SEOUL, South Korea — A man from South Korea has recently been handed a suspended prison sentence after intentionally gaining over 20 kilograms (approximately 44 pounds) to avoid a more demanding role in the nation’s military service system, as reported by a local court on Tuesday.
The country mandates that all physically fit men serve in the military for a period ranging from 18 to 21 months. However, those who face health challenges can fulfill their service duties in non-combat roles at facilities such as social welfare centers and community service organizations. In more severe cases, individuals may receive exemptions from military obligations altogether.
The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced the man to one year in prison, which is suspended for two years, for contravening military service regulations. Additionally, the court mentioned that an acquaintance of the man received a similar suspended sentence for assisting him in his scheme.
Though local media indicated that the two individuals are friends and are both 26 years old, the court stated it could not verify these claims. An assessment conducted in 2017 determined that at a height of 169 centimeters (5 feet 6 inches) and weighing 83 kilograms (183 pounds), the man was physically fit for active military duty. However, under the suggestion of his friend, he started consuming excessive amounts of high-calorie foods and increased his daily intake significantly. He also decided to quit his job as a delivery worker, according to court documents.
During three physical examinations held between 2022 and 2023, the man’s weight ranged from 102 to 105 kilograms (225 to 231 pounds), a range that qualified him for social service roles. It was also noted that prior to these examinations, he drank substantial quantities of water to affect his recorded weight.
The details surrounding how the authorities discovered their actions remain unclear, as does the specific nature of the man’s duties within the military conscription framework. Following the court’s decision on November 13, neither the defendants nor the prosecution chose to file an appeal.
South Korea maintains its military conscription system due to ongoing tensions with North Korea. However, the issue of avoiding military service is highly contentious domestically because it requires young men to halt their educational pursuits or careers. The Military Manpower Administration reported approximately 50 to 60 instances of military duty evasion each year, noting that common methods include drastic weight changes or men with health issues neglecting necessary medical care prior to physical evaluations.