South Korean Man Sentenced for Gaining Weight to Avoid Military Service
The 26-year-old received a suspended prison term after intentionally altering his weight to qualify for less demanding service under conscription rules.
- A South Korean court sentenced the man to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act by deliberately gaining over 44 pounds.
- The man increased his food intake, quit physical work, and drank large amounts of water before exams to qualify for non-combat roles instead of active-duty military service.
- Initially deemed fit for active duty in 2017, his weight gain during subsequent physical exams from 2022 to 2023 reclassified him for social service roles.
- A friend who reportedly helped devise the weight-gain plan also received a suspended six-month prison term for aiding the scheme.
- The court noted the man acknowledged his wrongdoing and expressed an intent to fulfill his military duty, with neither side appealing the November 13 ruling.
People 
