Lee Gi-hyuk apologises for military exemption boast

South Korea football captain Lee Gi-hyuk apologised on Oct. 4 after boasting that winning Asian Games gold meant he would not have to complete regular military service.

South Korea beat hosts Japan 1-0 in the men's final in Toyota, near Nagoya, on Oct. 3, securing a fourth straight Asian Games title. After the match, Lee smiled and held up his gold medal to reporters, saying: "I'm not going to the military."

Able-bodied South Korean men are generally required to serve 18 months to two years before age 28. Asian Games gold medallists and Olympic medal winners receive an exemption from regular service and instead do weeks of light basic training.

Lee, a 26-year-old defender in the domestic K League, apologised on Instagram for his remarks and behaviour, saying he had been caught up in the happiness and excitement of the moment. He said he was deeply sorry to fans serving in the military and to supporters of the team.