A South Korean man who attempted to dodge mandatory military service by overeating and becoming obese has managed to avoid prison time after promising to fulfill his military duty. The man, who remains unidentified, was sentenced to a one-year prison term, suspended for two years, by a court in Seoul for violating the Military Service Act of South Korea.
According to the court ruling on November 13, the man was deemed unfit for active duty in June last year when he reached a weight of 102 kilograms (225 pounds) with an obese body mass index. This was a significant change from six years prior when he was initially considered fit for service after a physical examination.
The judge highlighted that the defendant deliberately gained weight by consuming high-calorie foods, increasing meal portions, avoiding physically demanding work, and even drinking excessive amounts of water before weigh-ins. However, the man has since expressed his sincere intention to fulfill his military obligations.
Additionally, a friend who encouraged the man in his efforts to avoid military service received a six-month suspended prison sentence for aiding and abetting the offense.
Compulsory military service has been a longstanding requirement in South Korea, with almost all able-bodied men mandated to serve for at least 18 months by the age of 28. The issue of military conscription has sparked debates and controversies over the years, with cases of individuals resorting to various tactics to evade service.
While conscientious objectors have faced legal consequences for refusing military duty on religious or political grounds, the government has been urged to provide alternative civilian roles for such individuals. The draft exemption for women, coupled with low female participation in the military, has also stirred discontent among some men who perceive it as gender discrimination.
A 2018 survey revealed that a significant percentage of young Korean men viewed the draft as discriminatory and believed that women should also be subject to conscription. This sentiment has fueled debates on gender equality and fairness in the context of mandatory military service in South Korea.
