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.’”
Oof, now there’s a statement from the Esport Foundation (basically the Saudis organising the tournament):
TL;DR: [the Esports Foundation] informed KeSPA that we would not be moving forward together as our national partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026… we will engage directly with stakeholders across the Korean ecosystem"
"The Esports Nations Cup exists to bring the world’s best players together under the colours of their country or territory, and to give fans the experience of national pride and the honour of representation in competitive esports. That purpose — the players, the fans, the nations and territories they represent — sits at the heart of every decision we take as organiser.
A few days ago, the Esports Foundation informed KeSPA that we would not be moving forward together as our national partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. We recognise this is a demanding year for KeSPA given the Asian Games participation and the operational focus that brings and we wish them every success in the busy year ahead.
The commitment to Korean players’ participation in ENC26 is unchanged. Over the coming week, we will engage directly with stakeholders across the Korean esports ecosystem, and with coaches and players, to align on the path forward so that the ENC26 Korean National Esports Team can compete at the level Korean fans and athletes deserve.The Esports Nations Cup exists to bring the world’s best players together under the colours of their country or territory, and to give fans the experience of national pride and the honour of representation in competitive esports. That purpose — the players, the fans, the nations and territories they represent — sits at the heart of every decision we take as organiser.A few days ago, the Esports Foundation informed KeSPA that we would not be moving forward together as our national partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. We recognise this is a demanding year for KeSPA given the Asian Games participation and the operational focus that brings and we wish them every success in the busy year ahead.Our responsibility is to deliver the best possible ENC for players, coaches and fans, and to ensure the Korean esports community is represented in a way that reflects its standing in world esports. In ENC, coach selections sit with national team managers and player selections are with the coaches; in some games or cases selections are made based on merit-based principles. International and domestic results and performance are at the core of ENC nominations to the national teams.The commitment to Korean players’ participation in ENC26 is unchanged. Over the coming week, we will engage directly with stakeholders across the Korean esports ecosystem, and with coaches and players, to align on the path forward so that the ENC26 Korean National Esports Team can compete at the level Korean fans and athletes deserve."