Final answer:
South Korea is known for treating professional electronic gamers as esteemed celebrities due to the rise of esports and competitive gaming dating back to the early 2000s.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the realm of esports, South Korea is renowned for treating professional electronic gamers as highly esteemed celebrities. The rise of competitive gaming in South Korea traces back to the early 2000s when the popularity of games like Starcraft led to the formation of professional leagues, broadcasting of live competitions on television, and the creation of celebrity gamers with significant fan bases. This cultural phenomenon is part of the larger gaming industry, which has seen professional gamers gain fame, prestige, and substantial earnings through competitions, sponsorships, and endorsements around the world, particularly in countries where the industry is most developed.