[Features reporter] From access to excellence: Gaming powerhouse S. Korea’s esports future

Eunhee, I heard you have an esports story lined up for today, can you tell us what it's about?

Yes Soa.

As we all know, South Korea is already a global gaming powerhouse.

And so this time I went to a gaming festival where I could really see how its continuously laying the groundwork to discover and develop the next generation of gaming talent.

I went to check out the 2025 Gyeonggi Esports Festival, and it turned out to be so much more than just a celebration of gaming.

Let's take a closer look.

This group of people are university students in their everyday lives,. but for this moment, they are the stars of the stage as gamers.

The 2025 Gyeonggi esports Festival has kicked off at KINTEX, bringing together a diverse range of participants.

This annual event strives to reshape the perception of esports, and make it an integral part of everyday culture by making it more accessible.

This year, the introduction of a tournament for disabled players adds greater meaning to the event.

It shares the message that regardless of physical limitations, everyone can connect and enjoy the experience of gaming.

"I have an intellectual disability, which makes it hard to express my emotions. I joined this tournament because it features a game I’m familiar with, so I felt confident. Whatever the result, I try to accept it and move forward."

"Being here on the ground, we can clearly see just how much interest people of all ages in South Korea, a global gaming powerhouse, have in a wide variety of games. But beyond the popularity, what's truly striking is the growing effort to nurture new talent in the gaming industry."

Debuting this year, the 2025 Korean Esports League kicked off with Eternal Return matches at the festival and continues with competitions across the country including PUBG Mobile and FC Mobile tournaments.

With teams from 14 regions participating, the league runs through October, providing a platform for the next generation of esports stars, the future 'Fakers' of Korea.

The variety of cosplay alone was such a feast for the eyes! How was it for you?

It was exciting to see people of all ages coming together to enjoy the festival.

What stood out most were the university student teams and the players with disabilities all incredibly meaningful and full of joy.

On top of that, I'd love to highlight Korea's newly launched national esports league, which kicked off today.

Hosted by the Culture Ministry and co-organized by the Korea Esports Association alongside leading game developers including KRAFTON and Nexon Korea, the league aims to empower local talent and strengthen the foundation of Korea's national esports ecosystem.

After the Eternal Return matches which take place today at KINTEX, the next stop is the Busan Esports Arena where games start on Saturday.

Teams representing their regional communities will be competing in popular games including popular PUBG Mobile and FC Mobile.

Matches are being held in cities like Gwangju and Daejeon, helping to boost local communities while also supporting the development of new talent.

A long competitive journey is ahead.

For major titles like League of Legends, where South Korea is a dominant force, could participating in this league serve as a potential pathway to the national team?

Yes definitely.

For internationally recognized games, the league offers a valuable opportunity to showcase your potential.

It also focuses on strengthening regional and national competitiveness by identifying and nurturing top esports talent, not only among players but also by creating employment opportunities through hands-on experience in areas like event operations and broadcasting.

Also coming up in June, the Global Esports Forum hosted by the Korea Esports Association will bring together international experts to discuss global standards in esports, with Korea leading the conversation and paving the way for rising talents to take the global stage.

Ever since esports are being officially recognized as a sports, it's crucial to standardize rules to further foster the sector. Thank you Eun-hee for always keeping us updated on the major esports events in the country.

Thank you Eun-hee for sharing.