I doubt Shin-Soo Choo will have to do his military service, but considering the current tensions with North Korea maybe President Lee Myung-bak would want to make a point of showing that even celebrity athletes need to pull their weight in defense of the country?

After a decade in the United States, Choo’s assimilation is essentially complete. He speaks fluent English, which he learned in the minors by ordering food for his teammates at restaurants. He is married with two sons, Alan and Aiden, and owns a home in Buckeye, Ariz. Like so many other young stars, he retains Scott Boras as his agent.

But Choo, who came to Cleveland in a 2006 trade, has not resolved his immediate future. South Korean men must begin serving two years in the military between ages 18 and 30.

Choo, who turns 28 in July, could apply to become a United States citizen to avoid the military service, although he would almost certainly face a backlash from South Koreans.

The best path for Choo would be to earn an exemption by helping South Korea win the gold medal at the Asian Games this off-season. The South Koreans would be heavy favorites, because Japan does not use professionals in that tournament.  [New York Times]