Major U.S. media outlets highlighted South Korea's military service exemption system tied to major international multi-sport events while reporting on golf star Kim Joo-hyung's victory at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

The Athletic reported on October 3 (local time) that "by winning the gold medal in the men's individual golf event at the Asian Games, Kim Joo-hyung has secured at least a year and a half of time," adding that "he receives a military service exemption under South Korea's relevant laws."

It introduced that "it is common for South Korean men to enlist before the age of 28 due to mandatory military service, and historically, many South Korean golfers such as Bae Sang-moon and Noh Seung-yul struggled to regain their top-tier form after completing their service."

The outlet added, "Had he not won this tournament, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics would have been his last chance to receive a military service exemption," and "with this tournament win, he has lifted a heavy burden."

It also noted that "South Korea grants military service exemptions to athletes who win an Olympic medal or an Asian Games gold medal," and "many South Korean athletes do their utmost to receive this benefit."

Top athletes like Choo Shin-soo (2010 Guangzhou Games) and Son Heung-min (2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games) did so as well, it introduced.

Golf Channel reported that the military service exemption is directly linked to massive economic benefits.

The outlet stated, "By receiving the military service exemption, Kim Joo-hyung prevented the loss of 18 to 21 months of his athletic career during his prime and the resulting loss of millions of dollars in income," adding that "he leaves Japan with a lifted mental weight and a new sense of stability regarding his future."

Britain's BBC reported that "Kim Joo-hyung can now continue his career on the PGA Tour without major disruptions," and noted that "he had a chance to receive the military service exemption at the 2024 Paris Olympics as well, but failed after failing to win a medal."

It further reported that "many South Korean athletes enjoy military service exemptions through the Asian Games," and "a representative example is Son Heung-min, who played for Tottenham in the English Premier League and served only three weeks after winning the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games."

Foreign media also spotlighted Kim Seong-hyeon, who competed alongside Kim Joo-hyung in this tournament but unfortunately failed to receive the military service exemption.

The BBC reported that "Kim Seong-hyeon failed to receive military service exemption because South Korea settled for a silver medal in the men's team event."

Kim Seong-hyeon returned to South Korea in April while active on the PGA Tour after failing to receive permission to extend his departure due to military service obligations.

After taking a medical leave from the PGA Tour, he continued his athletic career in South Korea before participating in this tournament.

Meanwhile, Kim Joo-hyung shot an eagle, five birdies, and a bogey for a 6-under 64 in the final round of the men's individual golf tournament held yesterday at the East Course (par 70) of the Kasugai Country Club in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, winning the championship with a final score of 18-under 262, beating the runner-up group by 3 strokes.

(Photo: Yonhap News)