Faker named honorary police officer to curb youth cyber gambling

Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok was appointed an honorary police officer and awarded the honorary rank of senior officer by South Korea’s National Police Agency. The appointment was announced on the 22nd at the agency’s office in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

The agency cited Faker’s wide recognition in South Korea and abroad and his record of self-discipline as reasons for the choice.

Faker will act as ambassador for the Youth Cyber Gambling Voluntary Reporting System. He will appear in promotional videos and posters and encourage young people to report online gambling activity. The campaign runs through August.

The honorary senior officer rank is typically linked to recruitment for cyber investigation roles. The National Police Agency created the appointment to use Faker’s influence with younger audiences in efforts against cybercrime and gambling.

The appointment is the first time an esports player has received an honorary position from the agency. Previous honorary appointees have included singer Lee Ji-eun, known as IU; actress Lim Ji-yeon; and actor Ma Dong-seok, known as Don Lee.

The announcement follows recent honors for Faker. A week earlier he was named a Game Ambassador by the Esports Foundation for the Esports World Cup and the Esports Nations Cup. In June he appeared on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Sports, and the government plans to issue a commemorative postage stamp featuring him later this year.