Yang Min-hyeok Apologises After Asian Games Military Exemption Backlash
Tottenham Hotspur loanee Yang Min-hyeok has apologised after his remarks about South Korea’s Asian Games gold medal and the military-service exemption attached to it triggered a public backlash.
Key takeaways
- Yang helped South Korea beat Japan in Saturday’s final, supplying the decisive assist for Swansea City forward Eom Jisung.
- The 20-year-old winger is spending the season on loan at Belgian Pro League club Westerlo.
- His initial comments suggested military exemption had been the main incentive for the squad.
- South Korean men normally face 18 to 21 months of compulsory military duty before turning 28.
- Asian Games gold medallists can receive an exemption, although they must still complete several weeks of basic training.
Yang issues public apology
Yang said he was sorry that his comments had caused disappointment and discomfort, stressing that representing South Korea and pursuing the title had carried major personal meaning.
After the final, he had described the exemption as the team’s “compensation” and said the trophy or medal itself had not been important. The remarks were widely taken as a slight on the honour of playing for the national side and on the achievement of winning gold.
In his response, Yang said he had failed to explain that avoiding full military service was only one motivation among several, alongside the squad’s ambition to produce a strong tournament performance and secure the championship.
He also accepted responsibility for language that made it appear he had treated the gold medal lightly. Yang said the result was earned through the work and support of many people, rather than being something the players could take for granted.
The winger addressed criticism that his words had been insensitive towards South Koreans currently completing their mandatory service. He insisted he had never intended to demean those serving now, or those who will be required to serve in future, and promised to show greater responsibility through his conduct on the pitch.
Gold brings exemption and extends South Korea’s run
South Korea’s victory over the host nation was their fourth consecutive men’s football gold medal at the Asian Games. Yang created the winner for Eom Jisung as the Taeguk Warriors continued a sequence that began in 2014.
That first title in the current run came through a 1-0 extra-time win over North Korea, with defender Rim Chang-woo scoring in the 121st minute.
The exemption system has long been a significant issue for South Korean footballers. Former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min secured the same benefit after winning Asian Games gold in 2018, enabling him to continue his club career without undertaking the full term of service.
