LoL Pro Faker Appointed Honorary Police Officer to Combat Youth Cyber Gambling
Faker Receives Honorary Police Title from Korean National Police
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, a well-known professional League of Legends player, has been officially named an honorary police officer by the Korean National Police Agency. In this new role, he will act as an ambassador dedicated to preventing cyber gambling, especially targeting young people.
Significance of Faker’s New Rank
At 30 years old, Faker was granted the rank of senior policeman, a status typically reserved for officers who are competitively recruited to work in cyber investigations. Unlike a symbolic designation, this rank aligns him professionally with police personnel who focus on cybercrime.
With his appointment, Faker is set to support the fight against online gambling through national campaigns. He will feature in various public service announcements including videos and posters that promote the police’s voluntary self-reporting program. These materials aim to inform young people about the risks and serious consequences associated with online gambling.
Why Faker Is an Effective Ambassador
Known as a six-time world champion and one of esports’ most admired figures, Faker’s reputation and connection with youth make him an ideal candidate for this role. His status as a leading esports icon in South Korea enables him to influence and resonate strongly with younger generations, encouraging participation in prevention programs.
This honorary role continues a year marked by recognition for Faker. Earlier, he received the prestigious Cheongnyong Medal for Contributions to Physical Education, South Korea’s highest award for sports achievement. This accolade was presented following his team T1’s unprecedented third consecutive League of Legends World Championship win.
Beyond this appointment, Faker has been involved in other initiatives against gambling-related harm. For instance, in 2024, he joined a three-year campaign led by Hana Financial Group to stop gambling among teenagers and support those battling addiction.
Faker’s Response to His Appointment
Faker expressed pride and a deep sense of duty upon being named an honorary police officer. He pledged to actively fulfill his responsibilities by raising awareness about the dangers of cyber gambling and advocating for the National Police Agency’s voluntary reporting program.
National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung highlighted the importance of early detection and intervention in youth cyber gambling cases. He stressed that identifying problems early and providing timely counseling and treatment is vital. Yoo expressed hope that Faker’s involvement would encourage affected young individuals to seek help through the self-reporting scheme without hesitation.
