Legendary League of Legends (LoL) pro gamer Lee Sang Hyeok, known as Faker, was awarded the Blue Dragon Order of Sports Merit on January 2.
This sparked public interest in whether he qualifies as a national merit honoree and if he could be buried at the National Cemetery after his passing. The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) has now provided an official statement.
On January 22, the MPVA used its official Instagram account to address public questions regarding Faker’s award and clarify its position.
According to the ministry, the Order of Sports Merit is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to the development of sports, the promotion of national athletics, and the advancement of the country.
The Blue Dragon Order of Sports Merit is the highest grade of this award, and Faker is the first esports player to receive such recognition.
Regarding whether Faker qualifies as a national merit honoree, the MPVA stated, “Recipients of the Blue Dragon Order of Sports Merit do not fall under Article 4 of the Act on the Honoring and Support of Persons of Distinguished Services to the State and therefore are not considered national merit honorees.” This means that neither Faker nor his family automatically receives the benefits accorded to national merit recipients.
As for burial at the National Cemetery, the ministry explained, “Recipients of the Order of Sports Merit qualify as ‘contributors to the nation and society’ under Article 5 of the Act on the Establishment and Operation of National Cemeteries, but this does not guarantee automatic burial at the cemetery.”
The MPVA added, “Burial decisions are made through a review by the National Cemetery Eligibility Committee. Therefore, if the committee approves, recipients of the Order of Sports Merit can be buried at the National Cemetery after their passing.”
Previously, Korean marathon hero Sohn Ki Jung, who passed away in 2002, was posthumously awarded the Blue Dragon Order of Sports Merit and, after committee review, was buried at the National Cemetery.
South Korea’s National Cemetery is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation through military service, public service, or nationally recognized achievements. Eligibility is governed by the Act on the Establishment and Operation of National Cemeteries.
SEE ALSO: 'Single's Inferno 5' contestant Kim Go Eun addresses plastic surgery rumors head-on
SHARE
