A 26-year-old Korean man has been sentenced for deliberately gaining weight to evade mandatory military service. The Seoul Eastern Dongbu District Court handed him a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act. His friend, who allegedly encouraged the plan, was also convicted.
How the Evasion Plan Worked
Reports revealed that the man doubled his food intake and drank excessive amounts of water before his physical assessment. By crossing a specific weight threshold, he intended to secure a non-combatant role, which allowed him to serve while commuting from home.
Initially, in 2017, his physical exam classified him as grade 2, meaning he was fit for active combat service. However, during his final assessment in June 2023, his drastic weight gain earned him a grade 4 classification. At 102.3 kg and 169 cm tall, his BMI of 35.8 placed him in the severely obese category, leading to a reassignment.
The man’s friend, who reportedly suggested the overeating strategy, denied the charges but was still sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, for aiding and abetting the scheme.
Court’s Decision and Leniency
The court opted for leniency due to the defendant’s lack of a prior criminal record and his acknowledgment of wrongdoing. He also vowed to complete his military service obligations, which influenced the lighter sentencing.
This case highlights the strict enforcement of South Korea’s mandatory military service laws, as well as the creative—but unlawful—methods some use to avoid conscription.
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