South Korea weighs cuts to military exemptions after Asian Games backlash
The government is reviewing exemptions for gold-medal athletes after soccer players were criticized for comments seen as celebrating their exemption.
What happened
South Korea defeated Japan 1-0 in the men's football final at the Asian Games, winning their fourth consecutive title.2
South Korea's sports minister said the government will review the military exemption for gold-medal winning athletes.8
Three players from the men's soccer team came under fire for comments made after the win over Japan, and all three apologized.8
South Korean lawmakers have proposed a bill to end military service exemptions for Asian Games gold medalists, while Olympic medalists would remain eligible for alternative service.4
Key points
- South Korea's government is reviewing or discussing changes to its military service exemption system for athletes, following controversy at the Asian Games.135789
- The South Korea soccer captain apologized for comments seen as gloating or boasting about securing a military service exemption through the gold medal win.26
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed named the specific comments made by the soccer players that triggered the backlash, beyond describing them as gloating or boasting.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the current rules of the military exemption system beyond its application to gold-medal athletes.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported the timeline for when any review or legislative change might take effect.
Why it matters
South Korea has mandatory military service, with exemptions historically granted to athletes and artists who achieve certain honors such as Asian Games or Olympic gold medals.45
What to watch
- Whether the proposed opposition bill to end exemptions for Asian Games gold medalists advances in South Korea's legislature.
- Whether the sports ministry's review leads to concrete policy changes affecting both athletes and artists.
Sources (9)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 3BBC SportGBPublic broadcaster
South Korea to review military service exemption after Asian Games row
Middle East & Turkey
- 4Anadolu AgencyTRState-controlled
South Korean lawmakers seek to end military service exemptions for Asian Games gold medalists
- 8Arab NewsSAPrivate
South Korea signals military exemption cuts for athletes after Asian Games backlash
- 9Al Jazeera EnglishQAState-controlled
South Korea signals military exemption cuts for athletes after Asian Games
Africa
East Asia
- 2The Japan TimesJPPrivate
South Korea soccer captain apologizes for gloating about military exemption
- 7Taipei TimesTWPrivate