Kang Shin-chul vows gradual phase-out of military service exemptions for athletes, artists

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul said Wednesday he aims to gradually reduce and ultimately abolish the military service exemption program for athletes and artists, amid growing controversy over remarks made by some players who won gold medals at the recent Asian Games.

Speaking at a national audit by the National Assembly's Defense Committee at the Defense Ministry, Kang said the ministry's goal is to "ultimately abolish" the exemption system. He was responding to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Yong-won about whether the arts and sports exemption should be scaled back or eliminated.

Kang also expressed deep regret over comments and conduct by some members of the South Korean men's football team at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, saying their behavior "denigrated the sacred duty of national defense."

The remarks came as debate over reforming the exemption system intensified following the actions of some gold medal-winning players. Several athletes mentioned their military exemption in post-victory interviews, and photos of them wearing military discharge caps posted on SNS drew public criticism.

The Defense Ministry plans to incorporate measures to reduce or eliminate the supplemental service category — which includes arts and sports personnel — into its new basic defense reform plan.

The Military Manpower Administration is currently conducting a policy research study that includes proposals to strictly limit the competitions that qualify athletes and artists for the exemption. The findings are expected around mid-November.

Based on those results, the administration plans to consult with the Defense Ministry and other relevant agencies, with a reform announcement expected as early as year's end.

However, Kang did not specify a timeline for abolition or detail how any changes would be implemented.