[Digital Today reporter Ho-jeong Lee (이호정)] Krafton imposed permanent sanctions on Himass and TanVuu for using external information during 'PUBG Asia Stars 2026'. It permanently banned their game accounts and permanently suspended their eligibility to compete in official esports tournaments. In similar allegations raised about other participants, it found no signs of violations requiring additional sanctions.

Krafton also apologised separately to participant Supi, who was exposed to criticism and attacks during the controversy. It said it will request deletion and blocking of false claims, mockery and illegal edited posts, and cooperate with legal action.

On Tuesday, Krafton posted two notices on the Battlegrounds official cafe, titled 'Findings and measures on PUBG Asia Stars operational issues' and 'Guidance and apology on protecting PUBG Asia Stars participants'.

Krafton said it confirmed indications of violations of PUBG: Battlegrounds operating policy after a comprehensive investigation of official broadcasts, participant footage, in-game data and replays related to Himass and TanVuu.

The investigation found the two players obtained information during matches that would be difficult to learn through normal play by watching another participant's live stream or using external information, and used it in their decisions and tactics. Krafton defined the conduct as 'use of external game information and stream sniping'. It said the two players were judged to have violated the game's operating policy and the dignity and conduct obligations required of PUBG esports professionals.

As a result, the two players' PUBG game accounts will be permanently banned. Their eligibility to compete will also be permanently suspended for all regional official leagues including PGC, PGS and PNC, and all official esports tournaments hosted or approved by Krafton. The sanctions took effect from the time the notice was issued.

The two players can submit an explanation regarding the measures under procedures set by esports rules.

Krafton said it checked similar allegations raised about participants other than Himass and TanVuu under the same standards, but found no indications within the scope of the investigation that required additional sanctions.

It also drew a line on claims by some participants that use of external broadcasts or external information during matches was allowed.

Krafton said it has never officially allowed, in any league or event, watching another participant's broadcast during a match or using information obtained externally to play. It said the standard applies regardless of prize 규모, the nature of the tournament or the participants, and it has not applied different standards by region.

It apologised again for operational problems that occurred during the initial response. Krafton said clear guidance and measures based on relevant principles were not provided from the start, and rules and procedures were not delivered quickly and consistently, causing confusion and conflict among participants and fans.

The company said it is internally reviewing the overall process of event operation and notices, investigations and decision-making, and will take follow-up steps under internal rules depending on the results. It also said it will provide support to prevent secondary harm to individual participants and to help recovery from damage.

Krafton also apologised to Supi in a separate notice the same day. The company said insufficient operation and response meant participant protection was not adequately provided and criticism and attacks followed, adding, "We sincerely apologise to Supi, who suffered the greatest harm in this process."

Krafton said it will request deletion and blocking of false claims, mockery and illegal edited posts targeting Supi. It said it will discuss with Supi's agency to cooperate as much as possible with legal action and continue providing support needed for recovery and protection.

It said it will continue monitoring any additional harm that is confirmed and respond responsibly.