Choi Hwi-young, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced plans to develop comprehensive measures regarding the military exemption system for arts and sports personnel amid controversy over fairness.
During a National Audit session on October 7, Choi responded to a query from Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Gye-won about the need to improve the military exemption system for arts and sports personnel, stating, "The concept of military service and the value of fairness seem to have changed significantly with the times."
The controversy arose after some members of the men's soccer team, who won a gold medal at the Asian Games on October 3, made inappropriate comments regarding military exemptions. Team captain Lee Gi-hyeok shouted, "I’m not going to the military," while Yang Min-hyeok remarked, "It seems we played with the thought of the military exemption as a reward." The youngest member, Park Seung-soo, posted a selfie wearing a military cap in the locker room on social media.
In response, lawmaker Jo pointed out that this incident has sparked public outrage and highlighted serious fairness issues, particularly among the youth.
On October 6, the Defense Ministry expressed regret over the remarks made by some players and announced plans to reform the supplementary military service system. They aim to ultimately reduce or eliminate the supplementary military service for arts and sports personnel, considering fairness among military service members and the decreasing pool of military resources.
Choi acknowledged that the military exemption system for arts and sports personnel has contributed to maintaining and developing the skills of talented athletes and artists. However, he emphasized the need to gather opinions from the sports and arts communities and collaborate with the Defense Ministry and Military Manpower Administration to devise a comprehensive plan.
Additionally, lawmaker Jo raised concerns that military service could end athletes' careers, advocating for the activation of the Army Sports Corps (Sangmu) to provide institutional support for athletes to maintain and develop their skills. Choi expressed agreement with this suggestion.
The arts and sports personnel exemption system was established in 1973 to provide military service alternatives for individuals who have achieved notable success in international competitions. In sports, athletes who place third or higher in the Olympics or first in the Asian Games are eligible. Those who are incorporated as sports personnel undergo basic military training and then serve for 34 months in their respective sports while fulfilling 544 hours of public service. This system allows them to continue their athletic careers without active military enlistment, commonly referred to as "military exemption."
The legal basis for this system is found in the Military Service Act, overseen by the National Assembly's Defense Committee. However, the authority for recommendations for incorporation and supervision of service lies with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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