South Korea captain apologises for gloating over military exemption

South Korea's football captain Lee Gi-hyuk has issued a public apology after boasting about dodging mandatory military service following his team's Asian Games triumph.

South Korea defeated hosts Japan 1-0 in the final. Afterwards, the 26-year-old held up his gold medal and declared he was "not going to the military."

The apology

In a social media post later reported by local media, Lee said he was deeply sorry to fans currently serving in the military and to everyone who had supported the team. He acknowledged that, as an adult, he should have thought more carefully before speaking, and said he would continue to reflect on his conduct.

The exemption rule

South Korean men are generally required to complete between 18 and 21 months of active military service before turning 28. However, the government grants exemptions from this duty to Asian Games champions and Olympic medallists of any colour, requiring only basic training lasting under a month.

Golfer Tom Kim also secured this exemption by winning gold at the Asian Games. Other athletes who have benefited include former Tottenham player Son Heung-min, who served just three weeks in 2020 after winning gold at the Asian Games two years earlier.

Lee, who plays for Gangwon FC in South Korea's K League, was one of the overage players included in the national Under-23 squad for the tournament.