Asian Games: ROK archer refuses to celebrate after beating compatriot

World
Europe

The military service law of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has an influence on athletes during the ongoing Asian Games as the law stipulates exemption is offered to all Olympic medalists or Asian Games champions. Otherwise every able-bodied man must report for national service for 21 months before their 28th birthday.

During the archery recurve men's individual final on Tuesday, 26-year-old Kim Woo-jin of the ROK won the all-Korean contest 6-4 for his third Asian Games gold, but refused to celebrate his victory over 21-year-old compatriot Lee Woo-seok.

Kim secured his exemption eight years ago when he won two golds in the 2010 Games in Guangzhou. But for Lee, already serving in the armed forces, Tuesday's final was the last opportunity to win a gold and obtain an early discharge.

Kim said he performed without thinking about the implications of the outcome.

"It was just tough to beat someone that I know so well after months of training together," he said.

Lee Woo-seok (back) competes in the archery recurve men's individual final match with compatriot Kim Woo-jin during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 28. /VCG Photo

Lee, who won a team silver on Monday, rued his performance.

"I am disappointed with the result, but I have to accept these results because they're all my own doing," he said.

"And the military isn't all that bad. South Korean men all have to go, anyway. I'll go back and serve the country the best I can."

GU Bon-gil (2nd left) and Oh Sang-uk (L) pose with their medals on the podium during the awards ceremony in fencing men's team foil final match of the Asian Games on August 23 in Jakarta, Indonesia. /VCG Photo

ROK fencer and former Olympic gold medalist Gu Bon-gil, 29, felt bad for his compatriot but ROK subsequently won the team event, Lee's first Asiad gold. Similarly, Gu did not rejoice after beating Oh Sang-uk, 21, in the men's individual sabre final last week.

Son Heung-min celebrates his team's 2-0 win over Iran during men's football round of 16 match at the 2018 Asian Games on August 23. /VCG Photo

Other ROK athletes chasing an Asian Games gold to avoid military service included Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min, 26, who was in the ROK football team that would meet Vietnam in Wednesday's semi-finals.

Source(s): Reuters