Tottenham prospect Yang Min-hyeok caught up in controversy after South Korea’s Asian Games success
Tottenham Hotspur youngster Yang Min-hyeok has become embroiled in controversy in South Korea despite playing an important role in his country’s Asian Games gold-medal triumph.
The 20-year-old winger, who joined Belgian side Westerlo on a season-long loan during the summer, helped South Korea defeat hosts Japan in Saturday’s final. Yang played a key part in the victory, providing the assist for Swansea City forward Eom Jisung to score the decisive goal.
However, his celebrations have been overshadowed by comments he made about the military-service exemption awarded to South Korean athletes who win gold at the Asian Games.
Yang’s comments spark backlash
South Korean men who are physically fit are generally required to complete between 18 and 21 months of military service before turning 28.
However, athletes who win an Asian Games gold medal or any Olympic medal are eligible for an exemption. They still complete several weeks of basic military training, but are spared the lengthy period of compulsory service.
The system has previously benefited high-profile footballers, including former Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, who won gold with South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games.
Following South Korea’s latest triumph, Yang was asked about the motivation behind the team’s efforts. His response quickly attracted criticism after he appeared to suggest that the military exemption was the main objective.
His remarks were widely interpreted as playing down the importance of winning the gold medal and representing South Korea, leading to a wave of criticism from supporters and the wider public.
Tottenham youngster apologises
Realising that his comments had caused offence, Yang subsequently issued a lengthy apology on social media.
The Tottenham prospect acknowledged that he had failed to properly explain what motivated him during the tournament and expressed regret over the impression his words had created.
Yang stressed that representing South Korea at the Asian Games was a significant honour and insisted that he gave everything to help the team achieve its objective of winning the competition.
He also clarified that the military exemption was only one of several factors motivating him, rather than the sole reason he wanted South Korea to succeed.
The youngster admitted that he had expressed himself poorly and apologised to anyone who felt disappointed or uncomfortable because of his comments.