Why Vancouver Whitecaps' Inbeom Hwang didn't have to join Tottenham's Son for military training

Hwang Inbeom - Vancouver - tight shot blue jersey

Earlier this week, Tottenham announced star forward Heung-Min Son was in South Korea to fulfill his civic duties of military basic training. 


Despite gaining exemption from having to complete two years of national service after winning the 2018 Asian Games with South Korea, he still had four weeks of basic training to knock out. With the sports world at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now was the perfect time. 


Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Inbeom Hwang was Son's teammate at the 2018 Asian Games, thus also received exemption from the mandatory two years of military service. However, he's not currently in his home country for training because he didn't need to. 

Hwang had already completed his four weeks of basic training long before he came to Vancouver. Per the club, Hwang's did his training prior to joining Asan Mugunghwa FC in 2018. 


Since joining the Whitecaps ahead of last season, Hwang has appeared in all 36 league games the club has played, including 33 starts. An integral part of the midfield, his performances have reportedly caught the eye of European suitors. 


Hwang has made 23 appearances for the South Korea national team.