Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has officially become the first esports athlete in South Korea to be awarded the Cheongnyong Medal. This decoration is the 1st Class of the Order of Sport Merit and represents the highest level of recognition for athletic achievement in the country. On January 2, 2026, Faker attended a New Year’s reception at the State Guest House, where President Lee Jae-myung personally presented him with the honor. This moment marks a major step forward for the industry, as esports is now formally recognized alongside traditional sports at the highest government level.

Image source: Yonhap news

Joining the Ranks of Sporting Icons

By receiving the Cheongnyong Medal, Faker joins a prestigious group of South Korean legendary figures. Previous recipients include world-class athletes like footballer Son Heung-min, figure skater Kim Yuna, and golfer Pak Se-ri. The award is given to individuals who have significantly contributed to national sports development and enhanced the country’s prestige on a global stage. Faker’s career, spanning over a decade, has seen him lead the Korean esports scene to international dominance, making him a fitting recipient for this historic accolade.

Image source: Yonhap news

Unprecedented Achievements and Legacy

Faker’s list of accomplishments is truly staggering, including an unprecedented six League of Legends World Championship titles and 10 LCK titles. He also played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal for South Korea at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. Upon receiving the medal, Faker remained humble, crediting his teammates, colleagues, and fans for their unwavering support. He expressed his hope that this honor would bring pride to everyone in the Korean esports community and vowed to continue acting as a positive influence for the industry in the years to come.