'It has spread to Europe' Korea's international embarrassment: "Asian Games team flaunts military service exemption, faces backlash... fierce opposition to special exemption system" [Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games]

*This content was translated by AI.

It is truly an international embarrassment. The blatant remarks regarding military service exemptions and inappropriate celebrations by the players of the South Korean national team, who achieved the first-ever four consecutive titles in men's football at the Asian Games, are being widely reported not only across Asia but also in Europe.

The prominent British newspaper "The Telegraph" reported on the 5th (Korean time), stating that "the captain of the South Korean national football team faced fierce backlash from fans and the political establishment after boasting about his military service exemption immediately after winning the Asian Games," adding that this "triggered strong opposition surrounding the special military service exemption system for sports stars."

South Korea defeated host nation Japan 1-0 in the final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to secure a fourth consecutive title. However, the outlet pointed out that just hours after the final whistle blew, captain Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon FC), forward Yang Min-hyuk (Vestelo), and winger Park Seung-su (Newcastle United) became embroiled in controversy.

The article detailed each of their actions: Lee Gi-hyuk, who held up his gold medal in front of the press and smiled while saying, "I am not going to the military"; Yang Min-hyuk, a Tottenham Hotspur loanee, who bluntly stated, "I played solely for the reward of military service exemption"; and Park Seung-su, who posted a photo on his personal social media (SNS) wearing a military discharge cap in the locker room.

"The Telegraph" explained the system in detail, noting that "healthy male citizens in South Korea are typically required to serve for 18 months to two years, but winning a gold medal at the Asian Games or a medal at the Olympics allows this to be replaced with just a few weeks of basic military training." The article also conveyed without omission the remarks of People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo, who urged a review of the system, stating, "It is heartbreaking that players wearing the Taegukgi mark have such a mindset," as well as the stance of Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korea Sports and Olympic Committee, who said, "This does not align with public sentiment. We will seek ways to maintain dignity."

Local media in Japan, the opponent in the final, were also shocked. "Ronsport" reported that "some players who received military service benefits due to their gold medal privileges made remarks such as 'I am not going to the military' or 'I played only for the military exemption,' resulting in an unusual situation where they faced fierce domestic criticism and bowed their heads."

The Chinese media outlet "Sohu.com" also gave prominent coverage of the controversy under the headline, "Only for military exemption! South Korean men's football team excitedly displays 'I don't have to go to the army' attitude after Asian Games victory." The outlet criticized that "South Korean players stated in interviews that medals and trophies are not important and that military exemption is the core, reducing their purpose of participation to avoiding military service," adding that "the honor of a sports gold medal has been transformed into a means of transaction for personal welfare."

As fierce criticism surged both domestically and internationally, the individuals involved consecutively bowed their heads in apology. Lee Gi-hyuk stated via SNS, "I deeply reflect on my remarks that focused solely on military service benefits, driven by momentary happiness, adrenaline, and excitement," adding, "I am sorry for hurting those who are fulfilling their duty to defend the nation and our fans."

Yang Min-hyuk also bowed his head, saying, "It was my fault for making it appear as if I took the meaning of a gold medal lightly as a national team player," while Park Seung-su expressed remorse, stating that he had not deeply considered the significance of the cap. The Korea Football Association also apologized for disappointing many citizens and military personnel, promising to strengthen ethics education.

The great achievement of winning four consecutive titles on enemy territory in hanbok was instantly tarnished by the players' casual words and indiscriminate self-celebration. South Korean football has ended up becoming a subject of bitter ridicule in the mouths of media worldwide.

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*This content was translated by AI.