The conflict between South Korea and the Esports Foundation, organizers of the Esports National Cup, appears to have led to the Korea Esports Association (KeSPA) withdrawing from the partnership.
According to Seoul Sports, the Esports Foundation announced plans to directly contact players, coaches, and other stakeholders over the coming week. The organizers stated that their desire to see South Korea at the tournament “remains unchanged,” but in practice this suggests an attempt to form a national team without the involvement of the official association.
KeSPA responded immediately, stating: “The ENC’s approach does not align with the values and strict national team selection system we have built. It is unfortunate that we can no longer continue this cooperation.”
The situation has also drawn the attention of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), which fully backed KeSPA and issued a strong warning: only athletes selected through official member organizations—KeSPA in this case—will be recognized as representatives of the nation. Any team attempting to compete outside the association will not be allowed to use the national flag, the “Team Korea” brand, or the title of “National Representative.”
As a reminder, Aurora will miss the CS Asia Championships due to visa issues.
