'Radio Star' Faker Lee Sang-hyeok "Stayed in Korea despite 10 billion won and blank checks... Still single"

Pro gamer 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok / Photo by MBC, screenshot from the 'Radio Star' broadcast screen

Pro gamer 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok / Photo by MBC, screenshot from the 'Radio Star' broadcast screen

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] Professional gamer 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok (24·T1), who is writing the legend of Korean eSports, appeared on 'Radio Star.'

Lee Sang-hyeok calmly shared his story on the MBC program 'Radio Star,' which aired on the afternoon of the 1st.

Lee Sang-hyeok, a professional player of the game League of Legends (LOL), is known by nicknames such as 'Daesanghyeok,' 'Bitsanghyeok,' 'Bulsadaemawang,' and 'Urihyeok.' Alongside idol group BTS and soccer player Son Heung-min, he is called one of the 'Three Champions who introduced Korea to the world.'

During the broadcast, Lee Sang-hyeok received various questions from the MCs.

Regarding the rumor of a 5 billion KRW annual salary, he said, "I cannot disclose my salary because I have a contract with the team. I've heard such rumors (about the 5 billion KRW salary)."

When Kim Gura claimed, "In China, they offered a salary in the 10 billion KRW range, and in North America, they offered a blank check," Lee Sang-hyeok replied, "I have never actually seen the contract, but I think that might be true."

Asked why he stays in Korea despite frequent overseas moves in the eSports scene led by China, Lee said, "Leaving aside financial aspects, living in Korea suits me. Since I have established myself as a representative of Korea, I want to show a good image to many domestic fans."

Spending about 200,000 KRW a month, Lee said, "I don't have any hobbies and just read books at home. Pro gamers don't really have many places to spend money. After retirement, I think I might spend a little on myself. I also want to donate."

He continued, "I want to be a pro gamer as long as I can. There are no pro gamers in their 30s, so I want to play as long as possible." In the eSports world, where players' careers are relatively short compared to other sports, some of Lee's debut peers have already retired after seven years.

When Kim Hee-chul asked, "How about opening a 'Faker PC Bang' after retirement?" he replied with a smile, "Since I have some name recognition, maybe I could try that."

There was also mention of the match where Lee, who usually does not show emotions, shed tears after a defeat, which became a hot topic.

In the 2017 LOL World Championship final, SKT T1, where Lee was playing, lost 0-3 to Samsung Galaxy. After the match, Lee was caught on camera bowing his head and crying, which attracted attention.

He honestly shared his feelings about that moment: "I cried because I was frustrated by the loss and felt sorry for my teammates. As the team's core, I felt sorry and grateful to my teammates for not being able to fulfill my role."

Additionally, Lee was candid about his views on dating. He said, "If I were to date, I think it would be uncomfortable for both sides, so I am focusing on my work. Even when I was young, I wasn't very interested in dating, and I have never dated since my debut," which led the MCs to suspect he is a 'born single.'

Lee Sang-hyeok debuted as the mid-laner for SKT T1 K in 2013 and has won the LCK (LOL Champions Korea) championship 8 times, the World Championship 3 times, and the MSI (Mid-Season Invitational) twice.

He also participates in the LOL All-Star event every year through fan votes and represented Korea in eSports at the 2018 Asian Games, continuing to write records in the Korean eSports scene.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.