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How Son Heung-min Can Be Exempt From South Korea's 21-Month Military Service

How Son Heung-min Can Be Exempt From South Korea's 21-Month Military Service

The Spurs attacker could avoid military service.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Son Heung-min could potentially avoid doing a 21-month military service for South Korea.

Under South Korean laws, all males must serve a spell in the military before the age of 27.

Though, while they are rare, exemptions are occasionally handed out.

Son, who's starred for Spurs, will be exempt from military duty if he wins a gold medal in the summer Asian Games.

What's the Asian Games?

Well, it's a under-23 football competition DURING the Premier League campaign running from August 18th to September 1st in Indonesia.

However, teams can include three over-aged players, freeing up room for Son.

Son representing South Korea. Image: PA
Son representing South Korea. Image: PA

South Korea are one of the favourites to go all the way and win the tournament. Son also desires to compete. And if he can bag a gold medal, he'll be exempt from military service.

Meanwhile, the 2018/19 Premier League season commences on the weekend of August 11th/12th.

Not to mention the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It's set to be a busy few months for Son.

Son celebrates scoring for South Korea. Image: PA
Son celebrates scoring for South Korea. Image: PA

U-23 coach Kim Hak-bum is keeping tabs on Son, ahead of potentially naming in his squad.

"Son has a strong will to compete at the Asian Games," he told Yonhap news via Sky Sports.

"But first, there's the World Cup. I told Son to play well in Russia, before we meet at the Asian Games."

Son in action for Spurs. Image: PA
Son in action for Spurs. Image: PA

Kim added: "it's a sensitive issue. I believe the Korea Football Association will handle this matter well. The men's senior national team, the U23 team, the KFA and the player's club should all work closely."

Obviously, it's not ideal for Son to be missing the start of the season. Though, if it means not doing a 21-month military stint, then, I guess, Mauricio Pochettino will certainly take that.

World Cup, Asian Games then back to Spurs for the new campaign.

Pochettino will be hoping Son isn't completely burned out.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Spurs, Football News, South Korea, Football, Son Heung-Min