South Korean football captain Lee Gi-hyuk has apologized for boasting that his Asian Games gold medal exempted him from mandatory military service.

The 26-year-old made the remarks after his team defeated host nation Japan 1-0 in the final. Holding up his medal, Lee announced he was "not going to the military". The comment sparked immediate backlash.

South Korean men must complete 18 and 21 months of active duty before the age of 28. The government grants Asian Games champions and Olympic medal winners an exemption from full service. They only attend basic training, which lasts less than a month.

Other athletes have navigated the same path. Golfer Tom Kim earned the exemption after winning Asian Games gold. Son Heung-min previously served just three weeks in 2020 under the same rule.

Lee, who plays for Gangwon FC in the K League, was an overage player on South Korea's Under-23 squad. He later posted a statement expressing regret for his comments. "I deeply regret having spoken so carelessly, and I will continue to reflect on my actions," Lee said.