After several gold medalists at the Asian Games made controversial remarks, the South Korean government said it will review the alternative military service system that grants exemptions to outstanding athletes.
Speaking at a session of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young said the alternative service system for artists and athletes "will certainly have to be narrowed." He stressed: "This system once helped outstanding artists and athletes maintain and develop their abilities. However, the value of fairness and public awareness of military service have changed. I agree that the system needs a comprehensive review."
Tensions flared after the men's football final at the Asian Games, where South Korea beat Japan 1-0 last weekend. Three players on the team drew criticism for remarks seen as insensitive.
Yang Min-hyuk — who provided the assist for the decisive goal — said: "The medal and the championship don't matter. I only played with one thought in mind: the military service exemption reward." Yang joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2025 and is currently on loan at Belgian club Westerlo. Newcastle United midfielder Park Seung-soo posted a photo on social media of himself wearing a hat associated with soldiers who have completed their service. Captain Lee Gi-hyuk, in a post-match interview, held up his gold medal and declared: "I won't have to enlist."
All three later apologized, but a broader debate over whether athletes should receive special treatment for sporting achievements erupted. Many asked why members of BTS — the globally famous K-pop group — still had to complete mandatory military service while athletes were exempted.
People Power Party politician Ahn Cheol-soo commented on social media: "Some of the players' remarks after the match were truly unacceptable. Even the captain bragged about not having to enlist. So are all the young men who enlist every year fools?" Former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min also raised the question: "Is it fair that BTS must enlist while Asian Games gold medalists are exempt?"
In an editorial on Tuesday, the Korea Herald argued the system is outdated: "South Korea now stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's leading powers. The era when finishing first in Asia could meaningfully enhance national prestige is long gone. It is time to reconsider."
South Korean Defense Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna also said at a briefing in Seoul: "In principle, we plan to reduce or eliminate the supplementary service system, including the one for artists and athletes."
Currently, most South Korean men must complete 18 to 21 months of military service before turning 28. Since 1973, Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medalists have been allowed to replace their full service period with supplementary service consisting of just three weeks of basic training.
At this Asian Games, beyond the footballers, many other athletes also became eligible for exemption. Golfer Tom Kim won the men's individual gold after flying across the Pacific as soon as the Presidents Cup ended to make it to Japan in time to compete. Asked about the exemption, he said: "I am prouder because I could bring a medal home for my country." Sixteen South Korean baseball players were also exempted after beating Japan 3-1 in the final, along with three esports gold medalists — an event at the Asian Games.
