The Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has hit Park ‘Ruler’ Jae-hyuk with multiple sanctions after it was ruled he had intentionally dodged paying taxes.
There was outrage in Korea after it was announced Ruler had been charged with tax avoidance following two incidents involving his father.
Now, KeSPA’s Sports Fairness Committee has fined the League of Legends pro 20 million won (~$13k) and ordered that he complete 40 hours of community service.
Meanwhile, Riot’s Korean LoL league, the LCK, has completed its investigation and has not punished Ruler any further despite rumours that he could face a ban from professional play.
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Ruler’s Tax Controversy
It was ruled that the Gen.G botlaner had intentionally attempted to avoid paying more tax.
Ruler had employed his dad as a personal manager then claimed these payments as business expenses.
However, tax authorities found inconclusive evidence that his father had performed many managerial duties.
Additionally, Ruler had invested in stocks in a trust under his father’s name, which allowed his family to avoid a higher tax bracket.
While it was claimed this was to allow Ruler’s dad to manage this investment on his behalf, this argument was not accepted.
KeSPA has now hit Ruler with further sanctions, claiming his conduct came under “a case of serious damage to dignity as a member of the esports community,” under Article 33, Paragraph 1, Item 4 of the Esports Fairness Committee Regulations.
However, the committee considered several mitigating factors before handing out this penalty.
The fact that Ruler had paid the full tax amount owed, returned all stocks that had been held in the trust, and faced no criminal charges helped the LoL pro avoid a harsher punishment.
Will Gen.G manage to recover from this controversy and bounce back at the Esports World Cup and in Summer? Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming Discord.
Meanwhile, LCS Spring 2026 had record-low viewership despite Jynxzi co-streaming the final.
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