บท 349: Proposal
"Senior, have you ever heard of esports?"
"Esports? What's that? A new kind of sport? You young folks really love to stir things up."
"No no no, it's unrelated to sports. It's about playing games either in front of a computer or a television and then competing."
"Hmm? And this thing involves competition?"
"Yes, it does. And recently, it's been quite popular. Our country is vigorously supporting it."
In a restaurant in South Korea, several figures from the sports industry were having a meal.
Lately, what's been on the minds of the younger generation is the new policy announced by their country.
To gain an advantage in a new field, South Korea is preparing to develop esports with full national effort.
Of course, this wasn't just an impulsive decision; it came after careful consideration of the potential for esports development from various angles.
Originally, this had nothing to do with the traditional sports industry.
But suddenly, calling sitting in one place playing games a sport left them feeling a bit annoyed.
What concerned them even more was that if one achieved world-class rankings in esports, the South Korean government was willing to exempt them from mandatory military service.
In South Korea's normal regulations, exemption from military service is a big deal.
The majority of South Koreans dislike mandatory military service, but regardless of past governments, this policy has never changed.
Many people detest military service to the extent of being willing to leave their own country.
Especially for a group of young people who love playing games, they hardly had any opportunities for exemption and could only despairingly wait to serve.
In the past, exemption usually came with being diagnosed with a mental illness, making significant contributions to the country, or winning medals in major sports events.
But now, there's a new opportunity for exemption.
That is to achieve a world-class ranking in esports.
According to the information released by the South Korean government, a game still in development is the top priority project.
The winners of the annual world championship, runners-up, or third place are eligible for exemption from military service.
Other esports require winning the annual championship.
"What? Those folks who sit at home playing video games all day can actually get exemption from military service? Is the government out of their minds? What gives them the audacity to do this?"
This person from the traditional sports industry widened his eyes, clearly unable to believe what the younger generation was telling him.
"Senior, this is indeed a new policy our country just implemented, and it's intended for vigorous development. I heard they've even entered into a partnership with a game developer from Japan to deepen the influence."
"This current South Korean government is really senseless. Why did I choose this group of people as the new leadership?"
This person from the traditional sports industry grumbled discontentedly.
Originally, his mood today was quite good because this year is an Olympic year, and people in their traditional sports industry are always popular in such years.
But suddenly hearing about this matter from the younger generation made him feel bad.
These damned government officials. I should have voted for another group of people.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and his good mood for the day was completely ruined.
No, he felt he couldn't accept this no matter what.
Giving exemption to a group of folks who only know how to play games is clearly the government's attempt to equate them with their legitimate sports industry.
How could sitting in front of a screen watching little figures move compare to their real sports?
"I'm not drinking anymore. I'm going home."
This meal didn't make him happy at all. He returned home with a gloomy face, tossing and turning in bed for most of the night without falling asleep.
Eventually, he couldn't resist getting up again, then picked up his phone and dialed a number.
"Hello, is this Senior Kim Ji-ho? Sorry for disturbing you so late, but have you heard about the new policy from the South Korean government? They seem to want to promote a new esports project and even offer incentives for exemption from military service."
"Oh, esports, those folks who play video games in front of the TV, right? I heard they want to form a completely new kind of competitive sport. This is completely ridiculous!"
"Yes, Senior, you think the same way, don't you? It's infuriating. Clearly, we work so hard to bring honor to the country, but only a few people get recognized by the nation. And this new industry of esports, just starting out, is being put on the same level as us. It's clearly unfair!"
"What? Senior, you want to talk to a member of parliament? That's great. I actually have the same idea. I even thought about organizing a joint protest to make those folks who only know how to play games realize that there's no future in that. Instead of wasting time, they should go out and do some real sports!"
"Alright, alright, Senior, you are truly visionary. With your words, I feel relieved."
Hanging up the phone, the person from the traditional sports industry suddenly felt much better.
He showed a disdainful expression.
Those who play video games also want to gain social status? That's clearly delusional.
Since they really want to gain status, then find a way to suppress them and make them understand who the real bosses are.
That night, several figures from South Korea's traditional sports industry jointly advocated, hoping the government wouldn't persist in its mistaken ways. If it truly wants to vigorously develop the national economy, wouldn't it be better to invest money into their more mature traditional sports? Why take a gamble on such a completely new and unknown field?
The government couldn't handle esports; cooperation with their traditional sports would be better.
These traditional sports figures also had some friends in government positions.
Through these friends, they quickly sent their advocacy to the government.
However, when the current government's top officials saw it, they decisively ignored these people's advocacy.
And they continued to engage with Japan.
They might not know whether this choice was correct, but the development of the cultural industry was inevitable.
Esports is part of the cultural propaganda strategy, which is not in conflict with traditional sports.
They just wanted to grab some benefits. The old foxes in the government had long understood them, so they simply ignored their demands.
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