Faker (left) and Chovy. Photo by Fomos Esports & E레기

From Digital Battlefields to Real-Life Barracks: The Military Exemption Debate in South Korea's E-sports Realm

By Byung Kee Park
 

"Exemption from military service for something like PC room games? And it might be understandable if it had sustainability. However, it's not even officially recognized as an Olympic sport, and there's a high possibility it won't even be part of the next Asian Games. Why grant military exemptions for something that might be done after one or two times?" (Netizen Monzo)

South Korea secured a gold medal in the e-sports League of Legends (LoL) game at the 19th Asian Games currently held in Hangzhou. The LoL team featured the globally renowned player 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyuk, who played a crucial role up to the finals, though he didn't participate in the final match due to health reasons.

The mere fact that e-sports compete alongside traditional sports is unique. South Korea offers military benefits to players who win gold at the Asian Games. South Korean young men have a duty of military service under the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. This has been implemented since 1951, following the Korean war, and men aged 18, if mentally and physically qualified, are conscripted into the Korean army for one year and six months. It used to be more than three years. 

However, players winning gold in the Asian Games or a bronze or higher in the Olympics receive military benefits. Players like 'Faker' and his team are enrolled as artistic and sports soldiers, undergoing basic military training for four weeks and serving an alternative duty in the sports sector for 544 hours over 34 months.

On the 29th, South Korea clinched the gold medal in the League of Legends e-sports event at the '19th Hangzhou Asian Games held at the Hangzhou e-sports center in Zhejiang Province, China. It was an achievement made by the players 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyuk, 'Zeus' Choi Woo-jae, 'Kanavi' Seo Jin-hyuk, 'Chovy' Jeong Ji-hoon, 'Ruler' Park Jae-hyuk, and 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok.

The team displayed formidable prowess, securing a no-loss set victory in the Asian Games, thereby earning gold and a military exemption for the first time in e-sports history. In a previous match, Kim Kwan-woo won gold in 'Street Fighter V', but being born in 1979, he had already completed his military service.

There's a prevalent notion that military benefits are rewards for the 'human victory' and 'hard work' of athletes who sweat it out. But some argue, how is playing computer games considered hard work? 

After winning the gold medal, during a press conference, a Korean reporter asked the players for a message to young men entering the military. 'Chovy' Jeong Ji-hoon responded, "I feel fortunate to be born in this era. I'm grateful. I have deep respect for those who serve in the military. I hope they live well during their service." 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyuk said, "While traditional sports involve physical activity, what's more important is how the preparation and the games influence many and inspire competition. That's the true essence of sports. I believe our gold medal performance has greatly helped many."

In response to the press conference, a netizen commented, "The low-quality intention behind the question seems to instigate conflict. The question seemed to imply, 'I suffered a lot during my military service, but you guys are getting exemptions by just clicking a mouse.' Isn't it the same as receiving a military exemption for winning a music competition? And what about Go? It's just sitting down and moving fingers, isn't it? Such a non-question."

On platforms like MLBPark and other online forums, the sentiment is that e-sports players have benefited from the times. There's an ongoing debate on military exemptions restricted to Asian Games, Olympic games, and music competitions. Some fans believe pop culture icons should also receive exemptions, citing last year's debate over BTS's military exemption. A survey commissioned by the National Defense Committee revealed over 60% believe pop culture artists like BTS should be included in the military exemption. However, given the strong opposing opinions, BTS members either completed their military service or are planning to enlist.