Is it time to conscript draft-dodging players into national service?

Avoiding compulsory military service has a long and honourable history — from cross-dressing Corporal Klinger in MASH to Donald Trump’s bone spurs — and the recent plight of Tottenham’s South Korean striker Son Heung-min showed that the art of draft-dodging remains highly relevant, writes Tommy Martin.

Son got out of national service by leading his country to victory in the football tournament at the Asian Games last weekend, and judging by the scenes of unabashed celebration at the end of South Korea’s extra-time win over Japan, there was no guilt or shame on the part of Son and his less famous teammates at skipping on their national duty. “I think this is the best day of my life,” said Son afterwards, looking to a future spent running the channels at White Hart Lane rather than keeping sentry on the border with North Korea.

Neither was the average South Korean dismayed that Son wouldn’t have to face down Kim Jong-un’s nukes. Once firmly in favour of military service, South Korean attitudes towards conscription have softened in recent times, particularly among the young, some of whom petitioned to do Son’s stint for him so that he may continue his football career.