Public Reaction Chills Over Military Exemptions as Gold Medalists Boast "No Army for Me"

As remarks and actions related to military service exemptions by some national football team players who won gold at the Asian Games sparked controversy, calls are mounting across the political spectrum to overhaul the system.

Representative Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea wrote on social media, "While the athletes' hard work must be respected, if the system fails to keep up with the times, even their efforts will be overshadowed by controversies over fairness," arguing that the 53-year-old military exemption system must now be restructured.

He added, "A gradual reform that phases down the scope of eligible candidates and criteria is a realistic solution."

Representative Min Hong-chul of the Democratic Party also pointed out on social media, "With the low birth rate, the pool of resources for mandatory military service is shrinking day by day, and all young people are elevating national prestige in their respective positions," adding, "Military exemptions are granted to Olympic gold medalists, Asian Games winners, and top prize winners in various international competitions, but the standards and fairness are ambiguous."

Calls for system reform were also raised within the People Power Party.

Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-hoon stated in a commentary, "The national flag emblem is not a free pass to evade military service," adding, "We must reassess whether the current system aligns with the times and public common sense."

He wrote, "If the system is to be maintained by redesigning the standards based on a comprehensive assessment of the level of competition and international standing by discipline, corresponding service and public responsibility must also be strengthened."

Representative Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party also argued on social media, "Even BTS fulfilled their military service; the justification of elevating national prestige alone can no longer persuade the public," adding, "A reexamination of military exemptions in sports and the arts is now necessary."

The military exemption system for the arts and sports was introduced in 1973 with the aim of promoting national prestige through achievements in international competitions.

With voices in agreement on improving the military exemption system emerging from lawmakers across both ruling and opposition parties, attention is focusing on whether discussions on institutional reform will begin in earnest at the National Assembly.

Reported by Park Se-won | Video by Park Jin-hyeong | Graphics by Lee Jeong-joo | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.