Kang Won-rae of the group Clon. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) provided]
Kang Won-rae of the group Clon. [Herald POP (now Herald Muse) provided]

Singer Kang Won-rae of the group Clon has spoken out on the controversy surrounding military service exemption remarks made by South Korea's men's football team at the Asian Games, also taking aim at the way society views soldiers.

On Wednesday, Kang posted a lengthy message on his Instagram alongside photos from his own time in the military. "My understanding is that the military service exemption was created in an era when South Korea was poor and needed gold medals to earn recognition on the world stage and inspire patriotism," he wrote.

He went on to say, "The world has changed a great deal. There are now many ways to make South Korea known globally — not just through sports, but through food, culture and more. I think our various systems should evolve along with those changes."

Kang also addressed public attitudes toward soldiers. "There must be many ways to help us feel genuine respect for the soldiers who faithfully fulfill their duty to national defense, yet we look down on them — and even blame them when they are injured while serving," he said.

"Things have improved, of course, but the negative perception of soldiers persists even now," he said. "Enlisting in the military is sometimes seen as being dragged off to prison, and those who avoid service are even regarded as people with power."

He added, "I think the biases and preconceptions that young people today hold about South Korean soldiers will only change when impressive soldiers demonstrate impressive leadership."

Kang's post came amid a controversy over military exemption remarks that erupted after the men's football team won four consecutive Asian Games titles. The under-23 squad beat Japan 1-0 in the final held at Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on Saturday to claim the team's first-ever four consecutive titles at the tournament.

Captain Lee Gi-hyeok raised his medal after the victory and said, "I'm not going to the military." Yang Min-hyeok made remarks suggesting he had played with the military benefit in mind, and Park Seung-su posted a photo on Instagram of himself wearing a military discharge cap given to him by a fan.

As criticism mounted, all three players issued separate apologies on Sunday. The Korea Football Association also offered a formal apology, saying it was "deeply sorry for the disappointment and hurt caused to many citizens and active-duty service members by the careless words and conduct of some players, who were simply unable to contain their joy over the achievement."

Calls have emerged from political circles to revise the military service exemption system for arts and sports personnel. International media, including the BBC, have also covered the controversy and spotlighted South Korea's military service system.

Meanwhile, Kang enlisted in the Army in 1991 alongside fellow Clon member Koo Jun-yup and served for 30 months.


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