Defense ministry plans to cut or end arts and sports military service exemptions
In short
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it plans to include a reduction or abolition of supplementary service, including arts and sports personnel, in its Defense Reform Basic Plan, after Asian Games footballers’ remarks about military service exemptions caused controversy. The ministry said it was “very regretful” about remarks from some in the sports world. Footballer Yang Min-hyuk had said he played for the exemption rather than the medal.
Read the full story 1 min read
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said on Oct. 6 that it plans to include a reduction or abolition of supplementary service, including arts and sports personnel, in its Defense Reform Basic Plan, after controversy over remarks by Asian Games footballers about military service exemptions. [ 2 , 3 ]
At a regular briefing, ministry spokesperson Jung Bit-na said the ministry would take into account fairness among those obligated to serve, the shrinking supply of service resources and public consensus. She said the ministry was “very regretful” about remarks made by some in the sports world. [ 2 , 3 ]
Yang Min-hyuk said in an interview after winning the gold medal that medals or trophies were not important and that he had played looking only at the military service exemption, according to SBS News. Park Seung-su posted a photo on social media of himself in the locker room wearing a “discharge” hat, and captain Lee Ki-hyuk said the gold medal meant he would not have to serve. [ 2 ]
After the players’ remarks, politicians and others called for changes to the arts and sports military service exception system, SBS News reported. Korea Economic Daily framed the episode in its headline as a controversy over looking only at the exemption rather than the medal, and said the Defense Ministry had drawn its sword in response. [ 1 , 2 ]
Jung said military service is a sacred duty that all members of society should respect together, adding that she sincerely hopes a social culture that values that duty more highly will take root. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The remarks put the arts and sports military service exception system under political pressure, and the ministry now says it intends to fold a reduction or abolition of supplementary service into its Defense Reform Basic Plan. The documents give no timetable or detail, so the practical effect on current and future athletes and artists is not yet known.
Key facts
- The Defense Ministry said it plans to reflect a reduction or abolition of supplementary service, including arts and sports personnel, in the Defense Reform Basic Plan. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Defense Ministry spokesperson Jung Bit-na said the ministry would consider fairness among those obligated to serve, the shrinking pool of service resources and public consensus. [ 2 ]
- The ministry said it was “very regretful” about remarks made by some in the sports world. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Yang Min-hyuk said after the gold medal that medals or trophies were not important and that he played looking only at the military service exemption. [ 2 ]
- Park Seung-su posted a photo on social media wearing a “discharge” hat in the locker room, and captain Lee Ki-hyuk said the gold medal meant he would not have to serve. [ 2 ]
- Politicians and others have called for changes to the arts and sports military service exception system after the players’ remarks. [ 2 ]
- Jung said military service is a sacred duty that all members of society should respect, and that she hopes a social culture valuing it will take root. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The Defense Ministry said it plans to include a reduction or abolition of supplementary service, including arts and sports personnel, in its Defense Reform Basic Plan. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The Defense Ministry said it was very regretful about remarks by some in the sports world. [ 2 , 3 ]
- A controversy arose over Asian Games footballers’ remarks about military service exemptions. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- When and how a reduction or abolition of supplementary service would be implemented. The ministry said it plans to reflect the change in the Defense Reform Basic Plan, but no timetable or scope is given in the documents.
- Whether the arts and sports military service exception system would be reduced or fully abolished. The ministry used the wording “reduction or abolition” without specifics.
- Whether any measures will follow for the players whose remarks caused the controversy. The documents state the ministry’s regret but mention no disciplinary or other steps.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Korea Economic Daily publishes a headline saying the Defense Ministry “drew its sword” after the controversy over looking only at military service exemption rather than medals. [ 1 ]
- SBS News reports the Defense Ministry’s regular briefing, including the plan for supplementary service and the spokesperson’s remarks. [ 2 ]
- Chosun Ilbo reports the ministry’s “very regretful” response and its plan to reflect a reduction or abolition of supplementary service in the Defense Reform Basic Plan. [ 3 ]