yoman returns to Nongshim RedForce as coach
After leading NSR in Challengers Korea 2024, yoman rejoins the organization, this time on the coaching staff.
SOUTH KOREA – Nongshim RedForce have announced the return of Chae “yoman” Young-mun to the organization, with the former player joining the team’s coaching staff ahead of the upcoming 2026 VCT Pacific season.
yoman previously represented Nongshim RedForce during the 2024 VALORANT Challengers Korea season as part of the organization’s earlier roster. He was one of the standout performers of Split 1, finishing as the highest-rated player in the tournament while also serving as the team’s in-game leader.
With yoman calling the shots, Nongshim RedForce consistently operated as a top contender domestically. The team reached the podium in both splits, finishing third in one and second in the other. Those runs ultimately ended with Sin Prisa Gaming standing in their way in Split 2. Sin Prisa Gaming later became part of Nongshim RedForce and now form the core of the current NSR roster that yoman will be working with.
From his previous roster, the only remaining familiar face is Jung “Xross” Hwan, who has been retained through the transition.
After his first spell with Nongshim RedForce, yoman’s path took him into VCT Pacific. He spent the OFF//SEASON and Kickoff 2025 with Gen.G, then later featured for Global Esports during Stage 2.
While yoman’s domestic Challengers KR results in 2024 were a strong reminder of his value, his reputation was already well established from his time in China. In the 2023 season, he competed for Rare Atom, where he played alongside players who are now part of the current JDG Esports roster in VCT CN. Rare Atom were widely regarded as China’s clear No. 2 at the time, reaching the grand finals of the China Evolution Series twice and repeatedly colliding with EDward Gaming, who remained the region’s benchmark.
While his most recent year did not deliver standout results or individual form, Nongshim RedForce will be banking on familiarity and yoman’s proven tactical background to help keep the team competitive in Seoul, especially against the other four Korean organizations.
Nongshim RedForce earned their way back into VCT Pacific by finishing top two at Ascension Pacific in Bangkok. The team retained Lee “Dambi” Hyuk-kyu, Kim “Francis” Mu-bin, and Park “Ivy” Sung-hyeon from their Sin Prisa Gaming days, later adding veteran Goo “Rb” Sang-min mid-year, alongside 18-year-old Xross.
For more insights on the Asian VALORANT scene and upcoming content like this, be sure to like and follow VALO2ASIA on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Cover photo courtesy of VCT Pacific