Why are South Koreans angry with the football players who just won the Asian Games?

South Korea's 1-0 victory over Japan in the men's football final of the 20th Asian Games on October 3rd helped them set a record of four consecutive championships.

But less than a day later, that joy was replaced by a wave of outrage due to the statements and actions related to the exemption from military service of players Lee Ki Hyuk, Yang Min Hyeok, and Park Seung Su.

Of the 23 South Korean men's football players participating in the 20th Asian Games, 20 had not yet completed their military service, and they received special treatment reserved for athletes who won gold medals at the Asian Games.

This was originally a regulation regarding preferential treatment for South Korean sports superstars who made exceptional contributions to the country, such as winning gold medals at the Asian Games or the Olympics. Fans also often joke that thanks to the exemption from military service, the South Korean football team always plays very well at the Asian Games.

But the players' excessive enthusiasm after the match caused the situation to escalate.

Specifically, captain Lee Ki Hyuk said in a post-match interview: "If we don't win the gold medal, when I return to Korea I only have 9 days left before my military enlistment. For players, military benefits are very important, and for me, the enlistment date is really right around the corner. I'm very eager, very passionate about it," - MT Korea quoted him as saying.

Then Lee held up his medal to the camera, smiled, and said, "I don't have to go into the army anymore."

Yang Min Hyeok went even further, saying, "Actually, I think medals or trophies aren't really that important. Our real reward is the exemption from military service, so maybe we only focus on that to compete. For me, trophies or medals aren't important."

At the same time, Park Seung Su posted a photo in the locker room, wearing his gold medal and a "retirement cap" with the reserve force symbol. The image caused a strong reaction because Park had never served in the military. The post was quickly deleted but had spread widely on South Korean social media.

On October 4th, all three had to issue apologies. Lee said immediately upon landing at Incheon Airport: "As captain, I should have thought about the weight of my words before speaking. I never considered my national defense duty to be easy or light." He admitted to being swept away by the joy after the match.

Yang explained that military benefits were “just one of many motivations” that helped him strive for better results. He wrote: “Regardless of my intentions, it was my fault that my words offended people and gave the impression that a national team player was downplaying the significance of a gold medal.” Yang insisted he did not intend to mock those who are currently serving or will be serving in the military.

Meanwhile, Park said the hat was given to him by a fan after the match: "The joy and emotion of winning the gold medal was so overwhelming that I didn't think deeply about the meaning of the hat before taking the photo and posting it online." He emphasized that he "never intended to mock those performing their national defense duties."

The Korean Football Association also apologized for “the reckless statements and actions of some players that disappointed and hurt the public and active-duty military personnel,” and pledged to strengthen education on ethics, player conduct, and social media use.

Korean Olympic and Sports Committee President Ryu Seung Min commented that it might be a way of expressing personality, "but there are also statements that are inappropriate for the public's psychology and feelings," according to Daum.

He said he would strengthen the players' training in interviewing, public speaking, and social media.

The incident even spilled over into politics. Congressman Ahn Cheol Soo angrily stated, "Is the military such a hateful place? Are all the young men who enlist every year fools?", and called for a review of the incentives given to those who won Asian Games gold medals.

Legally, the players were not entirely "exempt," but were transferred to the category of arts and sports personnel, serving in their professional fields instead of military service. This historic achievement quickly turned into a debate about fairness in military service in South Korea.