Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, issued a public apology on March 15, 2025, following backlash over his comments regarding former professional gamer Ma Jae-yoon, widely known as sAviOr. During a visit to the G-STAR 2025 event in Busan, Jeong referred to Ma as a “legendary player,” despite Ma’s permanent ban from the sport due to match-fixing allegations.
In a statement posted on social media, Jeong expressed regret for his comments, saying, “I sincerely apologise for having mentioned a particular individual while listing legendary StarCraft players from our memories, and in doing so causing disappointment and hurt to fans.” He acknowledged the seriousness of his mistake, stating, “It was entirely my fault for not being more careful.”
Jeong’s remarks came during his tour of the G-STAR 2025 exhibition at BEXCO on March 14, where he discussed the importance of supporting the growth of e-sports. While reflecting on notable players from the StarCraft community, he included Ma in a list alongside figures such as Lim Yo-hwan and Hong Jin-ho, both of whom remain active in the industry.
Ma Jae-yoon was banned from e-sports in 2010 after being found guilty of match-fixing, a decision enforced by the Korea e-Sports Association. In contrast, other players mentioned by Jeong have continued their careers in various capacities. Lim Yo-hwan and Hong Jin-ho are now successful television personalities and poker players, while Lee Yoon-yeol has transitioned to the role of CEO at a gaming company.
Jeong emphasized his commitment to the e-sports sector, stating, “Since the 17th National Assembly, I have worked for the development of e-sports.” He concluded his apology by promising to contribute positively to the growth of the e-sports and gaming industries.
The incident highlights the delicate nature of public discourse surrounding figures with controversial pasts, particularly in the rapidly evolving realm of e-sports. As the industry continues to grow in popularity, the responsibility of public figures to engage thoughtfully with its history and key players remains crucial.
