Faker Becomes Honorary Police Officer After Receiving Major Athletic Medal

Faker has been on some crazy side-quests lately, with the internet taking notice of his role in a Disney variety show called ‘Murder Club’. Now, he has also become an Honorary Police Officer and Cyber-Gambling Ambassador after receiving South Korea’s highest athletic honor. Here’s everything to know.

Faker Receives the Cheongnyong Medal, South Korea’s Highest Athletic Honor

League of Legends pro Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-Hyeok has received the Cheongnyong Medal, one of South Korea’s highest athletic honors. The title, also known as the ‘Blue Dragon Medal,’ is part of the Order of Sport Merit. It recognizes the country’s most influential competitors.

Notably, Faker is the first esports player to obtain the award. It is an extremely rare distinction. There are five possible tiers to the recognition, each depending on the measure of a person’s impact. Cheongnyong (1st Class) is the highest, and it typically applies to athletes who bring significant international visibility. It requires winning either the Olympics or an international sports championship.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung personally delivered the Cheongnyong Medal to Faker. The ceremony took place on January 2, during the country’s New Year festival and reception. Faker reportedly stated on the occasion:

“It’s an enormous personal honor to receive a decoration that represents the Republic of Korea […] But I could not be standing here without the teammates and colleagues who have run alongside me up to this point.”

He also pointed out the unique distinction the award gives to esports as a whole. “I will continue to devote myself with my best effort in every moment, both in and out of competition, so that I can share positive messages and help raise the stature of Korean esports.”

Faker Becomes Honorary Police Officer and Ambassador

After the Cheongnyong Medal, the Korean National Service Agency has now appointed Faker as an honorary police officer and Cyber Gambling Public Relations Ambassador. In this role, he will become a public spokesperson against unhealthy online gambling habits.

T1 posted a quick statement about the title on X.com: “‘Faker’ has been appointed as an Honorary Police Officer and Youth Cyber Gambling Awareness Ambassador! Please send your warm support as he continues to spread positive influence! Cyber gambling is NOT a game.”

The League of Legends pro received a memento from the occasion: a trophy containing a minifigure of him, posed in his trademark ‘shhh’ emote.

What Does This Mean for League of Legends Esports?

Faker’s Cheongnyong Medal arrives two years after he became Riot Games’ inaugural inductee in the Hall of Legends. The Hall of Legends recognizes esports athletes who have made lasting impacts in the studio’s titles (Riot Games is revealing the 2026 award recipient on August 17). Faker is also the record holder for most League of Legends World Championship wins by a single player, with six Worlds trophies. He has represented his home team T1 for over a decade, having joined in 2014.

Faker’s Cheongnyong Medal and Ambassador status indicate an unprecedented level of government recognition for esports. The development is part of a larger cultural shift, where esports is transitioning into mainstream culture. Pro gamers are largely seen on a similar level to traditional physical athletes, a far cry from how the industry was perceived in the 2000s and 2010s.

The T1 midlaner has reached a cultural celebrity status, even appearing on Disney variety shows. Other esports orgs are also leaning into the influencer side of gaming content, and pop culture figures are taking part in esports events. Musician Keshi recently visited VCT Americas, and Fifty Fifty’s Athena became T1’s VALORANT ambassador in June.

Stay tuned for more League of Legends esports and in-game news.