Faker Awarded Cheongyeong Medal by the President of South Korea
T1 legend and six time League of Legends Worlds champion Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok has made history as the first esports athlete awarded the Cheongyeong Medal, South Korea’s highest sports honor, personally presented by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House’s New Year reception today.
The ceremony unfolded at Yeongbin Hall on January 2, 2026, where Faker wore a suit, received the gleaming medal pinned to his chest, and an orange sash amid national flags.
Cheongyeong Medal is the Pinnacle of Korean Sports Glory
Top of the Order of Sports Merit (five tiers: Cheongyeong > Maengho > Geosang > Baekma > Girin), reserved for Olympic gold medalists and world icons.
Elite past recipients:
- Son Heung-min (football superstar)
- Kim Yuna (figure skating queen)
- Park Se-ri (golf pioneer)
- Gus Hiddink (2002 World Cup coach)
- Park Chan-ho (MLB trailblazer), Kim Ja-in (climbing)
Faker’s Unrivaled Legacy For the Milestone
- 6 Worlds titles: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2024, 2025 (3-peat vs. KT Rolster)
- First to 1,000 international kills
- Esports PC Player of the Decade (Aug 2025, Riyadh)
- Recent sit down with PM Kim Min-seok on esports future
Faker : “Hello, I’m pro gamer Faker, Lee Sang-hyeok. Today is incredibly meaningful receiving the Cheongyeong Medal thanks to fans’ love, making it special. Grateful for national recognition. I’ll work hard to inspire. Happy New Year!”
Since: October 29, 2025
