A South Korean man has been convicted and sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term for deliberately gaining weight to avoid mandatory military service. The Seoul Eastern District Court ruled on November 13 that the 26-year-old man, whose name was not disclosed, violated the country’s Military Service Act by manipulating his body mass index to qualify for a non-combat role.
South Korea mandates nearly all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 to serve 18–21 months in the military, with assignments determined by physical examinations.
In his initial exam in 2017, the man was deemed fit for combat duty (Level 2) at 83 kilograms (183 pounds) and 169 centimeters (5 feet 6 inches) tall. However, between 2022 and 2023, he intentionally doubled his food intake, consumed high-calorie meals, avoided physical work, and drank large quantities of water before his exams to inflate his weight.
As a result, his weight rose to 102–105 kilograms (225–231 pounds), earning him a Level 4 classification, which allowed him to perform non-combat social service roles instead of serving as an active-duty soldier.
The court sentenced the man to one year in prison, suspended for two years, citing his deliberate attempts to dodge military service. A friend who encouraged him to gain weight was also convicted and received a six-month suspended prison sentence.
Despite the conviction, the court noted that the sentences were lenient because neither man had prior criminal records and the main defendant expressed remorse, pledging to fulfill his military obligations. It remains unclear whether he has begun his service.
South Korea’s conscription system has been in place since the Korean War and is viewed as critical for national defense against North Korea. However, the policy is highly contentious, disrupting careers and education for many young men. While exemptions are available for health issues or alternative civilian roles, attempts to evade service—such as gaining or losing excessive weight, self-harm, or faking mental illness—are not uncommon.
The Military Manpower Administration reports 50–60 cases of draft evasion annually, with violators facing penalties of up to three years in prison.Â
