For many Olympians, winning a medal is the ultimate goal.

But for the athletes from one country, winning a medal means much, much more.

For South Korean Olympians, claiming a medal goes far beyond standing on the podium, as the Games provide an opportunity to be exempt from the country’s mandatory military service rule, according to John Duerden of The New York Times. Athletes who win a medal are freed from their military obligations.

But with so much at stake, how do the players handle the pressure?

From The New York Times:

“I do not feel extra pressure” because of the prospect of military exemption, said South Korea goalkeeper Gu Sung-yun. “Instead, I feel hope and excitement rather than stress because I see my participation in the Olympics as a big opportunity.”

However, this loophole is only in play for Olympic athletes. In 2014, South Korean UFC fighter Chan Sung Jung, aka The Korean Zombie, was forced to leave the sport for two years and complete his military service, highlighting the Olympians’ privileged opportunity.

From UFC.com:

“All Korean men, if physically capable, are supposed to serve in the military,” Jung told UFC.com through translator / manager Brian Rhee. “So, no, it wasn’t a surprise. I was hoping to delay it a little bit longer, so I could get in one more fight and also because my wife and I are expecting our first child this week. But, I’m proud to do my duty.”

Duty takes on a different meaning for the South Koreans heading to Rio. Altogether, the nation is sending 126 athletes who will be competing in 16 sports. Indeed, the Games provide a big opportunity for the athletes. But it also provides a big challenge as well, especially for the men’s soccer team.

Following its opening match against Fiji on Aug. 4, South Korea must go through Germany and the 2012 gold-medal winner, Mexico, in the group stage. We don’t know if the team will make it through to the knockout stage, but we do know what’s on the line.