South Korea signals military exemption cuts for athletes after Asian Games

South Korea signals cuts to military exemptions for gold medallists after backlash over athletes’ Asian Games comments.Published On 7 Oct 20267 Oct 2026South Korea’s sports minister says the government will review the military service exemption for gold-medal-winning athletes after public backlash to some controversial comments from winners at the Asian Games.Three players from the men’s football team came under fire for comments following South Korea’s 1-0 win over Japan in the Asian Games final last weekend in Japan.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta signs new contract with Premier League championslist 2 of 4‘He is our idol:’ Why Lionel Messi means so much to fans in Indialist 3 of 4CAS to hear Senegal appeal over AFCON title awarded to Moroccolist 4 of 4‘My actions must be punished’: Ronaldo confirms Portugal availabilityend of listAll three apologised, but a broader debate had already reignited over whether athletes should receive special treatment for sporting achievements, particularly as common citizens, as even members of BTS – the globally famous K-pop group – had to complete their mandatory service.Al Jazeera Sport takes a closer look ...