Kim Joo-hyung wins Asian Games gold medal, secures military service benefits, allows continuation of PGA Tour activities

The Athletic reported on the 3rd (local time), "Kim Joo-hyung secured at least one year and six months by winning the gold medal in the men's golf individual event at the Asian Games," and added, "He receives military service benefits in accordance with relevant Korean laws."

He added, "It is common for Korean men to enlist before the age of 28 due to mandatory military service, and historically, many Korean golf players, such as Bae Sang-moon and Noh Seung-yeol, have had difficulty recovering their top skills after serving."

He added, “If Kim Joo-hyung had not won this competition, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics would have been his last chance to receive military service benefits,” adding, “He has relieved himself of a great deal of burden by winning this competition.”

He also introduced, "Korea provides military service benefits to athletes who have won Olympic medals or Asian Games gold medals. Many Korean athletes do their best to receive this benefit. Top athletes such as Choo Shin-soo (2010 Guangzhou Games) and Son Heung-min (2018 Jakarta and Palembang Games) did the same."

The U.S. Golf Channel reported that military service benefits are directly linked to enormous economic benefits.

The media said, “By receiving military service benefits, Kim Joo-hyung has prevented the loss of 18 to 21 months of playing time that he could have enjoyed in his prime and the resulting loss of millions of dollars in income,” and added, “He is leaving Japan with a lightened burden on his mind and a new sense of security about the future.”

The British BBC introduced, "Now Kim Joo-hyung can continue his career as a player on the PGA Tour without any major setbacks. He had the opportunity to receive military service benefits at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but he failed as he did not win a medal."

“Many Korean players enjoy military service benefits through the Asian Games,” the report said. “A representative player is Son Heung-min, who played for Tottenham in the English Premier League. He served only three weeks after winning the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang.”

Foreign media also highlighted Kim Seong-hyeon, who participated in this competition along with Kim Joo-hyung, but unfortunately did not receive military service benefits.

The BBC introduced, "Kim Seong-hyun did not receive an exemption from military service because Korea only won a silver medal in the men's team event."

Seonghyun Kim returned to Korea in April, when he was playing on the PGA Tour, as he was unable to receive permission to extend his departure due to military service.

After taking sick leave from the PGA Tour, he continued his career as a player in Korea and participated in this tournament.

Meanwhile, Kim Joo-hyung recorded 6 under par 64 strokes, including 1 eagle, 5 birdies, and 1 bogey, in the final round of the men's golf individual event held at the East Course (par 70) of Kasugai Country Club, Aichi Prefecture, Japan on the 3rd, and won with a final total of 18 under par 262 strokes, beating the second place group by 3 strokes.