Popular League of Legends pro player Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has been named an honorary police officer by the Korean National Police Agency and will serve as an ambassador for cyber-gambling prevention.
Korean Police Give Faker an Honorary Title
The 30-year-old pro gamer was given the rank of senior policeman, which is the same rank held by officers who enter cyber investigation roles through competitive recruitment. Rather than being a purely ceremonial title, it places him on the same professional level as trained police personnel in that career track.
As part of the appointment, the six-time world champion will help combat online gambling among young people nationwide. In the role, Faker will appear in public awareness videos and posters, promoting the National Police Agency’s voluntary self-reporting program for youth cyber gambling while highlighting the risks and consequences of online gambling.
Faker’s appointment is intended to encourage more young people to come forward and take part in the program. Widely regarded as one of esports’ most respected role models, he is well-positioned to connect with younger audiences. His profile as a young, accomplished player and one of South Korea’s most iconic esports figures makes him a particularly effective ambassador for reaching Korean youth.
This is not the first state honor that Faker has received this year. Earlier, he was awarded the Cheongnyong Medal for Contributions to Physical Education, which is the highest class of South Korea’s Order of Sport Merit. The award came after his team, T1, marked a historic third consecutive League of Legends World Championship title.
Faker has been a part of various other campaigns to amplify awareness of the potential harms of gambling. Back in 2024, the pro player was enlisted by Hana Financial Group as part of a three-year project aimed at preventing gambling among teenagers and providing treatment for those already struggling with gambling addiction.
Faker Is Honored By His New Title
In a statement released by the National Police Agency, Faker said he was honored to be appointed as an Honorary Police Officer and public ambassador, adding that he also felt a strong sense of responsibility that came with the role. He said he intended to actively carry out his ambassadorial duties by raising awareness of the dangers of cyber gambling among young people and promoting the agency’s voluntary self-reporting program.
Meanwhile, the Korean National Police Agency Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung emphasized that early intervention is crucial in cases of youth cyber gambling. He explained that it is important to identify the problem before it worsens and begin counseling and treatment as soon as possible. He added that he hopes Faker’s positive influence will encourage young people in need of help to come forward and use the self-reporting program without hesitation.