South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk apologises after Asian Games gloat over military exemption
October 6, 2026 08:50
WHAT HAPPENED
After South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 in the Asian Games final, Lee held up his gold medal and made the remark. In a social media post reported by local media, the 26-year-old later said he was "deeply sorry to the fans who are currently fulfilling their military duty, as well as to all those who sincerely supported us."
In the same message, Lee added: "As an adult I should have thought carefully before speaking. I deeply regret having spoken so carelessly, and I will continue to reflect on my actions. I sincerely apologise to all the fans who have supported us wholeheartedly and who are doing their utmost to fulfil their military duty." Lee plays for Gangwon FC and was one of the overage players in South Korea’s under-23 squad at the tournament.
KEY CONTEXT
Most South Korean men are required to undertake between 18 and 21 months of active military service before the age of 28. The government grants exemptions — while still requiring brief basic training — to Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medallists of any colour. The source notes golfer Tom Kim also avoided military service by winning Asian Games gold, and that former Tottenham player Son Heung-min served for only three weeks in 2020 after having won the Asian Games two years earlier.