South Korean esports star can skip draft with Asia Games gold

Controversy erupts as gamers able to skip duty as BTS members perform military service

JOHN DUERDEN, Contributing writer

September 16, 2023 14:38 JST

SEOUL -- South Korean soccer star Son Heung-min was able to earn an exemption from military service and keep playing in the English Premier League after his country took gold at the 2018 Asian Games. Now another famous South Korean athlete can continue his lucrative career by winning a title in the 2023 games -- without any physical exertion.