Tom Kim has secured an exemption from full mandatory military service in South Korea after winning gold in the men's Individual Strokeplay event at the Asian Games. Gold-medal victories at the continental multi-sport event or the Olympic Games provide South Korean men with an exemption from military enlistment before turning 28.
Victory in Japan
Kim, 24, clinched the gold by three shots following a six-under 64 final round at Kasugai in the Aichi Prefecture. He travelled to Japan from the Presidents Cup at Medinah.
South Korea finished second to China in the men's team event. Kim played alongside Mun Do-yeob and SH Kim. That meant SH Kim, who turns 29 in a fortnight, will not receive a military exemption. Mun, 35, has already completed his service.
Service requirements and exemptions
Non-disabled men in South Korea are generally required to serve 18-21 months. However, exemptions reduce that time, with former Tottenham star Son Heung-min a notable recent example after winning gold at the Asian Games with his country in 2018.
The then-Tottenham Hotspur player served just three weeks two years later, while the Premier League season was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. That was enough for him to graduate. However, the footballer still had to complete 544 hours of community service.
Kim's reaction and career
Asked about earning his exemption, Kim said: "Despite that, I'm more proud that I'm able to bring a medal for my country. I tried not to think about it."
"I just tried to play (the) best for my country. It's a big stepping stone. I think the pressure that I felt this week, I'll be able to implement it in my upcoming seasons."
Kim won the Scottish Open this summer, his first PGA Tour win in almost three years. He finished two shots clear of Presidents Cup team-mate Min Woo Lee, who was born in Perth to South Korean parents.
He has amassed £16.3m in earnings from the PGA Tour throughout his career, having also won the Shriners Children's Open in 2022 and 2023, and the 2022 Wyndham Championship.
System under scrutiny
South Korean news agency Yonhap has recently called for change after describing the system as "outdated". It has been in place for over 50 years, with conscription beginning in 1957, four years after the Korean War ended.
The conflict is still ongoing and dates back almost 80 years to 1948, when separate governments were created for the North and South. Baseball and esports players have also earned exemptions this year.
