Is Faker Exempt from Military?
Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, the renowned South Korean professional League of Legends player, has been dominating the esports scene for years. With a slew of accolades, including three World Championship titles and two LCK (Korean Pro League) championships, Faker is widely regarded as one of the greatest esports players of all time. However, as a Korean citizen, Faker, like all able-bodied males in South Korea, is subject to military service. In this article, we will explore the question of whether Faker is exempt from military service.
Is Faker a Professional Athlete Exempt from Military?
In South Korea, professional athletes are exempt from military service if they can prove that their profession is "exceptional" and "requires international competition." The South Korean government recognizes only a limited number of exceptional sports, including athletics, gymnastics, figure skating, and table tennis.
However, League of Legends is not one of the recognized sports, and the Korean government does not explicitly recognize esports as an exception. This means that, from a technical standpoint, Faker is not automatically exempt from military service.
Does Faker Meet the Eligibility Criteria?
Faker is 27 years old, which is considered to be in the peak of his career. He has won numerous championships and accolades, and his exceptional skills have earned him global recognition. However, despite his impressive achievements, Faker does not meet the eligibility criteria for exemption from military service.
What Options Are Available to Faker?
Since Faker does not qualify for automatic exemption, he has a few options available to him:
• Serve his military obligation: Faker can choose to enlist in the South Korean military and serve his mandatory 21-month term.
• Apply for special treatment: Faker can apply for special treatment, which allows professional athletes to delay their military service. This option is only available for athletes who have achieved a high level of international success.
• Go on hiatus: Faker can take a hiatus from his esports career and focus on serving his military obligation.
Table: Options Available to Faker
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Serve his military obligation | Enlist in the South Korean military and serve his mandatory 21-month term. |
| Apply for special treatment | Apply for special treatment, which allows professional athletes to delay their military service. |
| Go on hiatus | Take a hiatus from his esports career and focus on serving his military obligation. |
Faker’s Future
In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the treatment of professional esports players in South Korea. The government has been under pressure to recognize esports as an official sport and to provide greater support and protection to professional esports players.
While Faker’s situation is not unique, his exceptional achievements and global recognition have made him a symbol of the challenges faced by professional esports players in South Korea. His decision will likely have significant implications for the future of esports in South Korea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Faker is not automatically exempt from military service in South Korea. However, he has a few options available to him, including serving his military obligation, applying for special treatment, or going on hiatus. Faker’s decision will have significant implications for the future of esports in South Korea, and it is hoped that the government will continue to recognize the importance of professional esports players in shaping the country’s global reputation.
Additional Reading:
- "Esports: The New Olympic Sport?" by ESPN
- "Korean Esports Players Face Military Service, Career Uncertainty" by Kotaku
- "Faker’s Military Exemption: A Global View" by The Verge
