South Korea signals military exemption cuts for athletes after Asian Games

What happened: South Korea's sports minister said the military service exemption system for artists and athletes will inevitably have to be scaled back, after backlash over comments by Asian Games gold medallists. Key numbers: Most South Korean men must serve 18 to 21 months by age 28. Why it matters: Politicians and a Korea Herald editorial called the practice outdated, and the Defence Ministry said it plans to cut back or scrap the supplementary service, including the one for artists and athletes.

South Korea's sports minister said the military service exemption system for artists and athletes will inevitably have to be scaled back, after backlash over comments by Asian Games gold medallists.

Politicians and a Korea Herald editorial called the practice outdated, and the Defence Ministry said it plans to cut back or scrap the supplementary service, including the one for artists and athletes.