South Korean Golfers Vie for Olympic Medals to Avoid Mandatory Military Service

Tom Kim and Byeong Hun An need to secure medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics to gain exemptions from conscription.

South Korean law mandates 18-21 months of military service for able-bodied men, with exemptions for Olympic medalists.
Tom Kim, 22, and Byeong Hun An, 32, are in contention for medals, which would exempt them from military service.
Kim and An have both expressed their desire to win medals for national pride rather than just for exemptions.
Previous South Korean athletes have secured exemptions through Olympic and Asian Games victories.
The pressure of potential conscription adds a unique layer of intensity to their Olympic performances.