Source:Oriental Image/Jiang Xu
[Saba Sports News] South Korean badminton mixed doubles star Kim Wonho revealed in an interview that he will soon enlist for three weeks of short-term military training, forcing him to withdraw from the upcoming Japan Badminton Masters and China Badminton Masters, as well as the World Badminton Federation Tour Finals at the end of the year. Regarding next year’s new season, Kim Wonho stated that he is currently uncertain whether to compete in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles or focus on one event. In this year’s Paris Olympic badminton mixed doubles event, the South Korean pair of Kim Wonho and Jeong Na Eun unexpectedly reached the finals and won a silver medal. It is understood that South Korea has a mandatory military service system requiring male citizens aged 18 to 35 to serve. However, South Korea’s Military Service Act allows individuals who achieve outstanding results in relevant international arts and sports events to enjoy “military service benefits,” serving in lieu of military service as arts or sports personnel. Those “with special skills in arts and sports” include those who place in the top two in international art competitions, first place in domestic art competitions (limited to projects without international events, such as Korean traditional music), individuals with over five years of teaching experience in national intangible cultural heritage, and athletes who place in the top three at the Olympics or first place at the Asian Games. Although Kim Wonho won an Olympic silver medal and is exempt from military service, he still has to participate in short-term military training.