In a landmark moment for esports, Korea Post has announced it will issue a commemorative stamp dedicated to Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the legendary mid laner for T1 and one of the most accomplished players in League of Legends history. The stamp, titled “Esports Player Faker,” is scheduled for release in October 2026 and marks the first time an esports athlete has received such an honor in South Korea.
The announcement was made on April 6, coinciding with Faker’s 13th debut anniversary. A source close to the matter told Naver Sports that the stamp is intended as “a gift for both fans domestically and internationally.” Official design details and the exact release date will be shared later through Korea Post’s website and official channels.
Commemorative stamps in South Korea are traditionally reserved for significant historical figures and major national events. The practice began in 1946, shortly after Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II, with the first set celebrating the first anniversary of independence. Over the decades, these stamps have honored icons such as figure skater Yuna Kim and the globally influential K-pop group BTS. Faker’s inclusion places him among an elite group of cultural figures whose contributions have had a lasting impact on South Korea’s image on the world stage.
This recognition comes just months after Faker was awarded the Blue Dragon Medal in January 2026—the nation’s highest class medal for athletes. The award acknowledges individuals whose exceptional achievements improve public fitness and elevate the country’s international standing through sports. Faker received the medal for his five League of Legends World Championship titles (the most of any player) and for leading the South Korean national team to a gold medal at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Faker debuted professionally in 2013 and quickly rose to become the face of League of Legends. Over his career, he has secured five world titles with T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1), countless domestic and international trophies, and a level of consistency that has earned him the nickname “The Unkillable Demon King.” His influence extends far beyond the game itself. Faker is widely credited with helping legitimize esports in South Korea and around the world, transforming it from a niche hobby into a respected competitive discipline.
The commemorative stamp represents more than personal achievement. It signals the growing cultural acceptance of esports as a legitimate field of competition and entertainment. For a country that has long invested heavily in gaming infrastructure and talent development, honoring Faker in this way underscores how deeply embedded esports has become in South Korean society.
As part of the standard process for issuing commemorative stamps, Korea Post is conducting a 20-day public consultation period. Individuals can submit objections or feedback via email with relevant details from April 6 to April 25. This open process allows the public to voice any concerns before the final design and production move forward.
The stamp’s release in October will coincide with continued celebrations of Faker’s 13th anniversary year and is expected to generate significant interest among both longtime fans and collectors.
Faker’s recognition comes at a time when esports continues to gain mainstream traction globally. His stamp joins a short list of honors previously given to athletes and entertainers, highlighting the evolving perception of competitive gaming as a serious pursuit worthy of national acknowledgment.
For the League of Legends community, this moment serves as validation of the years of dedication, passion, and excellence Faker has represented. It also reinforces T1’s status as one of the most storied organizations in esports history and celebrates the broader South Korean esports ecosystem that has produced so many world-class talents.
As details about the stamp’s design and exact release date are finalized, fans around the world are already looking forward to adding this unique piece of esports history to their collections. Whether displayed as a collector’s item or kept as a personal memento, the “Esports Player Faker” stamp stands as a powerful symbol of how far the industry has come and the enduring legacy of one of its greatest players.
With the public consultation period now open, the coming weeks will determine the final form of this historic tribute. For Faker and the millions of fans who have followed his journey since 2013, the stamp represents more than ink on paper it is an official recognition of a career that helped shape modern esports. Congratulations to Faker the GOAT!