Korean esports star Lee Sang-hyeok, popularly known as Faker, has been appointed as an honorary police officer by the National Police Agency of South Korea. This prestigious role comes with a specific mission: to serve as an ambassador for the prevention of online gambling.
Faker's Role in Fighting Online Gambling
As an esteemed professional player of the popular game League of Legends, Faker's new duties will involve participating in various campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of online gambling, particularly among young people. His influence in the gaming community positions him uniquely to reach and educate the youth on this pressing issue.
Campaigns and Community Engagement
In his role, Faker expressed his gratitude and sense of responsibility, stating, "I feel honored to be appointed as an honorary police officer and ambassador. I recognize the significant responsibility that comes with this position." He is committed to engaging in activities that promote awareness about the risks associated with online gambling and the voluntary reporting system available for teens.
Addressing Youth Gambling Issues
This initiative comes at a crucial time as South Korea intensifies its efforts to curb online gambling among teenagers. Yoo Jae-sung, the acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, emphasized the importance of early detection to address gambling problems before they escalate. He stated, "For youth online gambling, it is crucial to identify issues early and initiate counseling and treatment promptly."
Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior
Yoo hopes that Faker's popularity will inspire more young individuals to seek help if they encounter gambling-related issues. He mentioned, "We anticipate that Faker's positive influence will encourage youth in need to report without hesitation." The voluntary reporting program for underage online gambling, launched in May 2026, is set to run until August 31, 2026. To date, the program has received 806 reports from teenagers who have voluntarily disclosed their online gambling activities.
Participants in the program will receive counseling and an assessment of their gambling addiction levels, followed by guidance towards appropriate treatment options. Additionally, the police plan to offer leniency for those who come forward, taking into account the severity of their gambling, their feelings of remorse, and their progress in the treatment process.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/07/24/19020027/atlet-e-sports-faker-diangkat-jadi-polisi-kehormatan-korea-selatan-punya-tugas
