South Korea weighs cuts to athletes’ military service scheme
The sports minister has called for a review of supplementary service for artists and athletes after footballers’ comments reignited debate over fairness.
South Korea’s government is considering changes to a scheme that lets some artists and athletes undertake supplementary military service instead of the usual term. Sports Minister Choi Hwi-young told a parliamentary committee the system should be comprehensively reviewed and scaled back.
Defence Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said the ministry had plans to reduce or scrap supplementary service for artists and athletes. No specific changes, timetable or final decision have been reported.
The debate intensified after three members of South Korea’s men’s football team faced criticism for remarks about military service following their 1–0 Asian Games final win over Japan. All three apologised. Their comments renewed questions about whether sporting achievements should qualify people for different service arrangements.
Most South Korean men must complete 18 to 21 months of military service by age 28. Since 1973, Olympic medallists and Asian Games gold medallists have qualified for supplementary service, which includes three weeks of basic training.
The controversy has also prompted comparisons with mandatory service completed by members of BTS. The proposal remains under review; the government has not announced whether the existing eligibility rules will change.
