Football Gold Won, but Remarks on Skipping Military and 'Discharge Cap' Photos Spark Outcry

▲ South Korean football gold medal

As controversy grows over remarks regarding military service exemptions made by members of the national football team who won the gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, calls to reconsider military exemption privileges have repeatedly emerged from the People Power Party today (October 4).

Five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won wrote on Facebook on the same day, "We must responsibly begin discussions on a fundamental overhaul of the military service exemption system for sports and the arts so that a fair military service system that all young South Koreans can accept can be established."

Regarding the controversy over the national team's comments on military exemption, Na pointed out, "Since the state offered military exemption as a reward, it is only natural that players competed with that goal in mind," adding, "The problem lies not with the athletes, but with an outdated system."

Na said, "In times when there were few ways to promote South Korea to the world, a single medal was tantamount to national promotion, and it certainly had meaning back then, but things are different now," noting, "Today, the world knows South Korea through K-pop, K-dramas, semiconductors, smartphones, and automobiles."

In particular, Na emphasized, "Even BTS, who promoted national prestige on the global stage more than anyone else, fulfilled their military service," stressing, "The justification of 'promoting national prestige' alone can no longer convince the public."

Na stated, "It is now time to review military service privileges for sports and arts," proposing that the eligible competitions and sports disciplines be redefined to match the country's current global stature, and that cumulative international records be considered rather than a single podium finish.

Four-term lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo also posted on Facebook, stating, "It is time to reconsider Asian Games military exemptions."

Ahn said, "The remarks made by some players on the national football team are appalling. Is the military a despised facility?" He added, "It is truly devastating that athletes representing the country with the Taegeuk mark have this level of awareness."

He continued, "Just a few days ago on the western front, a soldier lost an ankle due to a North Korean landmine," emphasizing, "It was a tragic accident suffered while searching a dangerous area for the Republic of Korea. Sacrifices like this are what serving the nation is truly about."

Ahn argued, "Those who have completely forgotten the country that honors national prestige and the public's consideration just for scoring a 'military exemption goal' are insulting those who fulfill their national defense duties and dedicate themselves to protecting the nation, including individuals like them," asserting, "Military exemptions are entirely out of the question for national team athletes who disgrace the country and hold the military in contempt."

Earlier, after winning the gold medal the previous day, national football team player Yang Min-hyuk said in an interview, "Medals or trophies weren't important; I think I played the match with only military exemption in sight."

Additionally, player Park Seung-soo posted a photo on social media showing himself wearing a military "discharge cap" in the locker room after the match, while team captain Lee Ki-hyuk also mentioned that winning gold spared him from enlisting in the military.

Meanwhile, criticism was directed at the People Power Party from some within the ruling party over raising the debate on military exemptions.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Yeom Taeyoung wrote on Facebook, "Instead of first commending the hard work of athletes who won gold medals, it is truly shameful to see a certain lawmaker seize the moment and engage in 'divisive politics' by dragging the immature behavior of some athletes into a political dispute."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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