"I'm Not Going to the Army": Captain Lee Gi-hyuk Apologizes at Airport... Park Seung-soo, at the Center of the "Military Discharge Cap Controversy," Also Issues an Apology [Nagoya Asian Games]

[Financial News]  Despite achieving the remarkable feat of winning four consecutive Asian Games titles, Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon), captain of the under-23 (U-23) national soccer team, ultimately bowed his head after coming under fire over the controversy surrounding his alleged mockery of military service benefits.
The South Korea U-23 national soccer team, led by head coach Lee Min-sung, defeated Japan 1-0 in the men's soccer final of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on the 3rd. The victory secured the team's first-ever four-peat and seventh title overall. As a result, 20 national team players became eligible for military service benefits.
However, some players' thoughtless remarks and actions immediately after the match poured cold water on the celebration. The youngest player, Park Seung-soo (Newcastle), came under fire after posting a photo of himself wearing a military discharge cap on social media. Captain Lee Gi-hyuk also sparked public outrage by exclaiming in a broadcast interview, "I'm not going to the army." Fierce criticism followed, with people accusing him of deceiving service members fulfilling their national defense duty and tarnishing the dignity of a national team player.
As the controversy snowballed, Lee Gi-hyuk bowed his head with a somber expression at the airport upon returning on the 4th. He then posted a lengthy apology statement on his personal social media account in an effort to defuse the backlash.

In his apology statement, Lee began, "As the captain representing the squad, I should have considered the weight of my words and spoken responsibly, but I failed to do so," adding, "I want to sincerely apologize to the fans."
He continued, "Not once while preparing for the Asian Games did I take lightly the weight and sense of mission attached to wearing the Taegeuk mark as a member of the national team. However, my words and actions, which focused on military service benefits under the influence of momentary happiness, dopamine and excitement, deeply hurt those fulfilling their national defense duty and the fans who supported us." He painfully acknowledged his own thoughtlessness.
Finally, Lee said, "As an adult, I should have thought before speaking. I deeply regret speaking so lightly, and I will continue to reflect on my actions," reiterating his apology. 


Meanwhile, Park Seung-soo, who had posted a photo of himself wearing a military discharge cap on social media, also issued an apology statement. Park said, "I never intended to mock those who are performing their national defense duty or to take their hard work lightly. I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable because of my thoughtless actions."
The captain's rash remark came after he became intoxicated by the sweet fruit of military service benefits and forgot the "weight of representing the national team." The homecoming journey, which should have been a triumphant return, ultimately turned into a period of heavy reflection accompanied by a public apology.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter