Recently, South Korean U23 men's football players made statements regarding exemption from military service after winning the Asian Games, which sparked controversy in South Korean public opinion. According to Yonhap News Agency's report on October 6th, in response to the controversy, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense stated that it would reiterate the relevant regulations and consider reducing or abolishing the exemption system for athletes and artists from military service.
South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Yeom Binnah said, "The Ministry deeply apologizes for the statements made by some people in the sports community. The Ministry hopes that the public will respect the soldiers and reservists who are currently on duty, and that society will develop a culture that values the value of military service."
Zheng Binna said that the South Korean Ministry of National Defense plans to reduce or cancel the policy of assigning additional military personnel to arts and sports, and to incorporate this into the basic outline of defense reform. She added that when making this decision, the Ministry of National Defense will take various factors into consideration, including fairness among conscripts, the issue of reducing the number of serviceable personnel, and societal consensus.
South Korea implements a mandatory military service system, and the constitution stipulates that "all citizens are obliged to serve in the military." According to legal provisions, all eligible male citizens between 18 and 35 years old in South Korea are required to fulfill their military obligations, serving for 18 to 21 months. However, athletes and artists who win the highest awards in domestic or international competitions designated by the South Korean government can be exempted from military service.
On October 3rd local time, in the men's football final of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, the South Korean team defeated Japan 1-0 and won the gold medal. After the match, several South Korean football players made controversial statements regarding military service exemption.
South Korea U23 men’s football team captain Lee Ki-yi said, 'This is an important match, as the athletes also enjoy the privilege of being exempt from military service. But for me, enlisting in the army is a reality that stands before me. So I often joke with the team members to emphasize this point. The team members also give it their all, saying, 'If Ki-yi doesn’t win a gold medal today, he will have to serve in the military in nine days.'"
South Korean team member Yang Min-hye even stated that what he truly wanted was a exemption from military service, not medals or trophies. Another team member, Park Seung-soo, posted a photo on social media, showing himself wearing a retired cap in the locker room.
These remarks quickly sparked controversy and dissatisfaction among South Korean public opinion. Many South Korean politicians and fans also questioned whether the military service exemption policy constitutes an "excessive favoritism."
After the public outcry had intensified, Li Qiyi publicly apologized after returning to South Korea on the 4th. He said, "As the captain, I should have been more cautious in my words and actions... I sincerely apologize to all of you who are currently serving in the military."
The Korean Olympic Committee also stepped in to quell the situation. Lee Sung-min, the chairman of the Korean Sports and Olympic Committee, said: "Athletes may think that these remarks are personal expressions, but they do not conform to public opinion. They should have learned their lesson and realized the consequences of getting involved in such disputes. Young athletes are more susceptible to such situations."
He also promised, “In the future, we will seek ways to maintain the dignity and grace that should be associated with the members of our national team when they are interviewed in the Athletes' Village or when they make statements on social media. We will also strive to demonstrate an attitude that is appropriate for the current circumstances.”
