In a unique case that has drawn significant attention in South Korea, a 26-year-old man is facing the repercussions of his attempts to avoid the country’s mandatory military service by deliberately gaining weight. According to reports from local media, he began binge eating shortly before his physical examination for the draft to ensure he would be categorized as obese. This strategy ultimately allowed him to serve in a non-combat role at a government agency instead of facing rigorous military duties.
The court in the capital city of Seoul ruled against the defendant, giving him a one-year suspended sentence after determining he had intentionally manipulated his weight for this purpose. In a twist, his friend, who had devised a specific regimen that doubled the man’s usual daily food intake, also faced legal consequences, receiving a six-month suspended sentence for his involvement.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men over the age of 18 are required to serve at least 18 months in the military. Reports indicate that during an initial examination, the man was deemed fit for active combat duty, but by his final assessment last year, he had ballooned to over 102 kg (225 lbs, 16 stone), categorizing him as heavily obese and allowing him to serve in a less demanding position.
Interestingly, the friend who suggested the binge-eating regimen denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had not believed that his friend would go through with the drastic measure. This incident has sparked discussions surrounding military obligations and personal integrity in South Korea, especially in the wake of public figures such as the popular K-pop band BTS fulfilling their military service duties.
