South Korean eSports DDoS Impact

Image Credit: The New York Times

DDoS attacks are malicious attempts to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of Internet traffic. The motives behind these attacks often remain unclear, although some speculate that they may stem from online gamblers betting on specific teams to lose. Regardless of the motives, the impact of these attacks on the South Korean eSports ecosystem has been significant.

The ‘League of Legends Champions Korea’ (LCK) league, known as the premier league for LoL in South Korea, has been particularly affected by DDoS attacks. Matches held in February faced unexpected interruptions due to these attacks, leading to extended match durations and disruptions in the overall tournament schedule. For instance, a Best of 3 match that typically lasts about 2 hours was prolonged to over 6 hours and 40 minutes, causing frustration among players, teams, and fans.

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One of the immediate consequences of these disruptions was the decision to play matches without spectators in the crowd. This decision was made to ensure the security and integrity of the matches, although it resulted in a less immersive experience for fans who were accustomed to live events with a lively audience.

To address the ongoing DDoS issues, tournament organizers took proactive measures by setting up their own offline servers. This strategic move aimed to mitigate the impact of external attacks and restore normal match operations within a reasonable timeframe. Despite these efforts, the disruptions had a lasting impact on teams like T1, a prominent eSports organization that faced significant challenges due to the extended delays and connectivity issues caused by DDoS attacks.

Lee Sang Hyeok, widely known as Faker and considered the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) in LoL, expressed his frustration with the situation. As a key member of T1, Faker highlighted how the inability to access solo rank games for practice significantly affected their performance. This sentiment was echoed by other players and teams who struggled to maintain their competitive edge amidst the disruptions caused by DDoS attacks.

Reports from affected teams, particularly T1, shed light on the severity of the situation. Members of T1 encountered immediate DDoS attacks whenever they attempted to queue up for solo play, leading to disconnections and hindrances in their practice routines. Even during scrimmages (5v5 practice matches against other professional teams), DDoS disruptions persisted, creating additional challenges for teams trying to prepare for upcoming tournaments.

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Security experts like Kim Hee Joong provided insights into the technical aspects of DDoS attacks and their impact on server infrastructure. He likened the congestion caused by DDoS attacks to a traffic jam, where normal traffic in a server or network increases abruptly, creating bottlenecks and performance issues akin to a small road overwhelmed by a sudden influx of vehicles.

Initially, the attacks targeted game streamers broadcasting online, highlighting the vulnerability of standard household internet connections used by many streamers. This vulnerability made it easier for hackers to exploit and launch DDoS attacks, disrupting not only gameplay but also live streaming experiences for fans and viewers.

The situation escalated when other popular games besides LoL started experiencing similar DDoS attacks, indicating a broader trend affecting the eSports industry in South Korea. Despite efforts to identify and mitigate these attacks, details about the attackers, including their motives, nationality, and location, remained elusive.

Riot Games, the company behind ‘League of Legends,’ responded to the escalating DDoS incidents by launching internal investigations and requesting police involvement. The company suspected that the attacks might initially be linked to private gambling activities but later observed patterns suggesting motives rooted in malice and a desire to showcase the attackers’ capabilities.

In conclusion, DDoS attacks have emerged as a significant challenge for the South Korean eSports scene, disrupting matches, practice sessions, and live streaming experiences. The resilience of tournament organizers and teams in implementing countermeasures highlights the ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity and competitiveness of eSports in the face of evolving cyber threats. As the eSports industry continues to grow and evolve, addressing cybersecurity concerns like DDoS attacks will be crucial in ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for players and fans alike.

Here are some FAQs related to DDoS attacks in eSports matches in South Korea:

1. What is a DDoS attack, and how does it impact eSports matches?

A DDoS attack is a malicious attempt to disrupt the normal traffic of a targeted server, service, or network by overwhelming it with a flood of Internet traffic. In eSports matches, DDoS attacks can cause interruptions, extended match durations, connectivity issues for players, and disruptions in the overall tournament schedule.

2. What were the specific impacts of DDoS attacks on the ‘League of Legends Champions Korea’ (LCK) league?

DDoS attacks on the LCK league led to unexpected interruptions during matches, prolonged match durations, and forced matches to be played without spectators in the crowd. These disruptions affected the competitive integrity of the matches and created challenges for teams and players.

3. How did tournament organizers respond to the DDoS attacks?

Tournament organizers took proactive measures by setting up their own offline servers to mitigate the impact of external attacks. This approach aimed to restore normal match operations within a reasonable timeframe and ensure the security of the matches.

4. Which teams were heavily affected by the DDoS attacks?

Teams like T1, a prominent eSports organization, were heavily affected by the DDoS attacks. Players from T1 faced immediate disconnections and connectivity issues during solo play and scrimmages, impacting their practice routines and competitive performance.

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5. What efforts were made to identify the motives behind the DDoS attacks?

Security experts and Riot Games, the company behind ‘League of Legends,’ conducted investigations to understand the motives behind the DDoS attacks. While initial suspicions pointed to private gambling activities, later observations suggested motives rooted in malice and a desire to showcase the attackers’ capabilities.

6. How has the eSports industry in South Korea responded to cybersecurity challenges like DDoS attacks?

The eSports industry in South Korea has responded by implementing cybersecurity measures, conducting internal investigations, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address DDoS attacks and safeguard the integrity of matches. Ongoing efforts are focused on enhancing security protocols and raising awareness about cyber threats in eSports.