Why South Korea needs to redesign its military-service exemptions

For South Korea’s young athletes, a single Asian Games final can determine whether their careers continue uninterrupted or face a potentially costly military-service gap.

Kia Tigers slugger Kim Do-yeong, 23, leads the domestic home-run race and is considering a move overseas. To pursue the major leagues after completing the registration days required for posting, he must resolve his military obligation. The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which open on the 19th, therefore carry unusual importance. If South Korea wins baseball gold for a fifth consecutive time, Kim could enter the sports personnel program and continue his career while fulfilling his obligation.

Sixteen of the 24 baseball players on the national roster have not completed their military service. The situation is similar in men’s football, where 20 of 23 players remain liable. For young players competing in Europe, including Yang Min-hyeok, Bae Jun-ho and Kim Ji-soo, an interruption could affect competition within their clubs, transfers and future development. South Korea’s men’s team is seeking a fourth straight Asian Games title.

Under current rules, athletes who finish third or higher at the Olympics or win gold at the Asian Games can enter the sports personnel program. They complete three weeks of basic military training and serve for 34 months in their sporting field. The benefit does not apply to winners of the World Championships, the football World Cup or the World Baseball Classic. The article argues that the original rationale of promoting national prestige is no longer sufficient and that the system should instead protect athletes’ short careers.

It proposes a cumulative points model covering the Olympics, Asian Games, world and Asian championships, the World Cup and the World Baseball Classic. Points would reflect an event’s prestige, field size and level of competition, while sustained national-team service could also count. The system would need strict thresholds, safeguards against excessive expansion, and transparent publication of eligible events, scores and review procedures.