Tom Kim wins Asian Games gold, secures short-term military exemption.
Kim finished the final round with a brilliant six‑under‑par 64, moving from leading the tournament to closing out the event 18 under. His closest competitors were Japan’s K Higa at –15 and China’s W Ding at –12.
South Korea requires men to serve 18–21 months before age 28, but champions of the Asian Games receive a service‑exemption bar, keeping the training phase to about a month in total. The exemption is a valuable reward, granting athletes the freedom to pursue their sporting careers uninterrupted.
The rule has already benefited athletes like former Tottenham forward Son Heung‑min, who served only three weeks in 2020 after winning the Asian Games in 2018. Kim’s victory continues this tradition of national pride and personal preservation.
Before Tokyo 2024, Kim almost secured a similar exemption at the Paris Olympics, finishing eighth overall after a strong debut. He was short of the medal threshold that would have granted him exemption, unlike his compatriot SH Kim who missed out on a silver in the team event.
With this gold, Kim can carry on his pursuits on the PGA Tour, where he has already claimed four tour titles and the 2026 Scottish Open. The exemption allows him to focus on upcoming tournaments without the looming interruption of military service.
