South Korea is enlisting the help of esports icon Lee Sang-hyeok, globally recognized as "Faker," to address a rising tide of online gambling among its youth. Lee has been appointed an honorary Senior Officer with the police force, a move intended to leverage his considerable public profile and reputation for self-discipline.
The government's initiative aims to combat the increasing prevalence of illicit online gambling, an issue that has seen a surge in South Korea, particularly among younger demographics. Many young individuals have reportedly resorted to extreme measures to fund gambling habits or settle debts. As reported by the Seoul Economic Daily, Faker's appointment stems from his status as a "highly recognized esports player at home and abroad" who has "consistently practiced the values of self-management and restraint throughout his long career, serving as a role model for young people."
In his new capacity, Faker will be instrumental in producing public service announcements, including videos and posters. These materials will be used to promote South Korea's Youth Cyber Gambling Voluntary Reporting System. This program is designed to offer support to young individuals struggling with online gambling problems. As an additional incentive for participation and recovery, those who engage with the system may receive autographed Faker uniforms. The article specifies that these autographed items will be awarded to young people who have successfully overcome gambling addiction by participating in treatment programs, serving as encouragement for their reintegration into daily life.
This appointment is the latest in a series of honors for Lee Sang-hyeok. He previously became the first Korean esports athlete to receive the Cheongnyong Medal, a prestigious national sports award. Faker has also been featured on South Korean postage stamps and recently appeared in a local Disney+ television program, underscoring his broad public recognition. His prominent role in this anti-gambling campaign is expected to draw significant attention to the issue.
The move by the South Korean government also casts a spotlight on the gaming industry itself. League of Legends publisher Riot Games began allowing sports-betting sponsorships for LoL teams approximately a year ago, a decision that stands in contrast to the government's current efforts to curb online gambling. It remains unclear whether Riot Games will face any official repercussions for this policy in South Korea.