The leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Jeong Cheong-rae, publicly apologized on November 15, 2023, following backlash over his comments regarding former professional gamer Ma Jae-yoon. During a visit to the G-STAR 2025 event in Busan, Jeong referred to Ma as a “legendary player,” despite Ma’s history of match-fixing that resulted in a permanent ban from competitive gaming.
Jeong’s remarks, made on November 14 while addressing the future of e-sports, sparked immediate criticism from fans and industry professionals alike. In a statement released via social media titled “My apologies to StarCraft e-sports fans,” he expressed regret for his choice of words. “I sincerely apologize for having mentioned a particular individual while listing legendary StarCraft players from our memories, and in doing so causing disappointment and hurt to fans,” Jeong wrote.
Context of the Controversy
During his visit to the G-STAR show floor at BEXCO, Jeong highlighted the contributions of various players to the e-sports scene. While reminiscing about renowned players such as Lim Yo-hwan, Lee Yoon-yeol, Hong Jin-ho, and Park Sung-joon, he included Ma in this esteemed group. However, fans quickly pointed out that Ma was found guilty of match-fixing charges in 2010 and was subsequently expelled by the Korea e-Sports Association.
“I made a serious mistake without realizing it in the moment,” Jeong acknowledged in his apology. He emphasized that the fault lay entirely with him for not being more cautious in his comments. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the e-sports community in balancing historical recognition with ethical considerations.
Future Commitment to E-Sports
Jeong reiterated his commitment to the e-sports industry, stating, “Since the 17th National Assembly, I have worked for the development of e-sports.” He vowed to contribute positively to the growth of the gaming sector, aiming to restore trust with fans and industry stakeholders. His apology has prompted discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in acknowledging the complex history of the e-sports community.
While Jeong’s comments were intended to celebrate the achievements of players who shaped the industry, the inclusion of Ma Jae-yoon in such a context led to significant backlash. This incident serves as a reminder of the continuing impact of past controversies within the rapidly evolving world of e-sports.
