Copy pasting a post by user Lyota:
Its definitely weird. I suppose we all know, who they are interfering for(faker, yada yada)
Here is the korean > english translation:
“Korea’s national esports representatives are selected through a strict process. If the organizers attempted to effectively designate certain titles and players, that is clear ‘interference.’
The bigger issue is the attitude. EF heavily promoted the scale of the tournament, the prize money, and its justification as a global national-team competition. If it is true that the host country attempted to interfere, even indirectly, in the selection of national teams, then it is only natural to question whether this is truly a national-team competition. It is a point that raises reasonable suspicion that they may only be trying to secure prestige and hype.
An esports industry insider familiar with the matter pointed out, ‘Interfering in the composition of a national team itself crosses the line. Each country has its own system, and this is a disrespectful act,’ adding, ‘They heavily promote the scale of the tournament, but when you consider the essence of a national-team competition, it makes you wonder whether Korea should even participate.’
Regarding the matter, an EF public relations representative said, ‘We will confirm with headquarters the exact details on whether Korea has stated its intention not to participate and whether a national representative has been designated, then provide an update.
The purpose of the ENC is not bad. The idea is to regularize a national-team esports tournament, hold qualifiers in more than 100 countries, and provide opportunities to more than 100,000 players. It certainly has meaning. The event also has variety, with 16 different titles.
However, the foundation of a competition between nations is mutual respect. The moment the host country tries to interfere in the composition of another country’s national team just because it controls the money and the stage, the legitimacy of the tournament begins to shake.
Korea’s decision not to participate is not a simple boycott. It is a statement of determination to protect the standards of the Taegeuk mark. A national representative is not an invitation, nor a casting choice for entertainment value. It is a title given to players who have passed through procedure and competition.
If Saudi Arabia truly wants to build a global esports ecosystem, there is something it must learn first. Trust is built not with big money, but with mutual respect.’”
