South Korea captain Lee Gi-hyuk has apologised for gloating about avoiding mandatory military service after winning gold at the Asian Games.
His side beat hosts Japan 1-0 in the final and, afterwards, Lee held up his gold medal and triumphantly announced he was “not going to the military”.
In a social media post reported by local media,, external the 26-year-old later said he was “deeply sorry to the fans who are currently fulfilling their military duty, as well as to all those who sincerely supported us”.
South Korean males are, in most circumstances, required to undertake between 18 and 21 months of active military service before the age of 28.
However, the government rewards Asian Games champions and Olympic medal winners of any colour with a service exemption bar basic training, which lasts less than a month.
Golfer Tom Kim also avoided military service by winning gold at the Asian Games.
Athletes who have previously secured the exemption include former Tottenham footballer Son Heung-min, who served for only three weeks in 2020 having won the Asian Games with his country two years earlier.
“As an adult I should have thought carefully before speaking,” added Lee, who was one of the overage players in his country’s Under-23 squad and plays for Gangwon FC in South Korea’s K League.
“I deeply regret having spoken so carelessly, and I will continue to reflect on my actions.
“I sincerely apologise to all the fans who have supported us wholeheartedly and who are doing their utmost to fulfil their military duty.”
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