As Gen.G Esports AD carry Park Jae-hyuk, better known as ‘Ruler,’ has become embroiled in a tax avoidance controversy, attention is now focusing on whether the LCK will impose disciplinary action going forward.

According to an appeal ruling document made public through the National Tax Law Information System on the 26th, the National Tax Service determined that Ruler had avoided taxes through a nominee trust arrangement. Ruler’s side subsequently filed an appeal with the Tax Tribunal, but that appeal was dismissed. In the midst of the controversy, he then went ahead with an individual solo queue livestream on the 30th as if nothing had happened, further worsening public sentiment.

As the issue continues to grow, public interest in whether the LCK will hand down punishment has also naturally increased. As of the 30th, the LCK stated that it is “currently verifying and reviewing the facts,” and with so many people now paying attention to the matter, it is presumed that the league is carrying out an even more thorough review.

According to the LCK rulebook, it explicitly includes cases in which an investigation by tax authorities or other relevant agencies is underway due to alleged violations of tax laws and the Punishment of Tax Offenses Act, including but not limited to such cases. If Ruler is found to fall under that provision, he is highly likely to face disciplinary measures ranging from “a fine of up to 100m KRW and/or suspension from participation for up to life, or suspension of eligibility to participate in the LCK and LCK Challengers League. In the end, the key issue is how the LCK interprets the administrative authority’s tax reassessment and collection action.

The recent atmosphere surrounding him is not especially favourable either. In the first round of 2026 esports disciplinary actions announced on January 9th, Ruler was again found to have committed verbal abuse, following a prior incident in March 2025, and was given a disciplinary fine of 800,000 KRW.

Up to now, most cases in which the LCK has handed down suspensions have involved racist remarks made during games or other inappropriate conduct and language. In such cases, the standard penalty has usually been a one-match suspension, or at most three to four matches. The most serious case was the 2019 Griffin incident, in which former CEO Cho Gyu-nam received an indefinite suspension of qualifications, which was later reduced to 24 months.

In addition, head coach Kim “cvMax” Dae-ho was also given an indefinite suspension over allegations of verbally abusing and physically assaulting players, though that was later changed to a five-month suspension from duties following the Fair Trade Commission’s final ruling in 2021. In 2023, Kim “Clid” Tae-min was handed a 12-month suspension for making inappropriate remarks toward women.

If Ruler is also given a suspension, it would be a fairly major blow to Gen.G as the team currently stands on the verge of the LCK season opener.

Major LCK suspension cases