South Korea signals military exemption cuts for athletes after Asian Games backlash

The reward of a military service exemption for gold medal-winning South Korean athletes could be abolished or reduced in future after public backlash to some controversial comments from winners at the Asian Games.

Three players from the men’s football team came under fire for comments following South Korea’s 1-0 win over Japan in the Asian Games final last weekend in Japan.

All three apologised but a broader debate had already reignited over whether athletes should receive special treatment for...