My name is Alex Young Man Kim, Global Vice President of the International Esports Federation and President of the Korea e-Sports Association. Drawing on 26 years of experience in the Korean Esports field, I am currently working with IESF to contribute to the meaningful advancement of the global Esports ecosystem.
Today, the global Esports market is growing at an unprecedented pace. Alongside this growth, the responsibilities and expectations placed on IESF as a global governing body are also expanding. At this critical juncture, I believe there are three essential elements that IESF must establish.
First, Transparency. Trust is the foundation of any organization. For IESF to earn genuine trust from its Member Federations and stakeholders across the Esports ecosystem, its operations must be underpinned by clear and transparent governance. I will actively advocate within the Board to ensure that these principles are upheld consistently.
Second, Leadership. IESF must serve not merely as an international organization, but as a central body that defines the direction of the global Esports industry. In a fragmented market environment, IESF should take the lead in establishing international standards and institutional frameworks that stakeholders across countries can rely on and follow. As part of this leadership, it is also essential to develop effective athlete protection frameworks so that more Esports athletes can compete in a stable and secure environment.
Third, the Demonstration of Value. For Esports to be fully recognized as both a sport and an industry in terms of its social and economic value, it must be grounded in data and empirical evidence rather than perception alone. I believe IESF should lead global policy discourse and research in Esports, while playing a central role in measuring and substantiating the industry’s tangible value.
Through leadership grounded in experience and empirical evidence, I am fully committed to ensuring that IESF fulfills these responsibilities. From building a sustainable public–private Esports governance model, to establishing national team frameworks, revitalizing the amateur Esports ecosystem, and developing institutional mechanisms to protect the rights and interests of athletes and industry stakeholders, Korea has already developed a range of advanced practices. I will work to ensure that these cases evolve into global standards through constructive dialogue and active participation among IESF members.
I look forward to working together with all of you to shape the future of Esports.
Alex Young Man Kim
IESF Global Vice President
President, Korea e-Sports Association