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Ruler Tax Scandal and LPL Player Permanent Ban Incident SummaryPro League LCK star player Ruler has been embroiled in controversy over tax evasion allegations. Meanwhile, in the LPL, player Naou received a lifetime ban, sending shockwaves through the scene. This video delves into the full story and implications of both incidents.
1. 👑 Ruler Under Investigation by Korean Authorities for Tax Evasion Allegations
· News has emerged that pro gamer Ruler is being investigated by the Korean National Tax Service for alleged tax evasion. This is a serious matter that could significantly impact his career.
· The investigation focuses on two main points. Firstly, he is accused of attempting to reduce income tax by paying his father a manager's salary from 2018 to 2021 and treating it as business expenses. There was insufficient proof that his father actually performed manager duties, and since pro players already have team support for such tasks, the necessity of hiring a personal manager was not recognized.
· Secondly, he is accused of evading the highest tax bracket for dividend income by investing in stocks under his father's name. Ruler's side claimed it was a simple clerical error, but the National Tax Service did not accept this.
· In 2023, the National Tax Service imposed a fine on Ruler for these allegations, but he appealed to the Tax Tribunal. However, the situation worsened as evidence surfaced that he continued the same practices during the appeal period. Court records indicate that Ruler was aware of his income being invested under his father's name, confirmed through messenger chat logs.
· Following the release of this news, Ruler conducted a personal broadcast without mentioning the issue at all, and related comments were blocked in the chat. The LCK took action to effectively exclude him by editing him out of promotional videos. This, combined with past controversies surrounding his military service exemption for winning the Asian Games gold medal, has caused a significant stir in Korean society. Tax-related issues are considered a critical matter for public figures in Korea, carrying a different cultural context than reactions in Western countries.
· The investigation focuses on two main points. Firstly, he is accused of attempting to reduce income tax by paying his father a manager's salary from 2018 to 2021 and treating it as business expenses. There was insufficient proof that his father actually performed manager duties, and since pro players already have team support for such tasks, the necessity of hiring a personal manager was not recognized.
· Secondly, he is accused of evading the highest tax bracket for dividend income by investing in stocks under his father's name. Ruler's side claimed it was a simple clerical error, but the National Tax Service did not accept this.
· In 2023, the National Tax Service imposed a fine on Ruler for these allegations, but he appealed to the Tax Tribunal. However, the situation worsened as evidence surfaced that he continued the same practices during the appeal period. Court records indicate that Ruler was aware of his income being invested under his father's name, confirmed through messenger chat logs.
· Following the release of this news, Ruler conducted a personal broadcast without mentioning the issue at all, and related comments were blocked in the chat. The LCK took action to effectively exclude him by editing him out of promotional videos. This, combined with past controversies surrounding his military service exemption for winning the Asian Games gold medal, has caused a significant stir in Korean society. Tax-related issues are considered a critical matter for public figures in Korea, carrying a different cultural context than reactions in Western countries.
00:00 - 02:33
1. 👑 Ruler Under Investigation by Korean Authorities for Tax Evasion Allegations
· News has emerged that pro gamer Ruler is being investigated by the Korean National Tax Service for alleged tax evasion. This is a serious matter that could significantly impact his career.
· The investigation focuses on two main points. Firstly, he is accused of attempting to reduce income tax by paying his father a manager's salary from 2018 to 2021 and treating it as business expenses. There was insufficient proof that his father actually performed manager duties, and since pro players already have team support for such tasks, the necessity of hiring a personal manager was not recognized.
· Secondly, he is accused of evading the highest tax bracket for dividend income by investing in stocks under his father's name. Ruler's side claimed it was a simple clerical error, but the National Tax Service did not accept this.
· In 2023, the National Tax Service imposed a fine on Ruler for these allegations, but he appealed to the Tax Tribunal. However, the situation worsened as evidence surfaced that he continued the same practices during the appeal period. Court records indicate that Ruler was aware of his income being invested under his father's name, confirmed through messenger chat logs.
· Following the release of this news, Ruler conducted a personal broadcast without mentioning the issue at all, and related comments were blocked in the chat. The LCK took action to effectively exclude him by editing him out of promotional videos. This, combined with past controversies surrounding his military service exemption for winning the Asian Games gold medal, has caused a significant stir in Korean society. Tax-related issues are considered a critical matter for public figures in Korea, carrying a different cultural context than reactions in Western countries.
· The investigation focuses on two main points. Firstly, he is accused of attempting to reduce income tax by paying his father a manager's salary from 2018 to 2021 and treating it as business expenses. There was insufficient proof that his father actually performed manager duties, and since pro players already have team support for such tasks, the necessity of hiring a personal manager was not recognized.
· Secondly, he is accused of evading the highest tax bracket for dividend income by investing in stocks under his father's name. Ruler's side claimed it was a simple clerical error, but the National Tax Service did not accept this.
· In 2023, the National Tax Service imposed a fine on Ruler for these allegations, but he appealed to the Tax Tribunal. However, the situation worsened as evidence surfaced that he continued the same practices during the appeal period. Court records indicate that Ruler was aware of his income being invested under his father's name, confirmed through messenger chat logs.
· Following the release of this news, Ruler conducted a personal broadcast without mentioning the issue at all, and related comments were blocked in the chat. The LCK took action to effectively exclude him by editing him out of promotional videos. This, combined with past controversies surrounding his military service exemption for winning the Asian Games gold medal, has caused a significant stir in Korean society. Tax-related issues are considered a critical matter for public figures in Korea, carrying a different cultural context than reactions in Western countries.
02:34 - 05:52
2. ⚖️ LCK's Potential Sanctions and Ruler's Statement
· Immediately after the tax-related controversy broke, Ruler acted as if nothing happened during his personal broadcast, and his manager blocked viewers who mentioned the issue. Meanwhile, the LCK took steps to effectively exclude him by editing him out of promotional videos.
· In Korean society, tax evasion is considered a critical offense for public figures, alongside drug use and draft dodging. Ruler, in particular, faces even greater criticism as the tax evasion allegations surfaced while he benefited from military service exemptions.
· According to LCK regulations, tax law violations are serious offenses that can lead to fines or even permanent bans. However, the LCK has not yet determined the official disciplinary measures and stated they are currently investigating the facts. Past major disciplinary cases in the LCK were mentioned.
· Ironically, a major LCK sponsor, Woori Bank, is a financial institution that offers 'Smart Tax Support Services.' This could be another variable in how seriously the LCK takes this matter.
· Ruler was fined earlier this year for verbal abuse, and this tax scandal adds another blemish to his disciplinary record. If Ruler is sanctioned, his team Gen.G would have to replace him with an academy player, inevitably disrupting the LCK Spring Split schedule.
· As the controversy escalated, Ruler issued a personal statement. He claimed he had no intention of tax evasion, stating that he entrusted his father with manager duties starting in 2018 before the agency system was established, and it was treated as necessary expenses at the time. He also admitted his own fault due to a lack of asset management experience regarding stock investments, stating that gift tax was paid and the stocks were transferred back to his name. He apologized and pledged to cooperate fully with the LCK's investigation and manage his assets transparently.
· In Korean society, tax evasion is considered a critical offense for public figures, alongside drug use and draft dodging. Ruler, in particular, faces even greater criticism as the tax evasion allegations surfaced while he benefited from military service exemptions.
· According to LCK regulations, tax law violations are serious offenses that can lead to fines or even permanent bans. However, the LCK has not yet determined the official disciplinary measures and stated they are currently investigating the facts. Past major disciplinary cases in the LCK were mentioned.
· Ironically, a major LCK sponsor, Woori Bank, is a financial institution that offers 'Smart Tax Support Services.' This could be another variable in how seriously the LCK takes this matter.
· Ruler was fined earlier this year for verbal abuse, and this tax scandal adds another blemish to his disciplinary record. If Ruler is sanctioned, his team Gen.G would have to replace him with an academy player, inevitably disrupting the LCK Spring Split schedule.
· As the controversy escalated, Ruler issued a personal statement. He claimed he had no intention of tax evasion, stating that he entrusted his father with manager duties starting in 2018 before the agency system was established, and it was treated as necessary expenses at the time. He also admitted his own fault due to a lack of asset management experience regarding stock investments, stating that gift tax was paid and the stocks were transferred back to his name. He apologized and pledged to cooperate fully with the LCK's investigation and manage his assets transparently.
08:52 - 10:03
3. 🔍 LCK Initiates Official Investigation into Ruler's Tax Scandal
· Immediately after Ruler's statement, the LCK released an official statement announcing the commencement of an investigation into the tax-related matters. They stated that a dedicated investigation committee, including external experts, would be formed to ensure a fair and objective inquiry.
· Currently, no provisional measures such as temporary suspension from matches have been taken against Ruler, allowing him to participate in games during the investigation. This means Gen.G can continue playing matches without an immediate roster gap.
· The LCK announced that a final decision would be made based on the investigation results and that updates would be provided as soon as they become available.
· Currently, no provisional measures such as temporary suspension from matches have been taken against Ruler, allowing him to participate in games during the investigation. This means Gen.G can continue playing matches without an immediate roster gap.
· The LCK announced that a final decision would be made based on the investigation results and that updates would be provided as soon as they become available.
10:04 - 13:54
4. 🚫 LPL Player Naou Permanently Banned for Match-Fixing
· Naou, a player for LPL's TES, has been permanently banned for match-fixing. This incident occurred during the match against Weibo Gaming in Round 1 of the LPL Spring Split 2026.
· At the time, Naou built his character primarily with Magic Resistance items, which drew criticism as an unconventional choice against an opponent team composed mostly of physical damage champions. His consideration of two Magic Resistance items in the late game was particularly difficult to understand in a professional match.
· TES conducted an internal investigation, and it's known that teammate Jaki had already raised concerns internally and pressured Naou to report it directly to the LPL. The team manager lured Naou to the office under the guise of a photoshoot to confiscate his phone, and the obtained data was handed over to the LPL disciplinary department.
· At the time, TES's Head Coach Poppy mentioned on stream that Naou had confessed to match-fixing in all playoff games he lost, but later retracted his statement, claiming he was unaware of the full details of the subsequent investigation.
· On March 27th, the LPL issued an immediate and permanent ban for Naou. He was stripped of all official honors and permanently disqualified from participating in all professional and semi-professional tournaments organized by Riot Games or Tencent in any region. TES immediately terminated his contract, withheld all unpaid salaries, prize money, and bonuses, and reserved the right to pursue further legal action. They also plan to implement an anti-match-fixing education program within the organization.
· Naou's vacant spot will be filled by Tan, a 2019 World Championship winner. While there have been previous permanent bans for match-fixing in the LPL, Naou's case is considered extremely severe. Players like Bo, Condi, and Wean have been permanently banned in the past.
· The LPL positively evaluated how well TES handled the situation and cooperated with the investigation, which was a key factor in TES avoiding severe organizational sanctions.
· At the time, Naou built his character primarily with Magic Resistance items, which drew criticism as an unconventional choice against an opponent team composed mostly of physical damage champions. His consideration of two Magic Resistance items in the late game was particularly difficult to understand in a professional match.
· TES conducted an internal investigation, and it's known that teammate Jaki had already raised concerns internally and pressured Naou to report it directly to the LPL. The team manager lured Naou to the office under the guise of a photoshoot to confiscate his phone, and the obtained data was handed over to the LPL disciplinary department.
· At the time, TES's Head Coach Poppy mentioned on stream that Naou had confessed to match-fixing in all playoff games he lost, but later retracted his statement, claiming he was unaware of the full details of the subsequent investigation.
· On March 27th, the LPL issued an immediate and permanent ban for Naou. He was stripped of all official honors and permanently disqualified from participating in all professional and semi-professional tournaments organized by Riot Games or Tencent in any region. TES immediately terminated his contract, withheld all unpaid salaries, prize money, and bonuses, and reserved the right to pursue further legal action. They also plan to implement an anti-match-fixing education program within the organization.
· Naou's vacant spot will be filled by Tan, a 2019 World Championship winner. While there have been previous permanent bans for match-fixing in the LPL, Naou's case is considered extremely severe. Players like Bo, Condi, and Wean have been permanently banned in the past.
· The LPL positively evaluated how well TES handled the situation and cooperated with the investigation, which was a key factor in TES avoiding severe organizational sanctions.