South Korean forward's last chance to avoid military service

Son Heung-min, the forward from South Korea, will have his last chance to avoid military service from his country when he competes in the Asian Games in August. The 26-year-old football player needs to win the gold medal in the tournament if he wants to be exempt from the obligation.

Son Heung-min has been called up by the South Korean national team for the Asian Games and will be one of the over 23-year-olds allowed by the regulations.

The football players competing in the tournament have the possibility to avoid mandatory military service, which applies to males aged 18 to 35 and lasts for 21 months.

If Son Heung-min fails to win the gold medal, he will have to terminate his contract with Tottenham if he still wants to continue playing football. The legislation in South Korea allows him to continue his career either in Sangju Sanmi, which belongs to the Armed Forces of the country, or in Asan Mugunghwa, with the Police.