South Korean former lawmaker has called for the abolition of the military exemption system granted to outstanding national athletes, arguing that military service should not be used as an incentive for achievements in sports or the arts.
Yoo Seong‑min’s remarks followed controversy sparked by statements from members of South Korea’s men’s football team, which recently secured its fourth straight Asian Games title, concerning the military benefits they received.
South Korea beat host Japan 1-0 in the men’s final Saturday in Toyota, near Nagoya. Afterwards, captain Lee Gi‑hyuk smiled while displaying his gold medal to reporters, stating, “I’m not going to the military.”
Able-bodied South Korean men are typically required to complete 18 months to two years of military service before turning 28.
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