The South Korean U-23 soccer team, which won its fourth consecutive gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, is facing significant backlash. Controversial comments made by some players regarding military exemptions have drawn public ire following their victory.
Under the guidance of head coach Lee Min-sung, the South Korean U-23 team defeated host nation Japan 1-0 in the men's soccer final held on October 3 at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture.
With a decisive goal from Um Ji-sung (Swansea City), South Korea achieved its fourth consecutive Asian Games title, extending its record to seven gold medals since the 2014 Incheon Games.
However, the joy of victory was short-lived. Criticism erupted over comments made by players referencing military exemptions, which many deemed insensitive. Team captain Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon FC) stated in a post-match interview, "If we hadn’t won the gold medal, I would have had to enlist in the military in nine days. This tournament was especially important for the players in terms of military exemption, and for me, it was a pressing reality." He added, "I was anxious and desperate. It feels meaningful to have lifted that burden off my shoulders," before exclaiming, "I’m not going to the military!" while holding the gold medal.
Yang Min-hyuk (Beveren) also stirred controversy by saying, "I didn’t think medals or trophies were important. I think I played with my eyes solely on the military exemption as a reward."
Adding to the uproar, youngest team member Park Seung-soo (Newcastle United) posted a selfie wearing a military cap in the locker room, further aggravating public sentiment.
As the situation escalated, the players issued apologies upon their return home and on social media.
Upon arriving at Incheon International Airport on October 4, Lee Gi-hyuk expressed, "As the captain, I should have considered the weight of my words. I did not take the duty of national defense lightly." He continued on social media, "As the representative captain of the team, I should have spoken with responsibility for every word I said. I sincerely apologize to the fans for not doing so. I regret that my comments, influenced by the moment's happiness and excitement, focused on the military exemption, which may have hurt those fulfilling their national duty and the fans who have supported us wholeheartedly."
Yang Min-hyuk also clarified on social media, "The idea that military exemption was one of my motivations for achieving better results was miscommunicated. I have no intention of belittling or mocking the efforts of those fulfilling their military obligations or those who will have to do so in the future."
Park Seung-soo deleted his photo, explaining, "After the game, I received a cap from a fan and wore it. The joy and overwhelming feelings of winning the gold medal were so great that I didn’t think deeply about the significance of the cap when I posted the photo. I have no intention of mocking those fulfilling their military duties or belittling their efforts."
The sports community has also responded. The Korea Football Association issued an apology on October 4, stating, "We deeply apologize for the disappointment and hurt caused to many citizens and active-duty soldiers due to the careless remarks and interviews of some players."
Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, commented at a press conference held at the Korea House during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, "We have provided extensive training on interview skills, but it is difficult to control every player’s comments. In some ways, their remarks did not align with public sentiment. We will seek ways to ensure that national team players express themselves with dignity."
This incident has sparked political discussions, leading to calls for reform of the military exemption system for athletes. Lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party expressed on social media, "Is the military a place of hatred? Are all the young men who enlist every year fools? It is disheartening to see the mindset of athletes wearing the Taegeuk mark at this level. We need to reconsider military exemptions for the Asian Games."
Another lawmaker, Na Kyung-won, also from the People Power Party, stated, "The issue lies not with the athletes but with the outdated system. We need to redefine the events and sports eligible for exemptions to match our current national status. We should consider a system that reflects cumulative results from international competitions rather than a single victory."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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