‘I deeply regret my words’ –South Korean captain Issue

South Korean captain Lee Gi-hyuk has been forced into a humiliating public retreat, issuing a humiliating apology after sparking massive outrage across the country by gloating online about evading mandatory military service.

Controversy erupted after the captain celebrated winning a crucial gold medal at a major international multi-sport tournament.

Under South Korean law, athletes who win gold medals at the Asian Games, or a medal of any color at the Olympics, receive a prestigious exemption from the country’s grueling 18- to 21-month mandatory military service, reducing it to just a few weeks of basic training.

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However, the player’s celebratory comments after the game struck a chord at home. On social media shortly after the triumph, the captain rubbed salt in the wounds of ordinary citizens by posting a triumphant message declaring, “I’m not going to the army!”, accompanied by mocking emojis directed at the strict national conscription laws that every able-bodied Korean citizen must face.

The post sparked instant fury across South Korea, with fans, media and public figures criticizing the player for his supreme arrogance, lack of patriotism and extreme disrespect towards citizens carrying out their civic-military duties.

Recognizing the serious threat to his reputation and international prestige, the player quickly deleted the post and issued a formal, tearful apology: “I am deeply sorry for the fans who are currently fulfilling their military duty, as well as for all those who sincerely supported us,” he said.

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‘As an adult I should have thought carefully before speaking. I deeply regret having spoken so carelessly and will continue to reflect on my actions.

“I sincerely apologize to all the fans who have supported us wholeheartedly and who are doing their best to fulfill their military duty.”

As the football association deliberates whether internal disciplinary action is necessary, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how sensitive the issue of national service remains in South Korea’s sports culture.