South Korea to review military service exemption after Asian Games row

What the report says

South Korea’s government says it will review the military service exemptions it gives to elite athletes after a backlash over celebrations by members of the men’s football team at the Asian Games. The issue has drawn attention to a long-running policy that allows certain Olympic medallists and Asian Games gold medallists to avoid full active duty, apart from basic training.

According to BBC Sport, the criticism focused on comments made after South Korea beat Japan in the Asian Games final. Three players were said to have celebrated qualifying for exemptions, including captain Lee Gi-hyuk, who later apologised. Culture, Sports and Tourism minister Choi Hwi-young called the remarks immature and said the system, which has existed for more than 50 years, will need to be scaled back and comprehensively reviewed.

The current rules require South Korean men to complete 18 to 21 months of active military service before age 28. The government’s exemption policy has often been defended as a way to help athletes continue training, but the minister said public views on fairness have changed. A lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party also said the episode had left young people with a strong sense of unfairness.

BBC Sport reported that more than 80% of the benefits are tied to Asian Games results, and that the latest controversy could increase pressure for reform. The government has not announced any immediate rule change, only that a review is under way.