South Korea's defence ministry is considering reducing alternative service arrangements for arts and sports personnel, Thanh Niên reported, citing Korea Economic Daily. Spokesperson Jeong Bit-na referred on October 6 to fairness, military manpower and public consensus. Debate intensified after comments by some U23 footballers who won Asian Games gold. Reduction or abolition was presented as a longer-term reform direction. The report does not identify an enacted change already applying to every athlete.