“I'm not a politician” – Tom Kim laughingly replies to reporter questioning him about the looming military stint
Halfway through the 2024 Olympics men's golf event, Tom Kim is in contention for the gold. While all players share the common goal of earning a medal for their country, the South Korean golfer will also be looking to avoid mandatory military service.
On Friday, August 2, Tom Kim shot a 3-under 68 to aggregate at 8-under after 36 holes at Le Golf National. Following the second round, he is now tied for fifth and just three strokes back from the leaders.
During the post-round interview, Tom Kim was asked several questions regarding his passport renewal and military service obligations, to which he had no clear answers.
"I don't know," he said. "I'm not a politician. I'm so sorry."
South Korean law mandates that all male citizens must complete 18 to 21 months of military service once they turn 19. Athletes can postpone this obligation if they win medals at the Olympics or the Asian Games. Recently, members of the famous K-pop group BTS have also taken a break to complete their military service.
Last year, golfer Tom Kim could not be part of the Korean team at the Asian Games because his ranking was lower than that of Si Woo Kim and Sung Jae Im at the time of selection. Both players won gold and, hence, earned the right to delay their mandatory military service.
Several South Korean golfers have done military service in the past, such as K.J. Choi and Y.E. Yang. However, they did it before their success on the golf course.
On the other hand, Sang-Moon Bae, another promising golfer, had won two PGA Tour titles before joining the military. Unfortunately, after returning from service, he was never the same player again. Kim would not want this happening to him.
When will Tom Kim tee off at the 2024 Olympics, Round 3?
Tom Kim is grouped with Stephan Jaeger and Guido Migliozzi for the third round of the 2024 Olympics. The trio will tee off on Saturday, August 3, at 6:17 am ET.
Following the second round, Tommy Fleetwood, Hideki Matsuyama, and Xander Schauffele share a two-shot lead at 11-under. Fleetwood jumped eleven spots on Friday after firing a 7-under 64.
Jon Rahm is aggregated at 9-under after carding 66 in the second round. Thomas Detry jumped 36 spots on Friday after carding a low 63. He is now tied with C.T. Pan and Kim at 8-under.