(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Mina Ryu = As the controversy surrounding the remarks regarding the military exemption of the national soccer team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games spread, voices were raised one after another in the People Power Party on the 4th calling for a reconsideration of the military service exemption.
Five-term lawmaker Na Kyung-won wrote on Facebook that day, "We must responsibly begin discussions on fundamental reform of the arts and physical education special military service system so that a fair military service system that all young Koreans can understand can be established."
Regarding the controversy over the national team's military exemption statement, Rep. Na said, "Since the country has offered military service as compensation, it is natural for players to see that and play," and pointed out, "The problem is not the players, but the outdated system."
Rep. Na said, "In the days when there was no proper way to promote Korea to the world, a single medal was a way to promote the country, and it was definitely meaningful back then, but it is different now. The world knows Korea through K-pop, K-dramas, semiconductors, smartphones, and automobiles."
In particular, Rep. Na emphasized, "BTS (BTS), which promoted national prestige on the world stage more than anyone else, also completed military service," and added, "Now, we cannot persuade the public with the justification of 'promoting national prestige' alone."
Rep. Na said, “It is now necessary to reexamine special military service provisions for sports and arts,” and proposed redefining the competitions and events subject to special exemptions to match the current national status, and reviewing ways to reflect cumulative performance in international competitions rather than just one winning prize.
Four-term lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo also said on Facebook, “The military exemption for the Asian Games must now be reconsidered.”
Rep. Ahn said, "The remarks made by some players on the national soccer team are outrageous. Is the military a hateful institution?" and added, "It is so devastating that the players who play for the national team wearing the Taegeuk symbol have this level of awareness."
He continued, "A few days ago, a soldier lost his ankle to a North Korean landmine on the Western Front," and added, "It is a tragedy that he was injured while searching a dangerous area for the Republic of Korea. Being for the country is something that must be said in light of such sacrifices."
Rep. Ahn argued, "In order to protect these people who have completely forgotten the consideration of the people and the country that respects the promotion of national prestige with just one 'exemption shot' goal, they are dishonoring those who have fulfilled their national defense duties and devoted themselves to the country."
Previously, Yang Min-hyuk, a member of the Asian Games national soccer team, said in an interview after winning the gold medal the previous day, "Medals or trophies are not important, and I think I played only because of the military exemption."
In addition, player Park Seung-soo posted a photo wearing a 'discharge cap' on social media in the locker room after the game, and captain Ki-hyuk Lee also mentioned that he will not have to go to the military because of this gold medal.
Some in the ruling party criticized the People Power Party for raising the debate on special military service.
Rep. Yeom Tae-young of the Democratic Party of Korea wrote on Facebook, "It is truly embarrassing to see the 'divisive politics' of a lawmaker who dragged the immature behavior of some athletes into a political debate because he felt it was the right time to encourage the hard work of the athletes who won gold medals."
