Arsenal's Park pledges to do military service 'no matter what'

The 26-year-old Park has been under fire in South Korea for postponing his mandatory military service after obtaining a 10-year residency visa from Monaco last year.

The news was made public in March, creating commotion in South Korea, where all healthy men are conscripted to serve about two years in the military. It also prompted South Korea to drop him for this month's World Cup qualification games.

"I am sorry for people who have loved me," Park told a press conference in Seoul. "As one of the (Korean) people, I will do my sacred military service no matter what."

Park denied speculation that he obtained the visa to avoid or gain exemption from military service, saying he decided to apply for the visa in order to learn advanced football skills in Europe.

Park did not say when he will be conscripted.

His press conference came weeks before South Korea's Olympic football team head coach Hong Myung-bo announces his squad for the London Olympic Games.

Hong, who arranged the Wednesday press conference, hinted that Park could be included on his roaster.

"I had a heart-to-heart talk with Park Chu-young after an evaluation match with Syria on June 7," Hong told reporters, saying he is willing to "work with the footballer through difficulties." (Yonhap News)