Is Son Heung-min now exempt from military service, and when will he return to Tottenham?
Son's absence from Spurs' Premier League campaign has paid off, after winning gold at the Asian Games
SON HEUNG-MIN has missed the beginning of Tottenham’s Premier League campaign to play for South Korea at the Asian Games.
And the absence has paid off, after the Spurs forward set up the winner against Japan to win gold that will make him exempt from joining his country’s military.
Under Korean law, before the age of 28 you must complete 21 months of National service, unless you earn an exemption.
How did Son Heung-min do at the Asian Games?
Son has been playing in Indonesia, just months after featuring for South Korea at the World Cup.
Despite scoring just once in the build-up to the final, the 26-year-old has remained an attacking threat and a key creative cog for his side.
South Korea progressed from Group E, after wins against Bahrain and Kyrgyzstan, despite losing to Malaysia.
After easing past Iran, they needed extra-time to beat Uzbekistan, before winning 3-1 against Vietnam to reach the final.
South Korea dominated in the final, but needed extra-time once again and a Son assist to earn victory.
He is expected to be available for Tottenham when they face Liverpool on Saturday, September 15.
Will Son Heung-min avoid military service in South Korea?
Under Korean law, all South Korean men have to complete at least 21 months of national service before they are 28.
Son, 26, has been under pressure to fulfil this obligation, and played at the Asian Games in order to seek an exemption.
Gold medallists or incredible sporting achievements can see players avoid the military and prior to the competition, Son’s victory in the Asian Cup did not count.
South Korea’s 2-1 win over Japan means they not only take home a gold medal, but each player is exempt from taking part in military service, including Son.
It will allow the Spurs ace to continue his football career without interruption, including fulfil his new five-year deal at Tottenham.
Has this happened before for South Korea?
South Korea won the Asian Games in 2014, meaning each of those players became exempt from armed forces duty.
Son, at the time playing for Bayer Leverkusen, was not allowed to go to the tournament, meaning he still faced a future military call-up.
The 2002 World Cup squad, which included future Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, were awarded exemptions after reaching the semi-finals, as were their 2012 Olympic bronze medallists.