Military exemption for South Korean gamers reignites debate

For South Korean men, winning gold in any sport at the Asian Games opening on September 23 in Hangzhou comes with an automatic exemption from 18 months in the army. — AFP

SEOUL: K-pop powerhouse BTS didn't get one, star footballer Son Heung-min did: South Korea grants limited exemptions from military service and for the first time esports players can earn one.

For South Korean men, winning gold in any sport at the Asian Games opening on Sept 23 in Hangzhou comes with an automatic exemption from 18 months in the army.