Tom Kim secures Asian Games gold and a military‑service exemption

The 24‑year‑old South Korean professional finished the final round of the Asian Games golf competition with a -18 score, a 64 that put him 18 under par overall. He beat Japan’s K‑Higa and others by three strokes to claim the gold medal.

South Korea’s conscription law requires able‑bodied men to serve 18–21 months before the age of 28, but athletes who win gold or Olympic medals receive a special exemption. They still undergo basic training that lasts just under a month before returning to their sporting careers.

Kim’s victory follows a string of recent successes, including four PGA Tour titles and a win at the Scottish Open in July. The triumph also lets him maintain momentum after a tight finish at the Paris Olympics, where he reached the finals but finished eighth.

Other South Korean athletes who have benefited from this policy include Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung‑min, who served only three weeks after securing an Asian Games gold in 2022. The exemption system is intended to retain elite talent within the country while still fulfilling national service commitments.

Kim’s win comes as the Asian Games also highlighted sporting rivalries across the region, with Indian cricketers taking gold in their event. This broader context underscores the Games’ role as a stage for national pride and diplomatic visibility.