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South Korea Captain 'Deeply Sorry' for Gloating About Military Exemption
The apology followed criticism after 20 of South Korea's 23 players earned military exemptions with the gold medal win, officials said.
- On Oct 3, South Korea defeated Japan 1-0 in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games football final. Following the victory, team captain Lee Gi-hyuk sparked public controversy by boasting that his gold medal exempted him from mandatory military service.
- Able-Bodied South Korean males must perform between 18 months and two years of military service before age 28. However, the government grants exemptions to Olympic and Asian Games medalists, who instead complete only weeks of basic training.
- Lee, a 26-year-old League defender, apologized on Instagram on Oct 4 for being "caught up in the happiness, adrenaline and excitement of the moment." Golfer Tom Kim also secured a military exemption after winning gold on Oct 3.
- Military exemptions remain a highly sensitive topic in South Korea, where athletes usually shy away from discussing the benefit. Lee expressed deep regret, stating, "I am deeply sorry to the fans who are currently fulfilling their military duty."
- The incident reveals broader tension surrounding military exemption policy for national representatives. Lee pledged to reflect on his actions, emphasizing he should have considered carefully before speaking as both captain and player.
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56 Articles
The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)South Korea captain apologises for gloating about avoiding military service
·London, United Kingdom
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In South Korea, which has a conscription system, there is renewed debate about reviewing the special system that grants preferential treatment regarding military service to Olympic and Asian Games medalists. The trigger was the fact that some players on the men's national soccer team, who won the gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, were delighted to receive "military service exemptions"…
·Tokyo, Japan
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An uproar was caused in South Korea by the reaction of the national team's football players after winning the gold medal at the Asian Games.
·Marousi, Greece
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources56
Leaning Left6Leaning Right5Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 30%
C 45%
R 25%
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