South Korea captain apologises for gloating over military service exemption

What the report says

South Korea football captain Lee Gi-hyuk has apologised after making remarks that appeared to celebrate avoiding his country’s mandatory military service. BBC Sport Football reported that the 26-year-old spoke after South Korea beat Japan 1-0 in the Asian Games final, a result that secured gold and the associated service exemption.

According to the BBC, Lee held up his medal and said he was “not going to the military,” prompting criticism in South Korea. He later posted an apology on social media, saying he was deeply sorry to fans who are currently serving and to those who supported the team. He also said that, as an adult, he should have thought more carefully before speaking and that he regretted the careless comments.

In South Korea, most men are required to complete roughly 18 to 21 months of active military service before age 28. The government grants exemptions to Asian Games champions and Olympic medal winners, apart from a short period of basic training. The BBC noted that other athletes, including golfer Tom Kim and former Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, have also benefited from this rule. The episode highlights the sensitivity of military service obligations in South Korea, where elite sporting success can sometimes change an athlete’s career path.