According to the article from OutKick / Fox News, South Korean golf star Tom Kim is leaving immediately following his singles match at the Presidents Cup to compete in the Asian Games in Japan, where he is seeking an exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service.

Key details from the report include:

• Tight Schedule: After playing Wyndham Clark in Sunday’s singles matches at Medinah Country Club, Kim is slated to board a flight to Japan later that afternoon, potentially missing the conclusion of the Presidents Cup. The Asian Games golf competition begins the following Wednesday at Kasugi Country Club.

• Military Exemption Stakes: Under South Korean law, able-bodied male citizens are required to serve 18 to 21 months in the military. However, elite athletes can earn an exemption by winning any Olympic medal or by capturing a gold medal at the Asian Games. Winning a gold medal in either the individual or team event in Japan would secure that exemption for Kim.

• Past Attempts and Precedents: Kim narrowly missed an Olympic exemption earlier at the 2024 Paris Games, finishing four shots out of bronze. Fellow South Korean teammates Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim previously earned their military exemptions by winning team gold at the 2023 Asian Games.

• Team Roster: At the Asian Games, Kim will compete for South Korea alongside teammates Do-yeob Moon and S.H. Kim.

According to the article from OutKick / Fox News, South Korean golf star Tom Kim is departing immediately following the Presidents Cup at Medinah to travel to Japan for the Asian Games, where he is pursuing an exemption from South Korea’s mandatory military service.

Key details from the report include:

• Presidents Cup Departure: After playing Wyndham Clark in Sunday’s singles matches, Kim is scheduled to fly straight to Japan on Sunday afternoon, likely missing the finish of the Presidents Cup despite playing a central role for the International team.

• The Stakes of the Asian Games: Under South Korean law, able-bodied men are required to serve 18 to 21 months in the military. However, exemptions are granted to athletes who win any Olympic medal or a gold medal at the Asian Games. A gold medal in either the individual or team competition in Japan would excuse Kim from military service, protecting his momentum on the PGA Tour.

• Past Attempts and Precedent: Kim came close to an exemption at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he missed out on a bronze medal by four shots. Fellow South Korean teammates Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim previously earned exemptions by winning team gold at the 2023 Asian Games.

• The Team: Kim will represent South Korea at the tournament alongside Do-yeob Moon and S.H. Kim.