Is Son Heung-min exempt from military service for South Korea?

SON HEUNG-MIN has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest young stars.

The South Korean forward was an integral part of the Spurs side which reached the Champions League final last season – and is a huge sporting icon back home.

But under Korean law, all South Korean men have to complete at least 21 months of national service before they are 28 years old.

Is Son Heung-min exempt from South Korea military service?

THERE are some ways in which a Korean footballer can become exempt from having to fulfil their military obligations. 

Gold medallists or those achieving incredible sporting achievements can see athletes avoid their stint.

For example the 2002 World Cup squad, which included future Man Utd midfielder Park Ji-sung, were awarded exemptions after reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.

Son, who is currently 27 years old, captained his country at the 2018 Asian Games as he and his team-mates went for the gold medal.

The South Korean was in incredible form throughout the competition, assisting both extra-time goals in the final against Japan to secure the title.

That meant that Son – along with the 19 other players in the squad – were all exempt from mandatory military service.

Back in 2014, South Korea beat their neighbours North Korea to take gold in the same competition.

But Son was not included in the squad as then club Bayer Leverkusen had exercised their right to refuse his release.

Conscription in South Korea has been in force since 1957 and is mandatory for all men aged between 18 and 28.

The length of service varies depending on personal circumstance, while all entrants are required to undergo a physical exam to see if they are fit to serve.

Why has he gone to do military service now?

SPURS revealed that the forward is heading back to South Korea due to ‘personal reasons’.

He had already gone into a voluntary two week self-isolation after returning from his homeland back in February in a bid to halt the worldwide spread of coronavirus.

But as revealed by SunSport, Son is actually heading to Korea to do his military service.

With the football season on hold, Son has decided to head home to do four week’s national service during the outbreak – despite being exempt.

When might he return?

FOOTBALL right down through the English pyramid is currently on hold due to the ongoing pandemic, with the Premier League not expected to return until May at the very earliest.

With South Koreans expected to serve 21 months, it has not yet been confirmed how long Son will be spending away from North London.

He is currently recovering from a fractured arm but provided a positive update earlier this week.

The Tottenham star said: “It’s already more than four weeks after surgery now and I’m doing very, very well and working hard to be ready to come back.”