South Korea considers ending military service exemption for athletes after Asian Games controversy

South Korea is considering scaling back or entirely ending military service exemptions for gold medal-winning athletes following widespread public indignation triggered by remarks from members of its Asian Games squad. A trio of players from the men’s football team faced severe criticism for statements made after securing a 1-0 victory against Japan in last weekend’s Asian Games final in Japan. Although each player subsequently issued an apology, the incident reignited a national controversy regarding whether sporting figures ought to receive preferential treatment, particularly given that ordinary young men — including members of the global K-pop group BTS — are required to complete mandatory conscription. As public condemnation mounted, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young addressed the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on Wednesday, acknowledging that the alternative service programme for athletes and artists "will inevitably have to be scaled back." "It is true that the system has contributed to helping outstanding artists and athletes maintain and develop their abilities," Cho said. "However, the values attached to fairness and public perceptions of military service have changed. I agree that the system should be comprehensively reviewed once again." South Korea claimed gold at the Asian Games over the weekend (AP) Under South Korean law, most men must undertake between 18 and 21 months of military duties prior to turning 28. However, under a scheme established in 1973, Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medalists are permitted to substitute full conscription with a three-week basic military training period. The current controversy stems from remarks made by three footballers, including Yang Min-hyuk, who provided the assist for the decisive goal in the final against Japan. "The medal and winning the championship weren’t important. I played the game with only one thing in mind — the reward of a military-service exemption," stated Yang, who joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2025 and is currently on loan at Belgian side Westerlo. In addition, Newcastle United midfielder Park Seung-soo shared an image on social media wearing a cap associated with soldiers who have completed their service, while team captain Lee Gi-hyuk held up his gold medal during a post-match interview and declared, "I’m not going to the military." Politicians across the spectrum quickly voiced outrage over the conduct. Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, posted on social media: "Some players’ remarks after the match were outrageous," adding: "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 argued that the flippant tone had deeply offended the public, questioning: "Is it really fair that BTS has to serve in the military while Asian Games gold medalists are exempt?" The national debate was echoed in a Korea Herald editorial published on Tuesday, which labelled the practice obsolete. Park Seung-Soo now plays for Newcastle (Getty) "South Korea now stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading nations," the newspaper said. "The days when finishing first in Asia could meaningfully enhance the country’s national prestige are long gone. It is time to reconsider." Defense Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna confirmed that reform was on the horizon during a press briefing held in Seoul . "Ultimately, we have plans to cut back or scrap the supplementary service, including one designed for artists and athletes," Chung said. The football squad were far from the only competitors at the Asian Games to secure military exemptions through their performances. Golfer Tom Kim earned exemption after winning the men’s singles title on Saturday, having flown across the Pacific directly after competing in the Presidents Cup to represent his country in Japan. When questioned about the exemption, he took the gold-medal approach: "I’m more proud that I’m able to bring a medal for my country," he said. Furthermore, 16 members of the national baseball team received exemptions following their 3-1 victory over Japan in the final, alongside three gold medalists in esports, which featured as an official event at this year's games.