Mandatory military service forces South Korean athletes to pause their careers for 1.5 years, but winning medals can ease this burden, albeit temporarily.
Athletes like Kim Min-jae gain military exemption by excelling at the Asian Games or Olympics, with limited relief offered only for notable historical performances like 2002’s World Cup.
Despite exemptions, athletes are still required to fulfill community service hours and undergo basic training, complicating their transition from international competition back to service.
Kim's experience highlights the unique challenges faced by South Korean athletes, who must balance their sporting ambitions with national obligations and community service requirements.
Collection
[
|
...
]