Brief
Tom Kim wins Asian Games gold and secures South Korean military exemption
Kim’s 6‑under 64 final round secured the gold medal that exempts him from South Korea’s 18‑month conscription.
By Felo News Desk · Published
South Korean golfer Tom Kim captured the men’s singles gold at the Asian Games on Saturday, earning an exemption from the country’s compulsory military service, Independent reported.
What happened
Kim posted a 6‑under 64 in the final round, finishing 18‑under 262 over four days. Three players – Japan’s Kazuki Higa, China’s Ding Wenyi and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana – were three strokes behind and contested a playoff for silver and bronze.
What the report adds
The article notes that while a gold medal at the Asian Games grants exemption, South Korea’s team event was won by China, leaving teammate S.H. Kim without the benefit. It also mentions that other South Korean athletes, including baseball players and esports competitors, received similar exemptions.
What was said
Lee Sang‑hyeok, known as “Faker,” said, “Of course the result is important, and the fact that the players will be exempt from the military service is important,” as quoted by Independent.
How it came about
Kim travelled to Japan after the Presidents Cup to target the Asian Games, a tournament that uses 72‑hole stroke play with teams of three, only the best two scores counting each day. The exemption system, in place for over 50 years, also applies to musicians and dancers, a point highlighted by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.
Key facts
- Tom Kim won the Asian Games men’s singles gold with a 6‑under 64 final round. (independent.co.uk)
- The gold medal grants him exemption from South Korea’s 18‑month military service. (independent.co.uk)
- Kazuki Higa, Ding Wenyi and Sadom Kaewkanjana contested a playoff for silver and bronze. (independent.co.uk)
- South Korea lost the team event to China, so teammate S.H. Kim did not receive an exemption. (independent.co.uk)
- Lee Sang‑hyeok (Faker) commented on the importance of the exemption for players. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “South Korean golfer Tom Kim receives a military exemption with a gold medal at the Asian Games”
