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Seoul to review decades-old military exemption after backlash

By Drooid · Oct 13, 2026, 11:12 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

South Korea’s soccer team won Asian Games gold, granting its players military-service exemption.
Captain Lee Gi-hyuk declared “I’m not going to the military” after beating Japan in the men’s final.
The celebration triggered public backlash across South Korea.
Seoul officials announced they will review the decades-old exemption system.
The exemption policy has existed for decades, prompting calls for reform.

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Story summary

South Korea’s soccer team won Asian Games gold, granting its players military-service exemption.
Captain Lee Gi-hyuk declared “I’m not going to the military” after beating Japan in the men’s final.
The celebration triggered public backlash across South Korea.
Seoul officials announced they will review the decades-old exemption system.
The exemption policy has existed for decades, prompting calls for reform.