Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok has become the first esports player in history to be awarded the Cheonyeong Medal for contributions to Physical Education.
The medal is the highest order of the Order of Sport Merit, awarded for improving the national status through sports and improving citizens’ physiques.
The T1 star receives the honour after following T1’s threepeat victory at Worlds 2025, which represented Faker’s sixth Worlds title in total.
‘Faker’ 선수가 전하는 체육훈장 청룡장 수훈 소감🎖️
A special thank you from ‘Faker’ for receiving the prestigious Cheongnyong Medal🎖️#TogetherAs1 pic.twitter.com/ByZjCp63DM
— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) January 2, 2026
What is the Cheonyeong Medal?