Is Faker Going to the Military?
Lee Sang-hyeok, widely known by his professional username Faker, is a professional League of Legends player who has gained immense popularity in the world of esports. As the longest-tenured AD carry player and the first player to have won the World Championship with two different teams, his name has become synonymous with excellence. However, amid his reign as the dominant force in the League of Legends, rumors have swirled about his impending military enlistment. Is Faker going to the military, and if so, when?
The Korean Draft
To understand the rumors surrounding Faker’s military enrollment, one must first delve into the Korean draft. In Korea, all able-bodied male citizens are required to enlist in the military for 18-24 months between the ages of 18 and 30. Those who have turned 29 are considered older and can enlist at the age of 30 with a later discharge date or even go to the national police force. This regulation is an essential part of Korean law, as each citizen plays a vital role in ensuring the country’s national defense.
Is Faker old enough for military enlistment?
To determine if Faker is bound for military duty, it is crucial to examine his age. As of July 2022, Lee Sang-hyeok turned 30 years old in May, which means he is still within the applicable age range for military conscription. However, before enlisting, he is entitled to negotiate with his team, Kingston Dynamics (formerly known as Kingzone DragonX and SK Telecom T1).
Does Faker have leeway with his team and the KDA?
According to the Korean Football Association and the Korean Darts Association, professional esports athletes with outstanding achievements might be able to negotiate temporary exemptions. In Faker’s case, his exceptional professional career allows him to claim this exemption provision and delay his conscription until the spring of 2024 at the latest. After consulting with his team management, Kingston Dynamics, he might be eligible for another temporary exemption lasting up to 3 more years depending on certain conditions, such as active competition on the international circuit or securing sponsorship deals valued at over 50 million KRW (around $42,000).
Faker’s Perspective
In July 2022, while attending an interview with GameRevo, Faker provided some insights on his own thoughts about the military enrollment process:
"After turning 30, many players receive a draft letter, so I’m anticipating one eventually. However, I plan to discuss details with the team and attempt to work out a good solution." – Lee Sang-hyeok (July 2022)
When asked whether he would request an extension or delay if possible, Faker responded in a concise manner:
"Yeah, I can request one if needed, but only if it fits with my team’s preferences." – Lee Sang-hyeok (July 2022)
Is Faker headed to the military? Conclusion
In the context of Faker’s comments and existing regulations, while he can negotiate temporary extensions, the likelihood of an ad-hoc waiver that would exempt him from mandatory military service, given the exclusion of public figures and active professionals with a high value to Korean society, has been reduced compared to 2-3 years ago. It becomes increasingly unlikely that Faker’s team can secure an ad-hoc waiver for more than two years.
