Faker confesses to K-Pop star Karina in Google Play commercial

Esports legend Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok has made waves across the globe as he appears alongside singer Karina in a commercial where the GOAT of League of Legends confessed his feelings to the K-Pop star.

In the advertisement, which began airing yesterday, in-line with Faker’s May 7 Birthday, Faker voices over the beginning of the commercial before grabbing Karina’s wrist and saying he likes her.

Faker stars in Google Play commercial alongside K-Pop star Karina

The Google Play commercial, which appeared online on May 8, appears to be a preview for a longer spot, or as some have said, a photoshoot, set to release on May 15, later this month.

The advert, featuring the biggest name in esports, as well as one of Korea’s most-famous singers, created a buzz across social media with many shocked to see Faker appearing in a mainstream advertisement alongside a ‘mainstream’ star.

However, this perhaps underestimates just how famous Faker is in Korea. And bagging not just Faker, but Karina, shows how much Google is willing to fork out to promote their app platform, Google Play.

For those not in the know, Karina, real name Yu Ji-min is a Korean singer and pop star known as the leader of K-pop girl group Aespa. A successful solo performer to boot, Karina has been described as one of the most sought after musical artists in Korea.

Faker, of course, is the legendary seven-time world champion of League of League and the midlaner for LCK team T1. However, his recent commercial appearance could cause some fireworks within the lineup. Ryu "Keria" Min-seok, T1’s support player, is a known “stan” of Karina, and was even asked about Faker’s new commercial on a recent broadcast.

Luckily it seems it’s all in good fun, with Keria brushing things off, with just a tinge of jealous.

Still, the commercial is proof that at least in South Korea, esports players are (still) treated as major celebrities.