Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
South Korea plans review of military service rules for athletes
South Korean footballers won gold at the Asian Games on Oct.
3 and qualified for an alternative to active military service.
Afterward, one player said he had played to get the exemption, while another posted a photo wearing a cap associated with men who have completed military service.
Their comments sparked public anger and renewed calls to change the rules.
Most able-bodied men in South Korea must serve 18 to 21 months in the military.
Top-performing athletes and artists can instead complete 34 months of community service.
The military manpower agency’s chief said she regretted the players’ behavior and recognized concerns among serving soldiers and the public.
The government is preparing reforms that could raise eligibility standards and reduce the number of qualifying competitions, with a plan expected by next year.
South Korea is preparing to review rules that allow some athletes and artists to avoid active military service.
Military Manpower Administration Commissioner Hong So-young said the government’s plan would raise eligibility requirements and narrow the competitions that qualify.
The review follows public backlash after South Korean footballers spoke about their exemptions after winning gold at the recent Asian Games.
The Defense Ministry is also considering scaling back or abolishing the exemption program.
Hong said a reasonable reform plan would be established by next year.
- Who
- South Korea’s government, including the Military Manpower Administration and the Defense Ministry.
- What
- It is reviewing the military service exemption program for athletes and artists.
- When
- Hong spoke on Oct. 12, 2026; the government aims to establish a reform plan by next year.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- Footballers’ comments about their exemptions prompted public backlash and calls for reform.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I deeply regret this unfortunate situation.
I take heavily to heart the sense of loss felt by young men serving their military duties, as well as the public's calls for reform.
We will take responsibility to ensure that a reasonable reform plan is established by next year.
South Korea won gold in men’s football at the Asian Games, and player Yang Min-hyeok said he played to earn the exemption.
The Defense Ministry said it was considering scaling back or abolishing the exemption program.
Hong So-young expressed regret during a parliamentary audit and said the government was preparing a reform plan.
- Military duty
- 18 to 21 months for able-bodied men in South Korea
- Alternative service
- 34 months of community service for eligible top-performing athletes and artists
- Asian Games result
- South Korea won gold in men’s football on Oct. 3
- Proposed review
- Raise eligibility requirements and narrow the qualifying competitions
- Reform target
- Establish a reasonable plan by next year
Sources
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