South Korea to review military-service exemptions for elite athletes

South Korea’s government plans to review its military-service exemption system for elite athletes following renewed controversy after the country’s Asian Games football victory.

The debate intensified after South Korea defeated Japan in the men’s football final and several players publicly celebrated the military-service benefits attached to winning gold.

South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk faced particular criticism after displaying his gold medal and saying he would not be going to the military.

He later apologised, describing his comments as thoughtless and saying he had been caught up in the excitement of the victory.

Government questions fairness of current system

Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young said the controversy had reopened questions about whether the decades-old system still reflected current public attitudes toward military service.

Choi acknowledged that the policy had helped elite athletes and artists continue developing their careers but said changing views about fairness meant the system should undergo a comprehensive review.

South Korean men are generally required to complete between 18 and 21 months of active military service before age 28.

Under current rules, Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medallists can avoid the normal period of active service, although they are still required to complete a short period of basic military training.

South Korean golfer Tom Kim was among athletes who recently benefited from the policy after winning gold at the Asian Games.

Lawmaker questions exemption criteria

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Kye-won also questioned whether the current eligibility rules treat athletes across different sports fairly.

He noted that Olympic medallists and Asian Games champions qualify, while athletes who win major world championships in some sports may receive no comparable benefit.

Cho said 44 athletes qualified for the benefit during the latest Asian Games, with 36 of them coming from football and baseball.

The government has not yet announced specific rule changes.

The review could therefore result in reforms, but the existing exemption framework remains in force for now.