South Korea's clash with Japan in Saturday's Asian Games final may not be Son Heung-Min's last hope of avoiding the country's mandatory military service, a Korea Football Association (KFA) source has told ESPN FC.
Tottenham Hotspur forward Son has been released from Premier League duties for the tournament because a gold medal would free members of the South Korea squad from a 21-month spell of military service that must begin when they are 28 or younger.
It means that, if Korea defeat Japan, 26-year-old Son will be able to return to England and continue his Spurs career uninterrupted.