Korean football needs some good news after this year's terrible World Cup. The Asian Games start next week in Japan and it remains to be seen if this is going to be a repeat of what happened in Mexico or something much better. For the men's team, this is not that far behind the World Cup in terms of importance. The multisport event is second only to the Olympics in terms of size and offers a similar perk for the players — success can bring an exemption from Korea's mandatory military service. Win any medal at the Olympics or gold at the Asian Games and you are freed from the 18 to 21 months of military service, apart from a few weeks of basic military training. It is a big deal, especially for football players. No military service means more chances of being picked up by a European football club. For those already in Europe, it means getting better at the game and being offered better contracts. In terms of career, prestige, fame and earnings, not having to return home and play for the army team in the K-League by the time you are 28 makes a big difference. That is why Korea takes the