“Even BTS went to the military” — Yet an unprecedented international embarrassment follows, as Japan also faces intense scrutiny over remarks claiming players “only competed for the exemption from military service” [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games]

*This content was translated by AI.

It is an international disgrace. The Japanese local scene is in shock and disbelief over the blatant remarks and celebrations by members of the South Korean national team, who defeated Japan in the Asian Games football final to achieve a historic four-peat.

The Japanese media outlet “Ronsport” reported on the 5th, “The South Korean national team, which defeated Japan 1-0 in the men’s football final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to secure a fourth consecutive title, was immediately engulfed in fierce backlash after winning.” The report continued, “Some players who received military service benefits through the privilege of winning gold medals made remarks such as ‘We are not going to the military; we only played for the reward of exemption from military service,’ drawing harsh criticism domestically and leading to an unusual situation where they bowed their heads in apology.”

The media specifically detailed the statements made by South Korean players immediately after the final, concealing its surprise. Captain Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC) laughed when asked about his feelings regarding the medal in a mixed zone interview, stating that he would not be going to the military and revealing that it was urgent because he had been scheduled to enlist nine days later if he had not won the gold medal. Top prospect Yang Min-hyuk (Vestel) also bluntly mentioned that medals or trophies were not important and that he had only played for the reward of exemption from military service. Adding fuel to the fire, Park Seung-su (Newcastle United), the youngest member born in 2007, posted a photo on social media services (SNS) saluting while wearing a discharged soldier’s cap at an angle, which he had received from a fan.

The Japanese media introduced South Korea’s special military service exemption system for athletes, which has been in place since 1973, and detailed the domestic atmosphere where this controversy is expanding beyond simple slip-ups into a debate over the existence of the system itself. The outlet noted, “Criticism from political circles follows, questioning whether it is fair to be exempted from military service by defeating Japan, whose core consists of players aged 21 or under, when even BTS completed active duty military service. At the level of the Military Manpower Administration, options such as a significant reduction in athlete exemptions, a transition to a point system, and postponement of enlistment are being considered.”

As the controversy spread uncontrollably, players consecutively bowed their heads in apology. Captain Lee Ki-hyuk apologized via SNS, stating, “I should have carried a sense of responsibility while considering the weight of my words, but I failed to do so,” and added, “I am deeply reflecting on my remarks and actions that focused solely on military service benefits, intoxicated by momentary happiness, dopamine, and excitement.”

Yang Min-hyuk, who laid the foundation for the winning goal in the final, also bowed his head, saying, “It was my fault that it appeared as if I was taking the meaning of a gold medal lightly as a national team player,” and added, “I absolutely had no intention to mock those fulfilling their duty of national defense.” Park Seung-su, who invited criticism with his discharged soldier’s cap celebration, also promised to prevent recurrence, stating that he had not deeply considered the meaning of the hat.

The Korea Football Association also conveyed an official apology, expressing regret for disappointing and hurting many citizens and active-duty soldiers, and pledged to strengthen education on national team competence and ethics. Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korean Sports Council, also moved to quell the situation by stating that he would guide athletes to maintain dignity in their expressions. The historic golden tower of a four-peat written by defeating Japan on enemy territory has left only bitter wounds amidst loose talk and excessive self-congratulation, generating embarrassing gossip even across the sea.

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*This content was translated by AI.