A South Korean man has been handed a suspended prison sentence after intentionally gaining over 44 pounds to avoid a more demanding position under the country's military conscription system, a Seoul court announced Tuesday.
In South Korea, all men who are not disabled are required to complete 18-21 months of military service. However, those with certain health conditions may fulfill their obligations at nonmilitary facilities, including welfare centers or community service organizations. In cases of severe health issues, individuals may be fully exempted from military service.
The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced the man to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating South Korea's military service act. An acquaintance of the man was also handed a suspended one-year prison term for assisting in the scheme.
Fit For Active Service
While South Korean media reported that the two are friends and both are 26 years old, the court stated it could not verify these claims.
In 2017, a physical exam determined the man was fit for active-duty military service, measuring 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 183 pounds. However, based on advice from his acquaintance that being overweight could qualify him for a less demanding social service grade, he significantly increased his daily food intake, consumed high-calorie foods, and quit his part-time job as a delivery worker, according to the court's public affairs office.
Weight Gain After Three Physical Exams
Between 2022 and 2023, the man underwent three physical exams, during which his weight ranged from 225 to 231 pounds. This weight qualified him for social service instead of active-duty military service. The court noted that he also drank a large amount of water before these exams to increase his weight.
It remains unclear how the scheme was uncovered or if the man had started his military service before being tried. The court noted, however, that the man had previously pledged to fulfill his military duty faithfully.
Both the defendants and prosecutors have chosen not to appeal the ruling issued on Nov. 13, according to the court.
Why Does South Korea Have Military Conscription?
South Korea enforces mandatory military conscription to address ongoing threats from rival North Korea. However, exemptions or attempts to evade service remain highly sensitive issues domestically, because the draft often requires young men to put their education or careers on hold, sparking debates over fairness and national duty.
According to the Military Manpower Administration, approximately 50-60 cases of military duty evasion are reported annually in South Korea. Common methods include deliberately gaining or losing excessive weight or individuals with health conditions avoiding necessary medical treatments before undergoing physical examinations.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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