South Korean Football Captain Apologizes After Celebrating Military Exemption
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
South Korean football captain Lee Ki-hyuk apologized after celebrating his team's Asian Games gold medal win by declaring he would not perform mandatory military service. His comments, made alongside Israeli player Abdullah Halil, caused significant public backlash in South Korea, where military duty is a sensitive issue. Other players also drew criticism for posts related to military discharge. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee plans to reinforce guidelines for national athletes' conduct.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- South Korean football captain Lee Ki-hyuk apologized for celebrating his team's Asian Games gold medal with comments about avoiding military service.
- Lee's remarks, made after the 1-0 final win against Japan, sparked public outrage in South Korea.
- Military service is a sensitive and mandatory issue for most South Korean men, though some athletes receive exemptions.
- Younger teammate Park Seung-soo also faced criticism for social media posts related to military discharge.
- The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee will review how to better guide athletes on public conduct.
- Lee stated his comments were due to the excitement of the moment and apologized to soldiers and fans.
South Korean football captain Lee Ki-hyuk has apologized after his celebratory remarks about avoiding mandatory military service sparked public outrage. Lee, 26, who plays in Gangwon alongside Israeli player Abdullah Halil, was celebrating his team's 1-0 victory over Japan in the Asian Games final, securing their fourth consecutive gold medal. When asked by reporters about his exemption, Lee stated, "I'm not going to the army." This comment touched a sensitive nerve in South Korea, where most able-bodied men are required to serve 18 months to two years. While winning a gold medal in the Asian Games or Olympics can grant athletes exemptions or special service, Lee's public declaration was seen as insensitive.
Further fueling the controversy, young player Park Seung-soo posted photos on social media wearing a hat associated with military discharge. A video of him saluting in the hat also circulated, intensifying criticism. Lee quickly realized the gravity of his words and issued a public apology, attributing his "thoughtless" remarks to the "happiness, adrenaline, and excitement of the moment." He expressed deep regret for speaking carelessly and particularly apologized to those currently serving in the military and to the fans.
The controversy even reached Ryu Seung-min, President of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee. At a press conference, he acknowledged that while athletes receive training on conduct, controlling spontaneous comments is difficult. He noted that some player statements, though personal to them, can clash with public sentiment. The committee plans to emphasize expected conduct for national representatives more strongly in the future.