Tottenham Hotspur player Yang Min-hyeok has issued a lengthy apology after comments about military service exemptions angered South Korea. The 20-year-old, currently on loan at Belgian club Westerlo, made the remarks after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games earlier this month.
Comments spark backlash
Min-hyeok said: “We were being compensated, and the compensation was military exemption, so it feels like we played with that one thing in mind. Honestly, whether it was a trophy or a medal wasn't important.”
For most South Koreans at his age, military service is non-negotiable and can involve a minimum of 18 months of mandatory service. Successful sportspeople can be exempt if they win top awards or domestic and international honours, though they still must complete a two-week stint.
Apology issued
Days later, Min-hyeok apologised in a statement on social media, writing: “Hello, this is Yang Min-hyeok. I am sincerely sorry for causing disappointment and discomfort to so many people with my remarks regarding the Asian Games.
“Participating in the Asian Games as a representative of South Korea held great significance for me, and as an athlete, I naturally gave my all with the goal of winning the championship and the gold medal. However, I failed to properly convey that the military service exemption was merely one of several motivators - alongside the desire to achieve great results - that drove me forward.
“Regardless of my original intent, it is clearly my fault that my words caused discomfort and made it appear as though I took the significance of the gold medal lightly as a national team athlete. I recognise that the gold medal was not something simply guaranteed; it was an achievement made possible only through the hard work and support of many people.
“Furthermore, I never intended to belittle or mock the efforts of those currently fulfilling their military service obligations or those who will do so in the future. I sincerely apologise to everyone who was hurt or disappointed by my thoughtless remarks. Moving forward, I will strive to make amends not only through my words but by demonstrating a better attitude and a greater sense of responsibility on the field. My sincere apologies.”
Policy under review
According to Yonhap news, South Korean National Defense Ministry spokesperson Chung Binna confirmed plans to “cut back” or scrap entirely the two-week service. This could pave the way for many South Korean stars to be forced into full military service regardless of on-field achievements.
