[Anchor]

Military service exemptions in the arts and sports sectors were first introduced in 1973. In sports, athletes who place in the top three at the Olympics or win a gold medal at the Asian Games are designated as "arts and sports personnel," while in the arts, prize winners across 95 categories in 35 competitions qualify. Instead of serving on active duty, they are required to undergo three weeks of basic military training, complete 544 hours of community service, and work in their respective fields for at least 34 months. So far, 1,999 individuals have received these military exemptions, with 57 more added through the recent Asian Games. However, with recent controversies sparked by certain athletes, the Ministry of National Defense announced today (October 6) that it will ultimately push to reduce or abolish the exemption system.

Reporter Choi Jae-yeong has the story.

[Reporter]

[Lee Ki-hyuk / Captain, Asian Games Men's National Football Team (October 3): "I'm not going to the military."]

Asian Games gold medalists posted proof photos wearing military discharge caps on social media, while another remarked in an interview that he "played only eyeing the reward of military exemption."

Public sentiment has turned cold over their careless and lighthearted remarks, which treat compulsory military service lightly.

Expressing that it finds the situation "deeply regrettable," the Ministry of National Defense stated today that it will overhaul the military exemption system.

[Jeong Bit-na / Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson: "Taking into comprehensive account equity, fairness, the decline in military personnel resources, and public consensus, we will ultimately reflect the reduction and abolition of supplementary service, including arts and sports personnel, in the Defense Reform Basic Plan..."]

The Military Manpower Administration is currently conducting a research study on measures to improve military service benefits in the arts and sports fields.

The findings of the study are expected around November 15. Given the stark reality of dwindling military manpower, authorities appear highly likely to take decisive action, particularly regarding the sports sector.

A government official noted, "A consensus has formed toward phasing out the system for the sports sector."

In the arts sector, authorities raised the bar by reducing the number of eligible competitions from 148 in 2008 to 35 currently.

In contrast, the sports sector has maintained the same criteria since 1990: finishing in the top three at the Olympics or winning first place at the Asian Games.

With politicians predominantly viewing this as an issue of fairness—including equity with pop culture artists—moves to amend relevant legislation are expected to gain momentum.

Having been maintained for 53 years, the special military exemption system now stands at a crossroads, beginning with the sports sector.

(Reported by Kim Hyun-sang | Video by Park Chun-bae | Graphics by Lee Jong-jeong | Video Source: X (@wiriness), Instagram playkfa)