[Asian Games] Controversy Over Football Team's Remarks on Military Service: "I'm Not Going to the Military"

Criticism Follows Interviews with Lee Gihyeok, Yang Minhyeok, and Others
Controversy Over Park Seungsoo Posting “Discharge Cap” on Social Media
Calls Grow in Political Circles to Reconsider Military Service Exemptions

At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, controversy has erupted over military service exemptions.

The under-23 (U-23) national football team, led by head coach Lee Minseong, claimed its fourth consecutive gold medal on October 3 by defeating Japan in the final held at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The team ended the tournament to applause after a dramatic victory against Japan. However, controversy soon emerged as some players made brash remarks and displayed behavior either boasting about the exemption or openly expressing how they “did not want to serve in the military.”

Yonhap News Agency

Lee Gihyeok of Gangwon, captain of the national team, said in a broadcast interview after winning the gold medal, “If I hadn’t won the gold medal, I would have returned to Korea with just nine days left before enlisting. This tournament was especially critical for military exemption, not only for me but also for the other players. For me, it was just around the corner.” He continued, “I was desperate and earnest. My heart felt heavy, but now I've lifted that burden, so it’s very meaningful.” He then declared, “I’m not going to the military,” lifting his gold medal with a broad smile.

Yang Minhyeok of K.V.C. Westerlo said, “I never thought medals or trophies were important. Since military exemption (the benefit) was at stake, that was really all I focused on during the games.” Park Seungsoo, who plays for Newcastle United in the English Premier League, fueled the dispute further by posting a photo of himself wearing a “discharge-cap” on social media after winning the gold.

The players’ words and actions drew criticism from political circles, with some questioning whether they were making light of their military obligations and others raising doubts about the necessity of such exemption benefits. Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, wrote on Facebook, “Is the military some kind of repugnant facility? Is it a place people can’t go? Are the countless young men who enlist every year fools? It’s heartbreaking to see that this is the mindset of athletes who represent our country and wear the national emblem.” He added, “It’s time to reconsider military exemptions for the Asian Games. Aren’t there many athletes who win gold medals and championships without such benefits?”

As the controversy grew, the athletes issued apologies in succession. On October 4, Lee Gihyeok returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport with the national team and addressed the press, saying, “As captain, I should have considered the weight of my words. I did not mean to treat the duty of national defense lightly or carelessly.”

Yang Minhyeok also posted on social media, stating, “I’m sorry my words were misconstrued to mean that the military benefit was my only motivation to achieve a better result. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt or disappointed by my careless comment.”

Park Seungsoo deleted his photo, stating, “Right after the match ended, a fan at the scene gave me the cap, so I put it on. I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement from winning the gold medal, and I posted the picture without thinking deeply about its significance at that moment. I did not intend to mock or belittle those fulfilling their duty of national defense.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.