South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk has apologised for his comments after winning gold at the Asian Games, having gloated about avoiding mandatory military service. South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 in the final, and Lee marked the victory by holding up his gold medal and announcing he was “not going to the military”.
The 26-year-old later issued an apology in a social media post reported by local media. “I am deeply sorry to the fans who are currently fulfilling their military duty, as well as to all those who sincerely supported us,” he said.
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.”
South Korean males are, in most circumstances, required to undertake between 18 and 21 months of active military service before the age of 28. The government, however, rewards Asian Games champions and Olympic medal winners of any colour with an exemption from service apart from basic training, which lasts less than a month.
The exemption has been secured by other athletes. Golfer Tom Kim also avoided military service by winning gold at the Asian Games, while former Tottenham footballer Son Heung-min served for only three weeks in 2020 after winning the Asian Games with his country two years earlier.
Lee was one of the overage players in South Korea’s Under-23 squad and plays for Gangwon FC in the K League. His apology followed criticism of his original remarks.