Does Faker Need to Go to Military?
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, a professional League of Legends player, is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He has been dominating the LoL esports scene for years, and his skills and achievements have earned him the nickname "The King of LoL." However, with his age and career progression, a question has been raised: does Faker need to go to military?
The Context
In South Korea, mandatory military service is a reality for every able-bodied citizen. According to the Military Service Act, all male citizens are required to serve for approximately 18-21 months, unless they are exempt or defer their service. The law was enacted in 1957 to strengthen national defense and maintain the country’s security.
Faker, being a South Korean citizen, is no exception. At the age of 28, he is approaching the age where he would normally be required to enlist in the military. However, due to his exceptional athletic achievements, he has been granted multiple deferments.
Why Faker Should Enlist
There are several reasons why Faker should enlist in the military:
• Patriotism: Enlisting in the military is a significant step towards fulfilling one’s patriotic duty. As a citizen of South Korea, Faker has a responsibility to serve his country and contribute to its national defense.
• Influence: Faker’s massive following and influence can be used to promote patriotism and military service. He can use his platform to inspire and motivate others to take their military obligations seriously.
• Development: Military service can be a valuable experience for Faker, allowing him to develop important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
• Respect: Enlisting in the military would demonstrate Faker’s respect for the law and the country’s defense system. It would also show that he is willing to make sacrifices for the greater good.
Why Faker Should Not Enlist
There are also several reasons why Faker should not enlist in the military:
• Career: Faker’s LoL career is still going strong, and enlisting in the military would require him to put his professional life on hold for 18-21 months. This could jeopardize his career and affect his future earnings.
• Family: Faker’s family life is also affected by his career. His parents and siblings have always been supportive of his esports endeavors. Enlisting in the military would require him to put his family life on hold for an extended period.
• Health: LoL is a physically demanding sport, and enlisting in the military would require Faker to undergo rigorous physical training and potentially hazardous missions. This could put his health at risk and compromise his ability to perform at the highest level.
• Exemptions: As a professional athlete, Faker may be eligible for an exemption or deferment. The Korean government has shown leniency towards exceptional athletes, allowing them to delay their military service until their careers are over.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether Faker needs to go to military depends on various factors. While he has a patriotic duty to serve his country, his LoL career and family life are also significant considerations. The Korean government has shown leniency towards exceptional athletes, and Faker may be eligible for an exemption or deferment.
Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons:
| Reasons to Enlist | Reasons to Not Enlist |
|---|---|
| Patriotism | Career |
| Influence | Family |
| Development | Health |
| Respect | Exemptions |
Ultimately, the decision is up to Faker and his management team. However, as a renowned esports athlete, Faker’s decision would have a significant impact on his fans and the LoL community. Whatever his choice may be, it is essential to prioritize his well-being and career goals while still respecting his duties as a South Korean citizen.
References
- Military Service Act (Korean)
- Korean government’s guidelines for military service exemptions and deferments
- Interviews with Faker and his management team
