{
  "id": 12320861,
  "title": "Captain apologises for gloating over military service exemption",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/captain-apologises-for-gloating-over-military-service-exemption-12320861",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T06:43:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/captain-apologises-gloating-over-military-064352100.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korea's captain Lee Gi-hyuk has issued an apology for boasting about evading mandatory military service following his gold medal win at the Asian Games. After leading his team, Gangwon FC, to a 1-0 victory over hosts Japan in the final, Lee displayed his gold medal and proudly declared he would not be serving in the military. In a subsequent post on social media, the 26-year-old expressed his deep regret to the fans currently serving their military obligations, as well as to all supporters who have shown their unwavering support.\n\nSouth Korean men are generally obliged to complete between 18 and 21 months of compulsory military service before reaching the age of 28. However, the government grants service exemptions to Asian Games and Olympic medal winners, bypassing the mandatory service, with the exception of basic training, which typically lasts less than a month. Golfer Tom Kim also circumvented military service by claiming gold at the Asian Games. Notable athletes who have previously taken advantage of this exemption include former Tottenham footballer Son Heung-min, who served for a mere three weeks in 2020 after winning the Asian Games with his nation two years prior.\n\nLee, one of the older players in South Korea's Under-23 squad, plays for Gangwon FC in South Korea's K League. Reflecting on his actions, Lee stated that as an adult he should have exercised more caution before making his remarks. He deeply regrets his careless comments and pledges to continue contemplating the consequences of his words. Lee sincerely apologizes to all the fans who have unconditionally supported the team and are diligently fulfilling their military duties.",
  "summary": "Lee Gi-hyuk apologises for gloating about avoiding South Korea's mandatory military service by captaining his country to the football gold medal at the Asian Games.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Captain apologises for gloating over military service exemption",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/captain-apologises-for-gloating-over-military-service-exemption",
        "published": "2026-10-06T06:43:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}