Asian Games: South Korea’s esports stars target medal success — and a military exemption

CNN
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Gaming has achieved an unprecedented milestone by being selected as an official medal sport for the Hangzhou Asian Games in the form of esports, but participating in the competition holds significant importance – and possibly life-changing implications – for some players.

For South Korean male participants, winning a gold medal in the Asian Games or Olympic Games not only brings honor but also grants them a military exemption.

Military service is compulsory for men in South Korea, with almost all able-bodied persons required to serve in the army for 18 months by the age of 28.

However, South Korean law allows men who are deemed to…