Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min has been in scintillating form of late.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min celebrates
Spurs have begun their 2016/17 campaign in impressive fashion, with South Korean Son Heung-min lighting up the league with a succession of dazzling displays, but a worrying report from the Telegraph suggests the 24-year-old could be called up for mandatory military service by his country before he turns 28.
The report claims the mandatory service must be undertaken for a minimum of 21 months, but there are cases where special dispensation is made.
A perfect example of this was the case of Swansea City’s Ki Sung-Yueng – also South Korean, who completed his service over the course of the Summer, rather than being obligated to complete the full 21 months.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min
The Telegraph report that South Korean law stipulates that that athletes who win medals in the Olympic Games are handed exemptions but are still required to do four weeks of basic training.
So, South Korea’s failure to win a medal in Brazil has had a detrimental effect on Son and his teammate’s chances of avoiding serving their country.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min
South Korea also offer exemptions for military service to any athlete who wins a gold medal in the Asian Games. The next, and last chance that Son will have in this aspect is in 2018, one year before he reaches 28-years-old.
There are obviously a number of different permutations, but it is certainly news that will worry Tottenham fans, considering how integral Son is becoming to Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Tottenham’s Son Heung-min in action
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