Even for Asia's best player, World Cup defeat may mean military service

When South Korea's Son Heung-min signed with Tottenham for £22 million, he became the most expensive Asian player in history. Then, he became the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history. Yet his team's recent defeat at the World Cup could mean he will need to put his football career on hold for mandatory military service.

Son Heung-Min of Korea Republic acknowledges the fans following his team's defeat to Mexico. Source: Getty Images Europe

As Son Heung-min entered the changing rooms following South Korea's loss to Mexico, he spotted his country's president Moon Jae-in consoling his teammates and broke down in tears. 

In the 93rd minute of the group stage match on Sunday, Son had scored the goal of the game - a 25-yard stoppage-time strike - but it wasn't enough to save his country and South Korea was defeated 2-1. Nor was the incredible goal enough to save himself.

In South Korea, all males must be conscripted before the age of 28 but exemptions are made for the sports stars who achieve great success for the country.

When Son, a current forward with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, signed with the club in 2015, it was to the tune of £22 million GBP ($39 million AUD) - making him the most expensive Asian player in history. Since then, he has become the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history. He's also been dubbed "the Korean Cristiano Ronaldo". 

Yet the highly prized player, who's easily South Korea's best, will be forced to give up his professional football career for two years if he does not gain noteworthy achievement on the world stage.

Son Heung-Min of Korea Republic runs off the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Korea Republic and Mexico. Source: FIFA

With South Korea now likely to be eliminated from the World Cup after their Mexico defeat - which came after losing to Sweden in the opener -, Son's last chance to bag the accolades he needs will be at the Asian Games in August and September. 

In 2002 South Korea's entire World Cup team were granted military service exemptions after reaching the semi-finals. Similarly, South Korea's football team who won bronze at the 2012 London Olympics was also allowed to avoid conscription, as were those who won gold at the Asian Games.

Son previously had the chance at the 2016 Rio Olympics but South Korea failed to get the opportunity after the quarter-final exit against Honduras. Prior to that in 2014, he was contracted to Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga (Germany's top division) at the time of the Asian Games but the team refused to release him as it would mean he would be absent for at least six matches.

Yong Lee and Son Heung-Min of Korea Republic show their dejection following their team's loss to Mexico on Sunday. Source: Getty Images Europe

The 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia will be Son's last chance to earn an exemption from 21 months of military service in Korea. Although his participation in them will mean Son will miss the start of the Premier League season. 

According to a recent story by the UK-based Daily Mirror, the prospect of not doing your military service is not welcomed in South Korea, and Son has remained silent on the issue.