via cnn.com
Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo helped South Korea’s baseball team clinch the gold medal Friday from defending champion Taiwan in the 16th Asian Games. But will it be enough to exempt him from serving in South Korea’s military?
Cleveland’s general manager seems to think so, even though, as of Saturday, the Indians have not received official declaration from the Korean Baseball Office, according to MLB.com.
“We have not received official word from the K.B.O. that he’s been granted a military exemption,” Chris Antonetti told MLB.com. “But, based upon our understanding prior to the Asian Games, as well as past precedent, it’s our understanding that Choo’s military obligation will be waived.”
Even Cleveland’s budding star acknowledged that the thought has crossed his mind.
”Honestly, if [I told you] I didn’t think about the military service, I might be a liar,” he told Korean reporters, according to MLB.com.
“But it wasn’t the primary reason to join in national team. I love baseball, and whenever I put the national flag on the shoulder, I am really proud of my nation and myself.”
All able-bodied South Korean men over 20 are required to serve at least two years in the military, according to the Korea Times.
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Article courtesy cnn.com
