South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk has apologised after celebrating his exemption from mandatory military service following his country’s Asian Games football triumph.
South Korea defeated hosts Japan 1-0 in the final to secure the gold medal. During the post-match celebrations, Lee held up his medal and publicly celebrated the fact that the victory meant he would not have to complete the country’s standard period of military service.
The 26-year-old later acknowledged that his comments had been inappropriate and apologised to supporters, including South Korean men currently carrying out their military duties. He said he regretted speaking without considering how his remarks could be received.
Most able-bodied South Korean men are required to complete approximately 18 to 21 months of active military service, normally before turning 28.
However, special rules allow successful elite athletes to receive exemptions. Asian Games gold medallists and athletes who win any Olympic medal can avoid full active service, although they are still required to complete a short period of basic military training lasting less than a month.
Lee, who plays for Gangwon FC in South Korea’s K League, was included as one of the permitted overage players in the country’s Under-23 Asian Games squad.
A number of prominent South Korean athletes have previously benefited from the exemption system. Former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min earned his exemption after helping South Korea win Asian Games football gold in 2018 and later completed three weeks of basic military training in 2020.
Golfer Tom Kim has also secured an exemption after winning an Asian Games gold medal.
Lee said he accepted responsibility for his comments and would reflect on the incident, while expressing appreciation for supporters who backed the team during its successful Asian Games campaign.