South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk has apologised after gloating about avoiding mandatory military service following his side's gold medal win at the Asian Games. South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 in the final, after which Lee held up his gold medal and triumphantly declared he was "not going to the military."
In a social media post later reported by local media, the 26-year-old expressed deep regret, saying he was sorry to fans currently fulfilling their own military duty, as well as to everyone who had sincerely supported the team.
Under South Korean law, most males are required to complete between 18 and 21 months of active military service before turning 28. However, the government offers an exemption, requiring only basic training of under a month, to Asian Games champions and Olympic medallists of any colour. Golfer Tom Kim also secured an exemption through his own Asian Games gold medal, while former Tottenham forward Son Heung-min benefited from the same system, completing just three weeks of service in 2020 after winning gold at the Asian Games two years earlier.
Reflecting on his comments, Lee, one of the overage players included in South Korea's Under-23 squad and a regular for Gangwon FC in the K League, said that as an adult he should have thought more carefully before speaking. He said he deeply regretted being careless with his words and would continue to reflect on his actions, adding a sincere apology to all the fans who had supported the team wholeheartedly and who are themselves working to fulfil their military duty.
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