South Korea's Korean National Police Agency has appointed "League of Legends" icon and esports legend Lee Sang-hyeok, also known as "Faker," as an honorary police officer, tasking him with helping fight the country's online gambling problem.
The announcement makes Faker the first esports athlete ever to receive this kind of appointment from the agency.
South Korea Appoints T1's Faker as Police Officer
According to a report by the Seoul Economic Daily, the Korean National Police Agency held an appointment ceremony at its headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, formally naming Faker an honorary police officer with the rank of Senior Officer. This is the same rank used for career-based recruitment in cyber investigation roles.
According to the agency, the rank was chosen specifically because of Faker's high recognition both domestically and internationally, along with his long track record of self-discipline throughout his career.
Acting Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung said detecting youth cyber gambling early is crucial, so counseling and treatment can begin before the problem escalates. He added that the agency "hopes Faker's positive influence" will give young people who need help the courage to come forward and report without hesitation.
Faker responded by saying he felt a "great sense of responsibility" taking on the appointment, and that he plans to actively participate in raising awareness about the dangers of cyber gambling among young people.
'LoL' Legend Faker to Help Combat Online Gambling Problem
As part of the role, Faker will serve as an ambassador for the Youth Cyber Gambling Voluntary Reporting System, a program the police agency has operated since May this year and plans to run through August 31. The system encourages young people struggling with gambling addiction to report their own activity voluntarily in exchange for counseling, treatment, and support rather than legal consequences.
As of mid-July, the program had already received 806 voluntary reports.
Faker will appear in promotional videos and posters produced for the campaign. During the ceremony, he also signed his honorary police uniform, which will later be given to young people who complete gambling addiction treatment programs as a form of encouragement during their recovery.
Who Is Faker?
Faker made his professional debut in 2013 with SK Telecom T1, now known simply as T1, and has since built what many consider the most decorated career in esports history. He has won six "League of Legends" World Championship titles, including a historic three-peat from 2023 through 2025, along with 10 domestic LCK titles.
He also represented South Korea at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, winning a gold medal in the "League of Legends" esports event.
In January 2026, Faker became the first esports athlete to receive South Korea's highest sporting honor, the Cheongnyong Medal, presented personally by President Lee Jae-myung in recognition of his contributions to elevating the country's international standing. Past recipients of the same medal include figures like footballer Son Heung-min and figure skater Kim Yuna.
Faker's growing profile has also crossed into mainstream entertainment, with Disney+ announcing in July that he will join the cast of its upcoming mystery variety show, "Murder Club: Liar's Table," marking his first regular role on a non-gaming program.
