League of Legends: Gen.G's ace bot laner Ruler denied all allegations of tax evasion..

South Korean League League of Legends powerhouse Gen.G's ace bot laner Park Hyuk-jae (ID: Ruler) denied all allegations of tax evasion on Wednesday via his personal Instagram account.

In an official statement, Park Hyuk-jae (ID: Ruler) expressed his deepest apologies to everyone who had expressed concern for him regarding the controversy he had caused, and reiterated that he had never evaded taxes, but rather that his father had engaged in some improper conduct while managing his assets.

He said that the alleged mismanagement occurred three years ago when, as he was not affiliated with any agency at the time, he entrusted his father, who had resigned in 2018 to act as his financial planner, to manage his taxes and assets.

At the time, Ruler gave his father the funds intended for paying his personal income tax. Knowing that obtaining certifications was difficult and would not interfere with the player's competition schedule, his father, for ease of management, invested in stocks in an account under his father's name.

Although he applied for reimbursement for labour fees related to this activity as necessary expenses, the National Tax Bureau did not approve them. The authorities determined the aforementioned actions to be gifts made under a "nominal trust."

National Tax Bureau officials said that during the period when Ruler was without a manager, his father handled substantive management tasks to facilitate his activities, including scheduling, legal matters, insurance, and applications for military service deferrals. However, due to tax law restrictions that make it difficult to recognize family assistance as objective business, the financial transactions were denied.

Officials also clarified that "dividend income" is treated as withholding tax under a stock title, therefore, "dividend income" cannot be changed to be declared under the name of the player "Park Hyuk-jae (ID: Ruler)."

While the result was regrettable, he and his father ultimately respected the National Tax Bureau's decision and have already paid all gift taxes.

Finally, Ruler reiterated that his actions were not an attempt to evade taxes. He has always adhered to the civic responsibility of honestly reporting personal asset management and tax payments.

He will take full responsibility for the controversy surrounding this matter, handle his asset management and tax matters more cautiously and transparently, and fully cooperate with the LCK's independent investigation. 

Perhaps influenced by the media coverage and pressure surrounding this incident, Ruler's performances in his most recent match for Gen.G were less than ideal.

In the opening match of the 2026 LCK regular season, Gen.G struggled and ultimately lost 2-1 to KT Rolster.

Fortunately, he regained his form a few days later when his team easily defeated FEARX by 2-0.

Image source: Internet / Riot Games