South Korean Man Sentenced for Obesity Scheme to Avoid Military Service
A South Korean man has been sentenced for intentionally gaining weight to evade mandatory military service, a requirement for nearly all able-bodied men in the country. The 26-year-old, who has not been publicly identified, was given a one-year suspended prison sentence by the Dongbu District Court in Seoul. He was found to have weighed 102 kilograms, with a body mass index (BMI) of 35.8, classified as severely obese, during a physical examination in June 2023. The court ruled that he had deliberately increased his food intake, roughly doubling his portions, and consumed large amounts of water before the examination to inflate his weight.
The judge noted that the defendant's actions were a clear violation of South Korea's Military Service Law, which mandates that all men serve at least 18 months in the military between the ages of 18 and 28. In a twist, a friend who encouraged the man in his weight-gaining scheme was also sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for a year, for his role in the plan. The friend claimed he did not believe his companion would actually follow through with the drastic measures.
Military Service Controversy in South Korea
The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding South Korea's conscription laws, which have been a source of contention for decades. Since the Korean War, the military service requirement has affected many young men, including celebrities and athletes. Notably, K-pop stars like BTS have had to pause their careers to fulfill their military obligations. The law has also sparked debates about gender discrimination, as women are exempt from compulsory service, leading to frustrations among young men who feel disadvantaged in the competitive job market.
In recent years, there have been reports of various methods employed by young men to avoid conscription, including intentionally altering their weight, faking mental illness, and even self-harm. The military has adjusted some policies, such as becoming more tolerant of tattoos, which were previously a loophole for evading service. In 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled that alternative civilian roles must be provided for those who refuse military service on religious or political grounds, but the debate over conscription continues to evoke strong opinions among the South Korean populace.
