Whether it is BTS or the actor Song Joon Ki, South Koreans have to serve in the military. Yes, it is mandatory! And golfers are no exception either. However, it has been brought to notice that when any sportsman brings their nation some international honor, they by default get an exemption from this mandatory service. Keeping that in mind, Tom Kim was again subjected to answering his intentions.

Tom Kim’s expectations from the Olympics regarding mandatory military service

In the press conference held on August 1 at the Paris Olympics, Tom Kim was asked if he feared a similar situation to what Sangmoon Bae experienced. He was also asked if he at all looked forward to a military exemption. In reply, the 22-year-old golfer stated something with great maturity. He said, “It doesn’t worry me at all.” Kim then added that he was accustomed to the expectations of his country. He stated, “It’s the way our country works and if golf takes care of everything — just because it happened to him doesn’t mean it happens to other people.”

Although he was under pressure from the government regarding his mandatory military duties, the golfer only wished to play for his passion. Going to serve in the military always means a stop from playing golf. That’s what happened with Sangmoon Bae, who was once rising in popularity but could not revive his game even after his return from the military.

Moreover, Tom Kim tried to speak for Sangmoon Bae, stating in the interview that not getting an exemption might not have bothered Bae at all. He said, “You can’t say that it affected him at all. There could be different things that happened.” All Tom Kim can think of is now focusing on his game, and he announced that the game is the only thing that is on his mind.

Michelle Tesori, Tom Kim’s caddie’s wife, recently shared Golf.com’s X post. It was about the possibility of Kim winning an exemption along with a medal. She further wrote that it has been a topic of conversation in her house for months. She stated that no one can comprehend or even get a whip of understanding regarding the immense pressure that Kim feels. Michelle Tesori also added, “So proud of the boys’ fight & unwavering commitment to preparing (they’ve been on the road 15 of 16 weeks in prep for this).”

But what is it that happened with Sangmoon Bae that left everyone questioning the exemption criterion?

South Korean’s military service and paid no heed to golfer Sangmoon Bae

In golf, one’s peak eras are extremely crucial. All golfers try to get as many wins as possible in their best form. But when it comes to South Korea, men aged between 18 and 35 are needed to serve in the military. This could act as a hindrance for some, as it can result in a break in momentum and a loss of familiarity with course conditions. That was the circumstance for Sangmoon Bae.

Moon Bae never wanted to do military service. He made it clear on several occasions. Bae appealed for an exemption on the grounds of holding US residency. However, the South Korean government dismissed it. According to them, Moon Bae had been in Korea long enough to be eligible for the service. Back in those days, Moon Bae was only rising in popularity as a PGA Tour professional. He had to serve in the military from November 2015 to August 2017.

During his service, Moon Bae could think nothing about his discharge. He revealed, “From the day when I was a private second class, a private first class, and even the last day of the service, I wanted to be discharged from the military.”

The golfer lost his touch with the sport after he came back from his service. Despite improving his game, Bae repented, “I’ve kind of lost my feel how to play golf. Not how to swing — I forgot how to play golf.”

Do you think Tom Kim will get an exemption if he wins a medal this time? Or do you think history will repeat itself? Let us know in the comments below.