Achieving Glory at the Asian Games: Esports Athletes Aim for Medals and Military Exemption

Esports and Military Exemption: A New Chapter for South Korean Athletes

Gaming has reached an unprecedented milestone with esports being selected as an official medal sport for the Hangzhou Asian Games. However, this inclusion holds significant implications – possibly life-changing ones – for some players.

In South Korea, winning a gold medal in the Asian Games or Olympic Games not only brings honor but also grants male participants a military exemption.

The country has compulsory military service for men, requiring almost all able-bodied individuals to serve in the army for 18 months by the age of 28. However, there are exceptions allowed under certain circumstances.

South Korean law permits men who excel in sports, popular culture, art or higher education to defer their service until they reach the age of 30. This exemption has impacted various prominent figures in different fields including global music sensation BTS; currently three members of BTS are serving in the military while band member Suga recently began his service on September 22.

The mandatory duty can be waived for athletes who achieve remarkable success on international platforms such as winning an Olympic medal or a gold medal in the Asian Games.

Son Heung-min, captain of Premier League soccer team Tottenham Hotspur, received an exemption from his mandatory military conscription back in 2018 after winning gold at the Asian Games with South Korea.

This opens up new possibilities even within esports where achieving success on international stages could lead to similar outcomes – potentially resulting in South Korean men earning a military exemption for their gaming prowess.

While exempt athletes are still required to undergo a shorter period of training lasting three or four weeks, this recognition is undoubtedly a significant step forward for the gaming industry in South Korea.

The military exemption based on athletic performance has been a topic of debate within the country. According to a survey conducted by Realmeter, 55.2% of respondents supported granting exemptions to gold medal-winning athletes while 36.6% opposed it after the 18th Asian Games.

“Times have indeed changed. It seems only right that esports should receive the same legal consideration for military service exemption,” said Shin Min-gu, a Seoul resident in his twenties when asked about his opinion on esports gaining recognition as an official event and its potential benefits to players.

Another citizen named Kim Sa-hee shared similar sentiments, stating: “As our nation continues witnessing significant advancements in sports and with esports now recognized as an official event at major games like Hangzhou Asian Games, it’s logical that these players be granted equal benefits regarding military service exemption.”

However, there are differing opinions regarding providing military service exemptions as perks exclusively for successful athletes:

“I believe fulfilling national defense duties should be everyone’s responsibility. While I acknowledge that athletes winning gold medals elevate our country’s status internationally, their achievements should remain distinct from mandatory military service,” expressed Lee Kyung-dae – a 35-year-old business owner from Seoul who holds contrasting views compared to others interviewed.

Earning Military Exemption through Esports

FIFA Online 4 presents itself as an opportunity where South Korea may secure its first-ever gold medal in esports during its final match taking place on September 27th. Winning this prestigious title could potentially grant a Korean player an automatic military exemption.