South Korea’s government plans to review the military service exemption system for athletes following controversy over celebrations by members of the country’s football team after their Asian Games triumph.
As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the issue came under renewed scrutiny after South Korea defeated hosts Japan in the final, with three players criticised for celebrating the military exemptions they secured through their gold medal victory.
South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk drew particular criticism after holding up his gold medal and saying he was “not going to the military”. He later apologised for the remarks.
Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young said the incident had raised questions about the system, which has been in place for more than five decades.
Choi described Lee’s comments as “utterly immature” and said the exemption system would need to be reconsidered.
“The system has indeed contributed to helping outstanding artists and athletes maintain and develop their abilities,” Choi said during a National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee hearing.
“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 Korean men are generally required to complete between 18 and 21 months of active military service before the age of 28.
Under the current rules, Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medallists are eligible for exemptions from active military service, although recipients are still required to complete basic military training lasting less than a month.
The system has faced increasing scrutiny over whether its criteria remain fair and consistent across different sports.
Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Kye-won said the controversy had created a sense of unfairness among young people.
He pointed out that Olympic athletes who finish third or higher and Asian Games gold medallists qualify for the benefit, while athletes who win world championships in other competitions may not receive similar treatment.
Cho also noted that most of the exemptions are concentrated in the Asian Games.
“Of the 44 people who qualified for the benefit at this Asian Games, 36 were in soccer and baseball,” he said.
He questioned whether the current system adequately reflects sporting achievement, noting that winning a world championship in some sports can be more difficult than winning an Asian Games title.
The government has yet to announce specific changes to the exemption rules, but Choi’s comments indicate that the system could be reviewed as authorities consider concerns over fairness and changing public attitudes towards military service.
The debate comes as South Korea continues to balance its mandatory military service requirements with policies aimed at supporting elite athletes and allowing them to pursue their sporting careers.
