South Korea football captain Lee Gi-hyuk apologises after comments he makes following the Asian Games men’s final. South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 in Toyota, near Nagoya, on Saturday to win the tournament for the fourth consecutive time. After the match, Lee smiles and holds up his gold medal while saying, “I’m not going to the military,” drawing criticism.

In South Korea, most able-bodied men must complete mandatory military service of roughly 18 months to two years before age 28. However, the government grants exemptions to athletes who win Asian Games gold medals and certain Olympic medals, typically requiring only weeks of light basic training. Outlets report that such exemptions are a sensitive issue and that athletes generally avoid discussing them publicly.

Lee issues an apology on Sunday, saying his remarks and behaviour were “thoughtless” and that he is “deeply sorry.” Additional coverage notes that other South Korean players also apologise for celebrating military exemption after winning gold, indicating broader scrutiny of how athletes portray the benefits linked to conscription rules.