Lee Gi-hyuk apologises after gloating about Asian Games military exemption

Lee Gi-hyuk apologised on 6 October 2026 after celebrating South Korea's Asian Games gold, a 1-0 win over hosts Japan, during which he held up his medal and said he was "not going to the military".

The on-pitch celebration drew attention because South Korea grants Asian Games champions and Olympic medal winners of any colour an exemption from full active service; basic training for exempted athletes lasts less than a month. South Korean males are, in most circumstances, required to undertake between 18 and 21 months of active military service before the age of 28.

The 26-year-old, who plays for Gangwon FC, later posted on social media and, according to local media reports, 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".

Athletes who have previously secured the exemption include golfer Tom Kim, who also avoided military service by winning gold at the Asian Games, and 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."