The moment a South Korean Olympian breaks down in TEARS as he fails to avoid national military service after missing out on a medal in men’s golf

Tom Kim failed to secure a podium finish in the men’s golf tournament at the Olympic Games despite finishing 13 under par after four very clean rounds.

The 22-year-old was pictured crying in a clubhouse at Le Golf National after his final round. Not only had he missed out on an Olympic medal, he had also failed to secure an exemption from military service in his native South Korea.

In South Korea, it is legally required that all men, unless exempt, serve 18 to 21 months of military service, enlisting before the age of 28.

Some men are granted exemptions based on physical and mental health issues, while it is not uncommon for wealthy families to send their children to foreign schools to obtain dual citizenship.

Another way to be exempted from military service in South Korea is to win an Olympic medal, regardless of color, or win gold at the Asian Games.

South Korea’s Kim wipes a tear from his left eye at Le Golf National on Sunday

Kim finished 13 under par after his four rounds of Olympic golf, but he did not win a medal

The 22-year-old looked disappointed after completing his final round at Le Golf National

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son led South Korea to gold in the men’s football tournament at the 2018 Asian Games after completing just three weeks of basic training instead of 21 months.

A Marine Corps officer later praised Son for his efforts during the training and the Spurs star was presented with the ‘Pilsung’ award, which is given to the five best performing trainees.

Kim could follow Son’s example and get an exemption if he wins gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan or wins a medal at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

If not, he could be forced to spend a significant portion of his time away from the PGA Tour.

Kim has won three PGA titles in his career so far, and also finished tied for second at The Open last year.

Spurs footballer Son Heung-min won a gold medal with South Korea at the 2018 Asian Games

Son was therefore exempted from 21 months of military service, although he still completed basic training

Son pictured in military uniform during basic training on Jeju Island in May 2020

Kim finished in a tie for eighth place at Paris 2024, missing out on the bronze medal by four strokes.

Gold went to Scottie Scheffler from the USA, who scored 19 under par.

Team GB’s Tommy Fleetwood (-18) won silver, while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama (-17) took bronze.