Former lawmaker urges South Korea to end military exemptions for athletes and artists

Former South Korean lawmaker Yoo Seong-min has called for the country to abolish military-service exemptions awarded to outstanding athletes and artists, arguing that military duty should not be used as a reward or incentive for achievement. His comments came after controversy over remarks by members of South Korea’s men’s football team, which won its fourth consecutive Asian Games title by beating host Japan 1-0 in the final in Toyota, near Nagoya, on Saturday. Team captain Lee Gi-hyuk, a 26-year-old defender who plays in the domestic K League, smiled while holding his gold medal and told reporters: “I’m not going to the military.” He apologised the following day, saying he had been carried away by the happiness and excitement of the victory.

Lee said he regretted speaking carelessly and apologised to fans serving in the military and to those who had supported the team. He added that, as an adult and as captain, he should have considered his words more carefully. Able-bodied South Korean men generally serve between 18 months and two years before turning 28.

Under the exemption system, Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medallists of any colour undertake only several weeks of light basic training rather than regular service. The golfer Tom Kim also qualified for an exemption after winning Asian Games gold. Asian Games football is played by under-23 teams, although three older players are permitted.

Yoo said the issue should not be reduced to criticism of individual athletes. He argued that fairness and equality in military service were more important than using exemptions to promote sport and the arts. Referring to BTS, he asked whether it was fair for the group to serve while Asian Games gold medallists were exempt.

He said outstanding athletes and artists could receive other forms of recognition, and called for the distinction over eligibility to be removed altogether.