From access to excellence: Gaming powerhouse S. Korea’s esports future

The strategy of South Korea's e-sport industry is to lower barriers and raise opportunities for all players with potential via inclusive competitions and more.

Our Lee Eun-hee files this report.

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.

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 strengthen the foundation of the country's esports ecosystem.

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.

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.

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.