Faker named honorary police officer in cyber gambling fight
League of Legends star Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok has been named an honorary police officer and youth cyber gambling ambassador by South Korea's National Police Agency. The appointment puts Faker at the center of a nationwide push to get teens into a voluntary self-reporting program and early treatment for online betting.
Key Takeaways
- Faker, 30, was appointed an honorary police officer and cyber gambling ambassador by South Korea's National Police Agency.
- His honorary senior rank aligns with officers recruited into cyber investigation roles.
- He will appear in videos and posters promoting a youth voluntary self-reporting program.
- The program runs from May 18 through Aug. 31 and can lead to counseling and treatment.
- Participants who complete treatment may receive an autographed Faker uniform as encouragement.
South Korea is leaning on one of gaming's biggest names to blunt a rise in illicit online betting among young people. Officials say Faker's global fame and long reputation for self-management make him a natural messenger for teens who might otherwise stay silent. For more stories at the intersection of tech culture and digital life, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
Why did South Korea appoint Faker as an honorary officer?
The National Police Agency said Lee was chosen for his high recognition at home and abroad and for modeling restraint across a long career. At 30, the six-time League of Legends World Champion with T1 now holds an honorary senior police rank matching officers who enter cyber investigation posts through competitive recruitment.
Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung stressed that early intervention matters when youth cyber gambling appears. Detection and treatment, he argued, should start quickly. He said he hopes Faker's influence will push young people who need help toward the self-reporting program without hesitation.
What will Faker do in the youth cyber gambling campaign?
Faker's brief centers on public outreach. He is set to feature in awareness videos and posters that highlight the risks of online betting and promote the agency's voluntary self-reporting system for youth cyber gambling.
In a statement released by the agency, Faker said he was honored to be appointed honorary police officer and public ambassador. He added that he felt a strong sense of responsibility and planned to publicize the dangers of cyber gambling and the self-reporting program among young people.
The move builds on earlier prevention work. In 2024, Hana Financial Group recruited him for a three-year program aimed at stopping teenage gambling and supporting people already living with addiction. Earlier this year he also received the Cheongnyong Medal, the highest class of South Korea's Order of Sport Merit, after T1's third straight Worlds title.
How does the voluntary self-reporting program work?
According to reporting from VnExpress International, the National Police Agency launched the youth cyber gambling self-reporting system on May 18 and will accept reports through Aug. 31. Teens who come forward receive counseling from school police officers and gambling prevention specialists, then an addiction assessment and, if needed, referral to treatment.
As an added incentive, young people who overcome gambling addiction by faithfully joining treatment programs may receive Faker's autographed uniform, framed as encouragement for a healthier return to daily life. Authorities expect the esports icon's reach to strengthen outreach well beyond the competitive scene.