Korean striker Park Chu-young has been given permission to delay his compulsory military service for 10 years, the Military Manpower Administration announced.

Park has a 10-year residency visa from Monaco which allows him to delay his service until 2022, according to the administration.

He joined the French side AS Monaco in 2008 and played for two seasons before moving to Arsenal in the English Premier League in August 2011.

Under Korean law, all able-bodied men over 20 must serve in the military. An exemption is given to athletes who have claimed either Olympic medals or gold medals in the Asian Games. Park competed at the 2010 Asian Games, seeking both gold and a military exemption, but the team was knocked out in the semifinals.

The 27-year-old, who has only managed to make six appearances for Arsenal since joining from AS Monaco last August, was expected to begin his two-year service in 2013. However, the Military Manpower Administration confirmed Friday that Park’s residency visa from his former club Monaco is still valid despite his move to Arsenal, which will allow him to continue to play in Europe.

However, Park won’t be able to stay for more than six months in Korea, nor work here until he finishes his military service.

Meanwhile, Park is facing criticism here that he is taking advantage of the rule to avoid military service. Under law, one who has permanent resident status or right to live more than five years in a foreign country can delay his military service until 37.

By Oh Kyu-wook
(596story@heraldcorp.com)