Tom Kim wins Asian Games gold, earns exemption from military service
South Korean golfer Tom Kim won the individual gold medal at the Asian Games, securing an exemption from mandatory military service. The victory allows him to continue his professional career without the interruption of a 18-21 month service requirement.
Why it matters
Military service exemptions for elite athletes are a significant cultural and economic issue in South Korea, directly impacting the career trajectories of top-tier talent.
With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Tom Kim stroked a 3-foot putt on the 18 th green Saturday at the Asian Games. When the ball found the bottom of the cup, Kim dropped his putter, leaned back to look at the sky, and placed his hands on his head in a way that looked more like great relief than excitement. The years-long heavy burden was finally gone.
The win earns Kim an exemption from military service that saves him the opportunity cost of 18 to 21 months of lost playing time in his prime, along with what would surely be millions of dollars in earnings.
The 24-year-old South Korean shot a final-round 6-under 64 on Kasugai Country Club’s East Course to win the men’s individual gold medal at the Asian Games. He finished the 72-hole stroke-play event at 18 under, three shots clear of the field.
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