Backlash Over "I'm Not Going to the Military" Sparks Calls to Reform Exemption System

[Anchor]

The words and actions of some athletes, who appeared to have competed in the Asian Games solely to secure military exemptions, have prompted a reexamination of why the military service exemption system is necessary in the first place. Calls are also growing across the political spectrum to overhaul the system to fit modern times.

Yu Deok-gi reports.

[Reporter]

After earning military exemption benefits by winning an Asian Games gold medal, an athlete posted a commemorative photo wearing a military discharge cap, while another bluntly brought up military exemption during a post-match interview, remarking, "I'm not going to the military."

[Lee Ki-hyuk / Men's Asian Games Football Team Captain: "Military exemption made this tournament very important, and for me, enlistment was right around the corner, so... I'm not going to the military."]

As controversy erupted over the players' attitudes, which appeared to treat the duty of national defense as a form of punishment, calls emerged from both the ruling and opposition parties to reform the military service exemption system introduced in the 1970s.

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-joo, who serves as the President's Special Adviser on National Defense Policy, highlighted the "sharp decline in military manpower resources" and proposed a "gradual overhaul that phases down eligible recipients and criteria step by step," adding, "There has been bipartisan consensus in the National Assembly Defense Committee that military exemptions should be gradually reduced."

The Democratic Party stated that while an official party position has not yet been established, discussion on the issue is necessary.

[Shin Hyun-young / Democratic Party Spokesperson: "Even members of BTS fulfilled their military duties, so is it fair for our athletes to receive military service exemptions...?"]

The People Power Party stressed that public anger over the words and actions of some athletes is only natural, urging a comprehensive review of the exemption system in a direction the public can accept.

[Park Sung-hoon / People Power Party Spokesperson: "The honor achieved while representing the Republic of Korea must not be turned into an individual's 'success story of escaping military service.'"]

The military exemption issue is expected to be a major point of contention during the parliamentary audit of government affairs, which begins today (October 6). With calls from both sides of the aisle for reductions or a redesign, attention is focused on whether actual policy reforms will follow.

(Video by Oh Young-choon | Video Editing by Nam Il | Graphic Design by Kang Yoon-jeong)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.