are continuing their rise in the 2025 Ligue Française de League of Legends (LFL) Spring Season, bouncing back from a disappointing 0-2 showing at the LFL HOLY Days 2025. Still, after finishing as runners-up at the EMEA Masters Winter edition, the team remains a serious threat to both French and European opponents, looking to make waves in the coming weeks and prove themselves once again. In an exclusive with Sheep Esports, the team’s AD Carry, Lee "Hans SamD" Jae-hoon, opens up about his time in the LFL, his ambitions to reach the LEC, his desire to face Hans Sama, and why he chose Europe over other regions.

How did it feel to play in front of the live crowd at the LFL HOLY Days in Évry, despite the 0-2 weekend?

Lee "Hans SamD" Jae-hoon: "I was really excited, even if we lost both matches and went 0-2. LFL days are always fun to play on stage. Everyone can hear the crowd—I like that. So it was good. The French crowd is the best. I’ve never experienced anything like this in any other region. It’s really amazing.

After finishing second at EMEA Masters, this split has started off roughly for your team. Why do you think that is? Was it nerves? Bad practice?

Hans SamD: The meta changed, and we’ve been adapting a bit slowly. Also, since this was on stage, everyone felt a bit scared and nervous. That’s why we played a bit poorly. We started 0-2, but later on in the season, I think we’ll be fine.

Is making it to the LEC your ultimate goal, or do you see a path even beyond that?

Hans SamD: My goal is just to go to the LEC and play against Hans Sama. That’s my only goal.

Is Hans Sama a rival to you? Someone you admire? Or both?

Hans SamD: Yeah. Both.

You’ve played in Korea, China, and Latin America. Why did you choose to stay in Europe for a second year?

Hans SamD: I already tried to go to the Americas through the Latin American league, but I think the LEC is better than the LCS. That’s why I came to Europe—I want to go to the LEC.

If you had the chance to return to the LCK, would you take it or prefer to stay here?

Hans SamD: I want to stay here.

Do you think you already have the level to play in the LEC? Are you better than some LEC players?

Hans SamD: Today wasn’t enough, I think. But in general, I think I could hold my own in the LEC.

Do you consider yourself the best ADC in the ERLs right now?

Hans SamD: 3XA (Thomas Foucou) and I are the best ADCs in the ERLs, in my opinion.

Jezu (Jean Massol) said he wasn’t afraid of you and felt he could match you. Do you have anything to say to that?

Hans SamD: I’m not afraid of him either. Jezu is a good player too. I’m always happy to compete against him because we really push each other. He’s a good player, and I can learn from him.

Keduii (Tim Willers) got promoted to the LEC. A lot of fans think you deserve that too. How did you feel when you saw him make it?

Hans SamD: I didn’t feel sad or mad. I’m friends with Keduii, so I think he deserved to go to the LEC, and I was happy for him. For me, I just thought, “Maybe next time it will be me.” So I’m focused on the LFL for now.

What do you think is the ceiling for Ici Japon Corp this year? Can you win an EMEA Masters title before the end of the year?

Hans SamD: People are describing us as a team that’ll scale because we have a rookie jungler. We’re showing some weak points, like our mid-game mistakes. But if we keep playing more games, I think in the end, we can win EMEA—maybe in spring or summer.

In 2023, you tweeted a quote from Gumayusi (Lee Min-hyung): “Whatever they say, my worth is for myself to prove.” Why did you choose that quote? Do you look up to him?

Hans SamD: What Guma said really impressed me, and I feel the same. That mindset is really good for a player, so I posted it on Twitter. I wanted people to see I have that kind of mindset too.

You’ve also posted memes like the “no help” one. Do you enjoy Twitter and posting funny stuff? Do your teammates help you find those memes?

Hans SamD: At that time, I didn’t know about the “no help” meme. My teammates kept posting it, so I just copied them. I didn’t know why people liked it at first, but later I realized, “Oh, this is what it means.” But I like to post funny stuff, not toxic things.

What’s next for you and the team in the coming weeks? What are your expectations for the rest of the split?

Hans SamD: Just to improve as a team. We also need to understand the meta better. Right now, toplane is strong—champions like Gwen, Ambessa, and Rumble are really strong. We need better communication, and in the end, I think it’ll be good.

If you reach the LEC, what message would you send to your future self?

Hans SamD: You’re doing good. Even if you are in 10th place in the LEC, don’t give up. Play like SamD and you’ll get there. Prove yourself. Trust yourself.

And finally, a message to the LEC fans who might be watching you soon?

Hans SamD: If I go to the LEC, fans will probably be a bit excited because of my name. People will have fun watching me play against Hans Sama. Even if I get stomped, I’ll be really happy. So keep watching how I play in the LFL. Keep cheering for me. Thank you."