Tottenham star Son Heung-min completes military training with flying colours - in pictures

South Korea's football captain was exempt from the two-year full military duty after leading his side to Asian Games gold in 2018

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min salutes at a Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island, South Korea. All photos by South Korea Marine Corps' Facebook via AP

Son Heung-min holds his name tag during a basic military training completion ceremony at a Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.

Son Heung-min salutes during a basic military training completion ceremony at a Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.

Son Heung-min marches alone during a drill at a Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.

Son Heung-min takes part in shooting drill at a Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.

Son Heung-min poses with a prize during a basic military training completion ceremony at a Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island.

Son Heung-min poses at a Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min has impressed during his compulsory three-week military training in South Korea after being named one of the top five recruits in his unit.

South Korea's marine corps posted pictures of Son wielding an M-16 assault rifle and saluting on their Facebook page as he completed his stint at a boot camp.

All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of Seoul's 600,000-strong forces.

But Son - the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history, and the Asian Football Confederation's reigning international player of the year - was in the South Korean team that earned an exemption by winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

The Spurs star broke down in tears of joy after the 2-1 extra-time win over Japan, which meant he could fulfil his obligations with just three weeks' basic training and around 500 hours of community service.

In April he reported to a marines camp on the island of Jeju for the basic training, which involved lengthy hikes, as well as tear-gas training and rifle practice.

He was judged among the five best recruits out of 157 on his course, a spokesperson for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps told AFP.

"Son did exceptionally well in all areas of training, including military ethics and security education," the spokesperson said.

When Son is able to return to his day job remains unclear. The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus and no date has yet been set for a resumption.