(URGENT) S. Korea wins gold in equestrian dressage individual at Asian Games

Medinah, Illinois (AP) — The International team is in a position to claim the Presidents Cup for the first time in 28 years, and South Korean golfer Tom Kim may not be around to witness the event on Sunday. Kim, who has emerged victorious in three of his four matches thus far in Medinah, is set to face a tournament of similar significance next week in Japan.

Three South Korean golfers—Kim, S.H. Kim, and Do-yeob Moon—are competing in the Asian Games, which commence on Wednesday at Kasugi Country Club. Earning a gold medal in either the men's or team competition would exempt Kim from his mandatory military service. Two individuals connected with the International team revealed Kim's departure for Japan on Sunday afternoon, requesting anonymity due to Kim's lack of prior communication about the Asian Games.

His availability was not confirmed on Saturday after he lost his foursomes match. At the 2020 Paris Olympics, Kim was emotional during his final round when he started four shots behind the leader, rebounded with a 68, and ultimately finished four shots shy of a bronze medal. At the age of 24, Kim might have another opportunity to win an Olympic medal in Los Angeles in 2028.

Under South Korean law, most physically fit men are required to serve 18 to 21 months of military service. Special exemptions are granted to athletes and classical artists who excel in specific international competitions with national significance. For athletes, this means winning any medal at the Olympics or a gold medal at the Asian Games.

Kim was ranked 144th in the world when selected for the South Korean team. Since then, he has won the Scottish Open, finished third in the U.S. Open, and currently holds the 31st position in the world rankings. Other South Korean golfers chosen for the Asian Games include S.H. Kim, who began the year on the PGA Tour before returning to South Korea in April, and Do-yeob Moon.

The Asian Games were initially an amateur event; however, professionals were permitted for the last Asian Games, postponed until 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional golfers from South Korea competing include Sungjae Im, Si Woo Kim, and Tom Kim. Japan's golfers, Keita Nakajima, Kazuki Higa (who won the Asian Tour money list in 2025), and Taishi Moto, are expected to pose significant competition in the Asian Games.