Tom Kim Earns Asian Games Gold and Military Exemption

South Korean golfer Tom Kim clinched the men's singles gold medal at the Asian Games on Saturday, securing both a championship title and an exemption from mandatory military service.

Kim finished the four-day tournament with an 18-under 262 after shooting a 6-under 64 in the final round at the Kasugai Country Club. He had made a concerted effort to compete in Japan, traveling from the United States after the conclusion of the Presidents Cup.

In South Korea, most able-bodied men are required to complete approximately 18 months of military service. However, achieving a gold medal at the Asian Games, or any medal at the Olympics, grants an exemption. While Kim secured his individual gold, his South Korean teammates did not win the team competition, meaning they did not receive the same exemption.

The Asian Games golf tournament utilized a 72-hole stroke play format, with teams consisting of three players. Only the best two scores from each team were counted daily towards the team total.

South Korea's baseball team also earned military exemptions earlier in the week after defeating Japan in the Asian Games final. Additionally, three South Koreans who won gold in an esports event at the Asian Games received similar exemptions.

The system of military exemptions, established over 50 years ago, has faced scrutiny in South Korea, with some questioning its fairness and suggesting it is outdated, according to reports from the South Korean news agency Yonhap.