Young South Korean men athletes who won a gold medal at the Guangzhou Asian Games have another trophy to bring home: an exemption from the country's military service requirement.

Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men must serve nearly two years in the military. But according to military regulations, athletes who win a gold medal at the Asian Games are exempt from conscription.

For professional athletes in South Korea, mandatory military service comes as a grave issue as it could hamper their careers. Therefore, the prospect of getting exempt from military service by winning a gold medal unarguably serves as motivation to excel in the Asian Games.

The most notable beneficiary is Major League outfielder Choo Shin-soo, who helped South Korea defeat Chinese Taipei 9-3 and earn the Asian Games baseball title.

During the Asian Games, Choo had shied away from discussing his immediate future. But in a press conference held after returning from Guangzhou, Choo admitted the issue of military service exemption had been on his mind.

"Too many times, I was asked what I would do, if I had to do military service. It was quite stressful," Choo said. "But I got rid of the big burden now. And I feel like I can do really well next season."

With military service no longer getting in the way of Choo continuing his career, his future outlook looks bright. The Cleveland Indians are looking at making a long-term contract offer for Choo, who hit .300 with 22 home runs, 22 stolen bases and 90 runs batted in last season for Cleveland.

"Honestly, if (I told you) I didn't think about the military issue, I might be a liar. But it wasn't the primary reason to join in the national team. I love baseball, and whenever I put the national flag on the shoulder, I am really proud of my nation and myself," Choo said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2010)