South Korean Golfer Earns Military Exemption with Asian Games Gold
Tom Kim's victory secures an exemption from mandatory military service, a privilege also granted to athletes in other sports and cultural fields.
South Korean golfer Tom Kim secured a gold medal at the Asian Games on Saturday, earning him an exemption from mandatory military service.
Kim shot a final round of 6-under 64, finishing with a four-day total of 18-under 262. This victory provides him the same exemption that former Tottenham player Son Heung-min received in 2018 after winning gold at the Asian Games. Most able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve approximately 18 months in the military.
While Kim acknowledged the pressure of the competition and the stakes involved, he focused on his performance. "I tried not to think about it," he said. "I just tried to play (the) best for my country. It's a big stepping stone. I think the pressure that I felt this week, I'll be able to implement it in my upcoming seasons."
Despite Kim's individual success, the South Korean team did not win the team competition, meaning his teammates, S.H. Kim and Mun Do-yeob, did not receive the exemption. China took the team gold, with South Korea earning silver and Japan bronze.
The military exemption system in South Korea extends beyond sports, also applying to classical and traditional musicians, dancers, and artists deemed to enhance national pride. This year, 16 South Korean baseball players and three esports competitors also received exemptions after winning gold medals at the Asian Games.
Lee Sang-hyeok, known as 'Faker' in esports, who helped his teammates secure gold and avoid conscription, noted the importance of the results. The system, created over 50 years ago, has faced some domestic criticism, with the South Korean news agency Yonhap referring to it as 'outdated' and calling for reform.