Kim wins Asian Games gold to secure military exemption

South Korean golfer Tom Kim won the gold medal at the Asian Games at Kasugai Country Club in Japan, securing an exemption from mandatory military service. The 24-year-old shot a final-round six-under-par 64 to finish at 18 under par, claiming a three-stroke victory over his competitors.

Under South Korean law, Asian Games gold medalists are exempt from mandatory 18-to-21-month military service, requiring only brief basic training. Kim traveled directly from the Presidents Cup in the United States to compete, while teammate SH Kim missed out on an exemption after South Korea took silver in the team event.