South Korea football captain apologises for 'not going to military' remark after Asian Games gold

South Korea's Asian Games football captain Lee Gi-hyuk apologised on Sunday for saying he would not have to do military service after his team won the men's gold medal.South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 in the men's final in Toyota, near Nagoya, on Saturday to win their fourth consecutive Asian Games title.After the victory, the 26-year-old Lee, a defender who plays in the domestic K League, held up his gold medal and told reporters: "I'm not going to the military."Able-bodied South Korean men are usually required to complete between 18 months and two years of military service before turning 28. However, the government grants exemptions to Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medallists of any colour. Those athletes instead complete only a few weeks of basic military training.Military exemptions are a sensitive issue in South Korea, and athletes usually avoid discussing them publicly.Lee later apologised for "the thoughtless remarks I made and the way I behaved after the match, things I should not have said or done, both as captain and as a player".In a statement on Instagram, he said he was "caught up in the happiness, adrenaline and excitement of the moment"."I am deeply sorry to the fans who are currently fulfilling their military duty, as well as to all those who sincerely supported us," he said."As an adult I should have thought carefully before speaking. 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."Asian Games football is played by under-23 teams, although three overage players are allowed in each squad.Lee was also part of South Korea's World Cup campaign in North America, where the team were eliminated in the group stage.Golfer Tom Kim also earned a military exemption after winning gold at the Asian Games on Saturday.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.