League of Legends legend Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has taken on a new title away from the Rift. South Korea’s National Police Agency has named the 30-year-old T1 star an honorary police officer and public ambassador for a campaign against youth cyber gambling.
The appointment took place on Wednesday during a ceremony at the agency’s headquarters in Seoul.
Faker Given Rank of Senior Patrol Officer
Faker received the honorary rank of senior patrol officer. This is the same entry-level rank held by officers who join the police through its cyber investigation career track. It is not just a symbolic title. It places him at the same starting point as officers trained for that specific line of work.
Police explained their choice by pointing to Faker’s long career as a professional gamer. They said his self-discipline, focus, and restraint make him a strong role model for young people.
His Role in the Youth Gambling Campaign
As part of his new duties, Faker will appear in public awareness videos and posters. These materials will encourage teenagers to report their own involvement in cyber gambling voluntarily.
The self-reporting program has been running since May 18 and will stay open through August 31. Teenagers who come forward receive counseling from school police officers and gambling prevention specialists. They then go through an addiction assessment before being referred to treatment.
Police said they will weigh factors like how much money was involved, the teenager’s attitude of remorse, and their treatment progress. Those who report themselves can receive leniency under the program.
During the ceremony, Faker also donated a signed team jersey to a group of teenagers who had completed rehabilitation programs after struggling with gambling addiction.
Why Police Chose Faker as Ambassador
Acting Commissioner General Yoo Jae-sung said catching youth cyber gambling early matters. He noted that counseling and treatment work best when they start before the problem grows worse. Yoo added that he hopes Faker’s influence will give struggling teenagers the courage to come forward on their own.
Faker echoed that goal in his own statement. He said he plans to actively raise awareness of the dangers of cyber gambling among young people and help promote the self-reporting program.
Faker’s Other Recent Honors
This is not Faker’s first public honor of 2026. He recently received the Cheongnyong Medal for Contributions to Physical Education, the top tier of South Korea’s Order of Sport Merit. That award followed T1’s third consecutive League of Legends World Championship title.
Faker also has a history with gambling prevention work outside esports. In 2024, Hana Financial Group brought him on for a three-year initiative aimed at preventing teen gambling and supporting treatment for young people already dealing with addiction.
Faker is widely seen as one of esports’ most respected figures. His profile as a six-time world champion and one of South Korea’s best-known esports personalities gives the campaign a familiar face for reaching younger audiences. The National Police Agency is counting on that recognition to push more teenagers toward getting help through the self-reporting program before their situation gets more serious.
