South Korea's Transformation into a Gaming Powerhouse

South Korea has undergone a significant transformation in its perception of gaming, evolving from a societal concern to a celebrated industry. This shift was notably marked by President Lee Jae Myung's declaration in October 2025 that “games are not addictive substances,” contrasting sharply with the 2013 legislative push to classify gaming alongside drugs and gambling as a major social addiction. This change reflects a broader acceptance of gaming as a legitimate career path, evidenced by the growth of the domestic gaming market, which expanded by 47% from 2019 to 2023, reaching a value of 22.96 trillion won (£11.7 billion). The gaming sector now accounts for nearly two-thirds of South Korea's cultural exports, surpassing even K-pop.

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The rise of esports has been a crucial component of this transformation. By the late 2000s, professional gaming events, particularly for titles like StarCraft, began filling stadiums, leading to the establishment of formal leagues and corporate sponsorships from major companies such as Samsung and SK Telecom. Today, esports is integrated into educational institutions, with dedicated programs at numerous schools and universities. The Nongshim Esports academy in Guro district exemplifies this trend, offering training for aspiring professional players. However, the path to success is narrow, with only 1-2% of trainees achieving professional status.

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The competitive nature of South Korean esports is intense. Players like Son Si-woo, known as Lehends, and his teammate Hwang Sung-hoon, known as Kingen, illustrate the high stakes of this profession. Kingen notes the unforgiving market, stating, “If you’re not good enough, you have to give up quickly.” The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) has seen South Korean teams win 10 out of 15 world championships, highlighting the rigorous training and dedication of players who often practice for over 16 hours a day.

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As the gaming industry flourishes, the South Korean government has taken steps to balance growth with the protection of young gamers. Seven state-supported “healing centres” provide support for youth who may be overly immersed in gaming, while standard contracts for young players limit official training hours to promote healthy competition. This dual approach aims to foster a thriving esports environment while addressing potential issues related to gaming addiction.

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Despite the positive developments, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of professional gaming careers, which often end before the age of 30, particularly for male players due to mandatory military service. The competitive landscape remains challenging, with many aspiring gamers facing the harsh reality of limited opportunities. Nevertheless, the cultural shift towards embracing gaming as a viable career continues to grow, with young individuals like Roh Hyun-jun training diligently at academies, expressing aspirations to leave a lasting legacy in the esports arena.

The Guardian

• “games are not addictive substances” — President Lee Jae Myung

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• “If you’re not good enough, you have to give up quickly. It’s that kind of market.” — Hwang Sung-hoon, professional gamer

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• “What makes the difference is competition and concentration,” — Aiden Lee, secretary-general of League of Legends Champions Korea

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• “I want to leave my name as the most famous pro gamer,” — Roh Hyun-jun, aspiring professional gamer

The Guardian