As if scoffing at the Asian Games military service exemption controversy... “I’m winning gold so I can enlist” — a 13-year-old girl’s astonishing declaration

[Financial News] Amid ongoing debate in the sports world over military service exemptions, the bold aspiration of a 13-year-old female wrestling prospect to win Olympic gold solely so she can enlist in the military is drawing attention.
On the 12th, according to Chilgok County in North Gyeongsang Province and others, the girl at the center of attention is 13-year-old Im Ha-gyeong, who lives in Chilgok. At a gathering with local residents on the 10th to celebrate her strong performance at a national competition, she was asked about her future ambitions and said, “To win an Olympic gold medal so that women can join the special forces.”
She surprised those around her by saying, “It’s my dream to become a member of the national team and win an Olympic gold medal, but I also really want to serve in the defense of my country,” and, “I think fulfilling my duty to defend the country is a more valuable medal than an Olympic gold.”
Im had dreamed of joining the Navy Special Intelligence Unit (UDU). After learning that women cannot enlist in the UDU under current rules, she even sent a handwritten letter directly to President Lee Jae-myung last December. The letter contained her heartfelt plea: “Please allow women to join the UDU special forces. I’ll work hard and win an Olympic gold medal, too.”
Im’s skills have already surpassed those of her peers.
Now a student at Daegu Physical Education Middle School and a competitor in the women’s 62-kilogram freestyle wrestling division, she has been called a “wrestling genius” since elementary school, when she overpowered boys in competitions and won. She proved her dominant ability at national competitions this year as well, sweeping three gold medals and one silver.
Chilgok County Governor Kim Jae-uk said, “I’m impressed and proud that Im Ha-gyeong, who grew up in Chilgok, a town known for its devotion to defending the country, is already determined at such a young age to serve her country.” He added, “Together with local residents, we’ll give her our full support so she can achieve both of her dreams: winning Olympic gold and completing military service.”
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter