The Cheongnyong Medal is typically awarded to Olympic champions and multiple world champions. faker has become the first South Korean esports player to receive this award. The national honor was granted for faker 's exceptional contribution to the development of Korean sports and the international image of the country.

Over more than a decade of his professional career, faker has repeatedly become a world champion in League of Legends, and his name is associated with South Korea 's dominance on the global esports stage. Receiving the Cheongnyong Medal was an unprecedented event for the industry and an important symbolic step for the entire esports community.

Earlier at a press conference in LoL Park in Seoul , faker  commented on the victory at the 2025 World Championship and explained his decision to extend his contract with  T1  until 2029. He emphasized that he aims to remain a source of inspiration for fans and continue to develop as a player and leader, regardless of the results.