Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) delivers a sharp remark on some athletes' comments regarding military service benefits, stating they are "inconsistent with public sentiment" [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games]

*This content was translated by AI.

Yoo Seung-min (44), President of the Korea Sports and Olympic Committee, expressed concern over the remarks and actions of some ball sport athletes who won gold medals at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games regarding military service benefits, and pledged to strengthen education on national team conduct.

On the 4th, the closing day of the games, Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) stated his position on the recent controversy surrounding the words and actions of some athletes at a summary press conference for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held at the Korea House in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

According to a report by NEWSIS, Yoo (Chairman) offered a sharp critique, saying, "(Content on individual athletes' social media, etc.) can be seen as distinctive expressions of the athletes in one sense, but on the other hand, there are cases where remarks that do not align with public sentiment emerge."

At this tournament, the South Korean delegation achieved results by winning consecutive titles in major ball sports such as baseball and football, which draw high public interest, alongside strong performances in fencing and shooting. The men's national football team, led by coach Lee Min-seong, defeated Japan 1-0 in the final to win the gold medal, making 20 players eligible for military service exemption, excluding those who had already completed their service at the military academy.

However, the athletes' hasty words and actions immediately after the match came under scrutiny, preventing them from receiving full congratulations from fans. Lee Ki-hyuk (26, Gangwon FC), captain of the football national team, stated in a post-match broadcast interview, "If we hadn't won the gold medal, I would have been in a situation where I had 9 days left before being drafted to serve in Korea," and was seen holding up the gold medal toward reporters while shouting, "I am not going to the military."

Park Seung-soo (19, Newcastle United), the youngest member of the football national team, also faced fierce criticism for posting a photo on his social media wearing a discharge cap, which appeared to have been prepared in advance. Noh Si-hwan (Hanwha), captain of the baseball national team, also fueled the controversy with remarks during an interview upon returning home, stating that he "honestly doesn't care" about the critical public opinion and that "the process is not needed at all; winning the gold medal is unconditionally important." Amidst this, Lee Ki-hyuk and Park Seung-soo issued apologies via social media.

In response, Yoo (Chairman) stated, "We are conducting a great deal of various education on conduct, social media, and interview skills at the athletes' village," while adding, "It is practically difficult to control even the impromptu remarks of each individual athlete. For sports that do not have athletes residing permanently in the athletes' village, such as baseball or football, there are limitations to individual management."

He continued, "While we may not be able to control athletes' remarks or actions in advance, this controversy will likely have made the athletes realize something," emphasizing, "We will further strengthen education at the athletes' village on the attitude and communication methods required of national team athletes, as well as the use of social media. In particular, we will continue education and support to ensure that younger athletes maintain dignity befitting their status as national representatives."

Meanwhile, the South Korean delegation sent 790 athletes to compete in 41 sports at this tournament, finishing in third place overall with a total of 150 medals: 39 gold, 43 silver, and 68 bronze. Yoo (Chairman) added, "It was the tournament where we filed the most protests in history, but we achieved results through diversification of sports and the discovery of new sources of gold medals," stating, "We will use this tournament as a lesson to thoroughly prepare for the next one."

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*This content was translated by AI.