A man in South Korea has been sentenced for intentionally gaining weight to avoid mandatory military service. Reports state that on November 26, the Seoul Eastern District Court handed down a one-year prison sentence, which is suspended for two years. The man was accused of gaining over 44 pounds to escape tougher military duties.
The court ruled that he violated the Military Service Act. In South Korea, all able-bodied men must serve in the military for at least 18 months, and this man, who is 26 years old, was found guilty of attempting to evade his service.
Typically, men need to complete their military duty before turning 28. Under the Military Service Act, those found trying to dodge their service without a valid reason can face up to three years in prison.
According to a court official, the man deliberately tried to become overweight to avoid combat roles. He was classified as obese after weighing in at 225 pounds and was removed from active duty in June 2023. Six years earlier, he had passed his initial physical exam and was fit for combat service.
At his first exam in 2017, he weighed 183 pounds. He later quit his part-time delivery job and significantly increased his food intake, reportedly “doubling his daily meals.” This weight gain permitted him to serve in a non-combat position and allowed him to commute from home.
The judge mentioned that the defendant consumed high-calorie foods, increased his meal portions, avoided physically demanding jobs, and drank excessive water before weigh-ins to artificially inflate his weight. Although he initially attempted to dodge military service, he has since stated he wants to serve sincerely.
Additionally, a friend of the man was implicated in the plan to help him gain weight and was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. This friend denied the claims, stating he did not believe his friend would follow through with the plan.
The court’s sentencing was considered lenient because neither individual had prior criminal records and the defendant acknowledged his mistake. It remains unclear if the man had started military service before the court trial, and neither side has appealed the ruling.
