Despite a common perception that often dismisses eSports as a legitimate sport, the most famous Korean eSports athlete, Faker (birth name Lee Sang Hyeok), showcases a different perspective. 

Following the momentous gold medal victory of the Korean League of Legends (LoL) national team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, Faker came forward with his thoughts. Triumphantly, the national team clinched a dominant victory over Taiwan with a score of 2-0 in the finals, solidifying their renowned title of champions and securing the rare privilege of exemption from compulsory military service.

It's worth noting that LoL was introduced as a demonstration sport as recently as the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. The game's overwhelming popularity and competitiveness eventually led to its official recognition as a medal event in the Hangzhou Asian Games. Nevertheless, opposition persists, mainly borne out of the debate surrounding military service benefits provided to Asian Games gold medalists.

In a post-victory press conference held at a hotel in Hangzhou on the last day of the event, Faker was questioned on the legitimacy of eSports. The question harshly implied, "Is eSports truly a sport?" To this, Faker confidently responded, emphasizing the importance of the positive impact eSports have on people.

Faker elaborated, "When people commonly think of sports, intense physical activity springs to mind. However, I strongly believe that the most crucial facet lies in the positive influence it generates amongst several individuals during the relentless process of competition and preparation." He added, "If the competitive element serves as an inspiration to people, that, I think, encapsulates the core essence of a sport."

Just like in any other sport, LoL demands constant effort and training (learning new champions and strategies in ever evolving metas) in a fiercely competitive environment. Through this lens, it becomes overwhelmingly apparent that LoL qualifies as a sport. Faker candidly voiced his standpoint to the naysayers who harbor negative views about eSports.

Keenly aware of LoL's standing as one of the most popular games in Korea, Faker suggested using LoL matches as a proactive step towards generational bonding. He mentioned that watching LoL matches with children could offer a unique source of joy, even if the older generation may struggle to grasp the nuances and complexities of the game fully. This approach not only promotes understanding and acceptance of eSports but also fosters a shared experience between generations.

After hearing Faker's response to the brash question, Korean netizens praised the LoL player for his eloquent words. They commented, "What he said is true. eSport is a competitive sport," "He's so well-spoken," "I always had my doubts about this part but he said it very well," "I should watch LoL matches with my son too. Faker shared realistic answers," "People need to adapt to the ever changing world," "I don't think the reporter was trying to be rude but was really curious," "What he said is so right," and "He's so wise."