Military manpower agency chief voices regret over Asian Games footballers' gloating about military exemption

The head of South Korea's military manpower agency, Hong So-young, expressed regret on Monday over the country's footballers' celebration of their exemption from mandatory military service following their victory at the recent Asian Games. During a parliamentary audit, Hong made the comments in response to several of the gold medalists' boastful remarks in media interviews and on social media, which ignited strong public criticism and reignited calls for a policy review.

"I deeply regret this unfortunate situation. I take heavily to heart the sense of loss felt by young men serving their military duties, as well as the public's calls for reform," Hong stated. After securing the gold medal in men's football at the Asian Games on October 3, Yang Min-hyeok, one of the players on the national team, told the media that he played the match to secure the exemption rather than to win a medal or trophy.

Park Seung-soo, another member of the team, posted a photo of himself wearing a cap commonly worn by individuals who have completed their military service. These actions have prompted widespread outrage.