Look Sports Media – Esports legend Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok’s iconic pose has unexpectedly become a focal point in the heated South Korean presidential election. Presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP) used Faker’s signature "silence" pose in campaign materials, sparking a swift and decisive response from T1, Faker’s organization. The promotional material, which appeared across Kim’s social media platforms, included an image of Faker himself striking the pose, along with a caption referencing one of his famous lines, and even included direct hashtags tagging Faker.
T1’s immediate reaction was a formal statement distancing Faker from the campaign and politics entirely. The organization demanded the removal of the offending post, a move that has itself generated controversy. Critics argue that no one can claim copyright on a simple pose. Kim’s campaign team defended their actions, claiming the pose was a reference to a popular meme among young people, meant to convey the candidate’s determination.
This isn’t the first time a South Korean politician has attempted to leverage the popularity of esports stars. Former President Yoon Suk-yeol mentioned Faker during his 2024 campaign, alongside other prominent figures like BTS and Son Heung-min, in an effort to connect with younger voters. However, Kim’s attempt proved significantly less successful. The hashtag mentioning Faker was quickly deleted, and the post itself was removed from all platforms soon after.
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The online reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. South Korean netizens heavily criticized Kim for using a beloved national icon in such a contentious political climate. While some international fans saw the strategy as potentially beneficial, the majority condemned Kim’s actions and praised T1 for their swift intervention and commitment to keeping Faker out of politics. One fan, @PHN2504, succinctly summarized the sentiment: "I respectfully request that Faker’s image not be used for any political purposes or affiliations under any circumstances."
The incident highlights the complexities of using popular figures in political campaigns, particularly within the already tense political landscape of South Korea. The country has experienced significant political turmoil in recent months, including the impeachment of both former President Yoon Suk-yeol and acting President Han Duck-soo. The current election is deeply divisive, further complicated by alleged foreign interference. In this charged atmosphere, Kim’s attempt to capitalize on Faker’s popularity has undeniably backfired, leaving a significant mark on the campaign and raising questions about the ethics of using public figures without their consent in political advertising.
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