TL;DR
- Faker rejected blank check offers from foreign teams to represent Korea internationally
- Despite being among esports’ highest earners, he spends less than $170 monthly on personal expenses
- The League of Legends legend prioritizes career over relationships due to limited personal time
- His wholesome personality shone through during awkward moments on the variety show
- Faker plans to donate significant portions of his future earnings to charity
The gaming world’s most legendary figure, known universally as the Unkillable Demon King, made a rare television appearance on the January 1 broadcast of Radio Star, one of Korea’s most popular variety programs.
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, the undisputed superstar of League of Legends, shared the stage with entertainment heavyweights including Super Junior’s Kim Hee-chul, comedian Ahn Young Mi, musician Kim So Hyun, and renowned makeup artist Jung Saem Mool.
Hosts introduced Faker by placing him in elite company, stating: “This is one of the three leaders bringing Korea to the world, alongside football sensation Son Heung Min and global music phenomenon BTS.”
Faker’s dominance in competitive gaming extends far beyond League of Legends, establishing him as arguably the most accomplished esports professional in history. His recent milestone of securing 100 international victories at the 2019 World Championship demonstrates his sustained excellence, with second-place record holder Bae “Bang” Jun-sik trailing significantly at just 76 wins.
The global recognition of Faker’s impact was further cemented by his inclusion in Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 ranking, highlighting his influence across both sports and business spheres.
What many aspiring gamers don’t realize is that maintaining such consistent performance requires not just skill but immense mental discipline and strategic adaptability across multiple game meta shifts.
Faker’s success has generated astonishing financial opportunities, including reported offers of blank checks or annual salaries exceeding 10 billion won ($7.5 million) from international organizations seeking to recruit him.
During the Radio Star interview, Faker revealed his decision to decline these lucrative proposals, explaining: “I want to show fans my identity as a Korean representative” rather than pursuing maximum earnings abroad.
His financial priorities became strikingly clear when contrasted with co-guest Kim Hee-chul’s admission of spending approximately $34,600 on mobile games, while Faker disclosed his monthly personal expenses remain under $170.
The League of Legends icon further surprised audiences by announcing his intention to donate substantial portions of his future earnings to charitable causes.
Faker openly discussed his perspective on relationships, describing himself as fundamentally calm and content with domestic solitude during limited free time.
“Competitive gaming made me recognize how scarce personal time becomes at this level,” Faker explained. “Entering a relationship would create complications for both individuals involved. My current focus remains entirely on professional development.”
He added revealing context: “Since childhood, I’ve never placed significant emphasis on romantic relationships.”
This deliberate lifestyle choice reflects the extreme dedication required to maintain championship-level performance in today’s intensely competitive esports landscape.
Faker’s relationship priorities, while supporting his competitive focus, also revealed an unexpectedly wholesome dimension to his personality. During the Radio Star recording, he displayed visible discomfort and embarrassment when co-hosts introduced risqué topics.
The situation intensified when Hee-chul recounted explicit questions from a Mexican variety show, prompting Ahn Young Mi to direct a suggestive joke toward Faker.
In response, Faker noticeably blushed before silently consuming water, maintaining his reserved demeanor even as audience members playfully tossed underwear onto the stage.
His consumption of water increased further as discussions turned to kissing and intimate subjects, reinforcing his clean-cut image among admirers who appreciate his principled approach to fame.
This authentic display of modesty contrasted sharply with typical celebrity behavior, potentially enhancing his appeal to fans valuing authenticity over manufactured personas.
Action Checklist
- Evaluate career decisions based on personal values rather than purely financial incentives
- Develop disciplined spending habits regardless of income level
- Create boundaries between professional ambitions and personal life
- Practice maintaining authenticity under professional pressure
- Consider philanthropic goals as part of long-term financial planning
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Faker talks money, girls, and esports stardom on Radio Star Faker reveals his surprising lifestyle choices, career priorities, and wholesome personality on Korean television