Let Women Join Special Forces: Wrestling Prospect Vows to Win Olympic Gold and Enlist

Amid controversies surrounding military service exemptions for Asian Games medalists, a young female wrestling prospect is drawing attention by expressing her desire to enlist in the military after winning an Olympic gold medal.

Lim Ha-kyung, a 13-year-old resident of Chilgok-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, achieved excellent results in national competitions this year. When asked about her future goals at an encouragement gathering held by local residents on the 10th, she stated, "I want to win a gold medal at the Olympics and volunteer for enlistment."

Lim added, "Becoming a national team member and winning an Olympic gold medal is a dream, but I also really want to protect my country. I think fulfilling the national defense duty is an even more valuable medal than an Olympic gold medal."

Following the report of her remarks at the time, an outpouring of support and encouragement has been directed toward Lim.

Lim, whose dream was to enlist in the Navy's special intelligence unit (UDU), even sent a handwritten letter directly to President Lee Jae-myung last December upon learning that women are not permitted to join the UDU.

In the letter at the time, Lim wrote, "Mr. President, I am Lim Ha-kyung, a girl who wrestles. Please allow women to enter the UDU special forces. I will work hard and also win an Olympic gold medal. I will await your reply."

Currently attending Daegu Sports Middle School and competing as a female freestyle 62kg wrestler, Lim previously defeated male students to win a championship at a competition when she was an elementary school student.

This year, she secured three gold medals and one silver medal in national competitions.

The mayor of Chilgok-gun said, "Together with local residents, we will cheer her on so that she can achieve both of her dreams: winning an Olympic gold medal and serving in the military."

(Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.