Key facts
- South Korea's military manpower agency chief regrets footballers' gloating about military exemptions.
- The exemptions were earned through winning the Asian Games football gold medal.
- Players expressed their joy over exemptions in media interviews and on social media.
- The government is considering reforms to the military exemption program.
- Reforms may include raising eligibility bars and reducing designated competitions.
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Yonhap) -- The head of South Korea's Military Manpower Administration voiced regret on Monday over South Korean footballers celebrating their exemption from mandatory military service following their recent Asian Games victory. Commissioner Hong So-young stated during a parliamentary audit that the actions of some gold medalists, who gloated about their exemptions in media interviews and on social media, have sparked public backlash and calls for reform.
"I deeply regret this unfortunate situation," Hong said. "I take heavily to heart the sense of loss felt by young men serving their military duties, as well as the public's calls for reform."