Photo via BBC Sport

South Korea captain apologises for gloating over military service exemption

South Korea’s Lee Gi-hyuk, captain of the Under-23 football team, has issued a public apology after his celebratory remarks following the team’s gold medal win at the Asian Games drew criticism. The squad defeated hosts Japan 1-0 in the final, and Lee’s post-match comments—where he boasted about avoiding mandatory military service—sparked backlash.

South Korean men typically serve 18 to 21 months of active duty before age 28, though Asian Games and Olympic medalists earn exemptions from full service, reducing their obligation to basic training under a month. Lee, 26, plays for Gangwon FC in South Korea’s K League and was one of the overage players in the Under-23 squad.

In a statement, he expressed deep regret, calling his remarks ‘careless’ and apologizing to fans currently fulfilling their military obligations, as well as supporters who backed the team. The exemption policy has previously benefited other athletes, including golfer Tom Kim and former Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, who served just three weeks in 2020 after winning the Asian Games with South Korea in 2018.

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