South Korea is considering scaling back or entirely ending military service exemptions for gold medal-winning athletes after widespread public anger over remarks from members of its Asian Games football squad.
Three players from the men's football team faced severe criticism for statements made after a 1-0 victory against Japan in last weekend's Asian Games final in Japan. Each player subsequently apologised, but the incident reignited a national controversy over whether sporting figures should receive preferential treatment while ordinary young men, including members of BTS, must complete mandatory conscription.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young told the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on Wednesday that the alternative service programme for athletes and artists "will inevitably have to be scaled back." He said the system had helped outstanding artists and athletes maintain and develop their abilities, but added that values attached to fairness and public perceptions of military service have changed, and that the system should be comprehensively reviewed again.
Under South Korean law, most men must undertake between 18 and 21 months of military duties before turning 28. A scheme established in 1973 allows Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medalists to substitute full conscription with a three-week basic military training period.
The controversy stemmed from remarks by three footballers, including Yang Min-hyuk, who provided the assist for the decisive goal. "The medal and winning the championship weren't important. I played the game with only one thing in mind — the reward of a military-service exemption," Yang said. Newcastle United midfielder Park Seung-soo shared an image on social media wearing a cap associated with soldiers who have completed their service, while team captain Lee Gi-hyuk held up his gold medal during a post-match interview and declared, "I'm not going to the military."
Politicians across the spectrum voiced outrage. Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party posted on social media: "Some players' remarks after the match were outrageous," adding: "Even the captain bragged about not having to serve in the military. Are all the young people who enlist every year fools?" Former lawmaker Yoo Seong-min questioned: "Is it really fair that BTS has to serve in the military while Asian Games gold medalists are exempt?"
Defense Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna confirmed during a press briefing in Seoul that reform was on the horizon. "Ultimately, we have plans to cut back or scrap the supplementary service, including one designed for artists and athletes," Chung said.
Other Asian Games competitors also secured exemptions. Golfer Tom Kim earned exemption after winning the men's singles title on Saturday, having flown across the Pacific directly after competing in the Presidents Cup. "I'm more proud that I'm able to bring a medal for my country," he said. Sixteen members of the national baseball team received exemptions following their 3-1 victory over Japan in the final, alongside three gold medalists in esports.