Pakistan · World · Independent Digital Newsroom
I agree that the system should be comprehensively reviewed once again.”Most South Korean men must complete 18 to 21 months of military service by the age of 28.Since 1973, however, Olympic medallists and Asian Games gold medallists have been able to replace the full term with a supplementary service, which consists of three weeks of basic training.Three of the footballers, including Yang Min-hyuk, who assisted the winning goal against Japan,….
I played the game with only one thing in mind – the reward of a military service exemption,” Yang, who joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2025 and is currently on loan at Belgian club Westerlo, said.Newcastle United midfielder Park Seung-soo posted a photo on social media showing him wearing a cap associated with soldiers who have completed their service.
In a post-match interview, captain Lee Gi-hyuk held up his gold medal and said, “I’m not going to the military.”A number of politicians, including Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party, said it was time to change the system.“Some players’ remarks after the match were outrageous,” Ahn posted on social media. “Even the captain bragged about not having to serve in the military.
Are all the young people who enlist every year fools?”Former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min said the flippant comments had provoked resentment and asked: “Is it really fair that BTS has to serve in the military while Asian Games gold medallists are exempt?”In a Korea Herald editorial on Tuesday, the newspaper declared that the practice was outdated.“South Korea now stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading nations,” the newspaper said. “The….
It is time to reconsider.”That was the message from Defence Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna during a press briefing in Seoul.“Ultimately, we have plans to cut back or scrap the supplementary service, including one designed for artists and athletes,” Chung said.The footballers were among many winners from the Asian Games who qualified for the military exemption.Golfer Tom Kim won the men’s singles on Saturday after flying across the Pacific when the….
Asked about the military exemption, he took the gold-medal approach.“I’m more proud that I’m able to bring a medal for my country,” he said.Sixteen South Korean baseball players are also exempt after defeating Japan 3-1 in the Asian Games final.
So are three South Koreans who won gold in esports, an event at the Asian Games.
South Korea signals cuts to military exemptions for gold medallists after backlash over athletes' Asian Games comments.
