A court in Seoul has recently convicted a 26-year-old man for attempting to escape mandatory military service by intentionally gaining weight. In South Korea, every able-bodied male is required to serve in the army for a period of at least 18 months. Prior to his draft physical examination, the man engaged in binge eating, which resulted in him being classified as obese.
The judge revealed that the defendant's strategy enabled him to take on a non-combat position at a government agency, stating that during a preliminary health check, he was deemed fit for combat duty. However, a subsequent examination found him to weigh in at over 102 kilograms (225 pounds), classifying him as severely obese.
The man received a one-year suspended sentence as a consequence of his actions, while his accomplice—who devised an eating plan that significantly increased his friend's food consumption—was handed a six-month suspended sentence. The friend maintained his innocence regarding the charge of aiding and abetting, claiming he never anticipated his friend's commitment to the drastic weight gain.
This case highlights ongoing discussions around South Korea's military service requirements, including notable public reactions whenever K-pop stars such as BTS are called upon to serve. The draft poses challenges and societal implications, as exemplified by the controversial methods individuals might resort to in order to navigate these obligations.
