South Korea’s Soonwoo Kwon Takes Break for Mandatory Military Service and Promises a Triumphant Return

Soonwoo Kwon Pauses Tennis Career to Fulfill Mandatory Military Service

South Korea’s most successful ATP player, Soonwoo Kwon, is preparing to step back from his professional tennis career as he faces the mandatory 18-month military service that all able-bodied South Korean men must complete. Starting in January 2025, Kwon will serve in the South Korean army, marking a significant pause in his career.

The former world No. 52 announced that he will enlist on January 13, 2025, after missing the chance to secure an exemption at the 2022 Asian Games. According to Kwon, his professional tennis journey will be put on hold for nearly two years, but he remains optimistic about his future return. In a message shared on social media, he wrote in Korean, “My tour life will stop for nearly two years, but I’ll be back in the second quarter with a more perfect form while you wait.” This statement reflects his commitment to coming back stronger after completing his service.

South Korea’s mandatory military service requires all men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve, although certain exemptions are available for medical reasons or specific achievements. Some athletes and entertainers, including soccer star Son Heung-min, have been able to delay or avoid military service, with Son securing an exemption after leading South Korea to a gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games. Kwon, however, did not earn this exemption, as his performance in the 2022 Asian Games was disappointing. After recovering from a serious shoulder injury, Kwon was ousted in the second round by Thailand’s Samrej Kasidit and even made global headlines for a dramatic racquet-smashing outburst.

Kwon, who celebrated his 27th birthday in December 2024, has previously stated his plans to join the South Korean army’s tennis team during his service. This will allow him to maintain his training while fulfilling his national duty. The 27-year-old has also made it clear that he intends to return to the ATP Tour once his service is completed. In a recent Instagram post, he emphasized his long-term vision for his career, stating, “Many people say that it’s too late to start over at 30 and that it’s hard to start over on tour… For me, 30 is my prime and I’m confident.”

Kwon is determined to keep pushing forward in his tennis career, despite the challenges posed by the mandatory military service. He boldly stated, “I’ve only achieved 20 percent of my goals. I will definitely achieve what all tennis fans want for Korean tennis. I will do my best until I achieve it, so please look forward to it.”

As the only South Korean player to win multiple ATP titles, Kwon has made a mark on the tennis world. His highest ranking came in 2021 when he reached No. 52 in the world. However, his current ranking has dropped to No. 349, reflecting the time he has spent away from the tour due to injuries and other challenges.

Kwon’s decision to pause his career for military service has sparked widespread support and admiration from his fans and the tennis community. His journey symbolizes the dedication and sacrifice many athletes make for their country. Though his career will be on hold, the tennis world eagerly anticipates his return, hoping to see him continue his journey to greater success once he completes his service.