From The Japan Times · No Author · · 50s
South Korea soccer players' military exemption debate
South Korean soccer stars' military exemption claims spark Seoul's review of athlete exemptions.
In brief
South Korean soccer stars' military exemption claims spark Seoul's review of athlete exemptions. South Korea reconsidering military service exemptions for athletes after players publicly stated they would not serve. Originally reported by The Japan Times.
South Korean soccer players' military exemption claims
South Korean soccer players celebrated winning gold at Asian Games with exemption from mandatory military service.
“I'm not going to the military”
Public backlash over exemption claims
Public backlash prompted Seoul to reconsider decades-old military service exemption system for athletes.
Lee Gi-hyuk's exemption statement
Asian Games football captain Lee Gi-hyuk publicly stated he would not serve in military after beating Japan.
“I'm not going to the military”
Seoul's exemption review
Seoul is reviewing military service exemption system designed to reward athletes for national prestige.
The big picture
South Korea reconsidering military service exemptions for athletes after players publicly stated they would not serve.
