South Korean golfer Tom Kim secured a gold medal in the men’s singles golf event at the Asian Games on Saturday, earning him an exemption from mandatory military service in South Korea. Kim closed the final round with a 6-under 64, finishing the four-day tournament at 18-under 262. His victory came after a tightly contested finish, with three other golfers finishing three strokes behind and entering a playoff. Kazuki Higa of Japan ultimately took the silver medal, while Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana earned bronze.

Kim made a deliberate effort to compete and win in Japan, traveling across the Pacific immediately following the conclusion of the Presidents Cup competition the previous weekend. Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to serve approximately 18 months in the military. However, exceptions are granted to athletes who earn medals at the Olympics, as well as gold medalists at the Asian Games, providing them with a formal exemption.

While Kim’s individual triumph secured his exemption, the South Korean team did not achieve the same success in the team competition. China claimed the gold medal for the team event, with South Korea finishing second to take silver and Japan earning bronze. Among the South Korean team, S.H. Kim, who competed alongside Tom Kim, ended with a final round score of 73 but was unable to qualify for a military exemption due to the team’s overall result. The third team member, 35-year-old Mun Do-yeob, shot a 70 on the last day and had previously completed his military service, thus not requiring the exemption.

Tom Kim, officially Kim Joo-hyung, adopts the name Tom Kim for his appearances on the PGA Tour. Similarly, Kim Seong-hyeon competes internationally under the name S.H. Kim. The military exemption applies broadly beyond sports in South Korea, extending to classical and traditional musicians, dancers, and other artists recognized for contributing to national pride.