Gen.G Esports player Park 'Ruler' Jae-hyuk has been disciplined by the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) Fairness Committee.

On the 17th, the KeSPA Sports Fairness Committee officially announced that, following a review of the disciplinary case against Park 'Ruler' Jae-hyuk, it had decided to impose 40 hours of community service and a fine of ₩20 million.

The review was initiated after the Tax Tribunal's decision was made public on March 26, which led to numerous reports from fans alleging that the player had damaged the honor and credibility of esports. The committee conducted a comprehensive review of the matter through several meetings, including document reviews and direct questioning via attendance investigations.

Park had filed an appeal in August 2023 against a comprehensive income tax assessment for the years 2018 to 2021, but the appeal was dismissed last July. The Tax Tribunal cited insufficient evidence to prove the manager role of the person to whom labor costs were paid (his father) and a lack of clear justification for the stock ownership trust other than tax avoidance as reasons for the dismissal.

The Sports Fairness Committee explained the background of the disciplinary action, stating, "We confirmed that Park has paid all taxes as notified by the tax authorities and has returned the stocks held in trust." However, they added, "We comprehensively considered the social responsibilities and duty to maintain dignity required of a professional esports athlete with national team experience, as well as the impact of this matter on the ethics and social trust of the entire esports industry."

The committee further determined that Park's actions fell under Article 33, Paragraph 1, Item 4 of the Esports Fairness Committee Regulations, which pertains to 'cases that severely damage the dignity of an esports professional.' However, the fact that the full tax amount was paid, the stocks were returned, and the matter did not lead to criminal proceedings were considered as mitigating factors, leading to the final decision of 40 hours of community service and a ₩20 million fine.

The Sports Fairness Committee stated, "This decision is intended to clearly affirm the responsibilities and ethical standards required of players and officials as esports becomes an institutionalized sport," adding, "We will continue to deliberate fairly and cautiously on matters that may damage the trust of fans and the public."

Meanwhile, under the Fairness Committee regulations, if Park 'Ruler' Jae-hyuk wishes to contest the disciplinary decision, he may file an application for a re-deliberation with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's Sports Fairness Committee within seven days of receiving the disciplinary notice, specifying the grounds, reasons, and evidence for the request.