South Korean Man Fakes Obesity to Avoid Military Duty

Fri Jul 18 2025 08:23:20 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
South Korean Man Fakes Obesity to Avoid Military Duty

A man was found guilty for using extreme measures to evade mandatory military service in South Korea.


In a surprising case, a 26-year-old South Korean individual was convicted for deliberately gaining weight to escape his military obligations, a practice that has sparked discussions on military service in the nation.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men over the age of 18 are required to serve in the military for at least 18 months.

The individual, who manifested his plans before a draft physical examination, engaged in binge eating to reach an obesity classification. A Seoul court revealed that during his final evaluation last year, he tipped the scales at over 102kg (225 lbs), qualifying him for a non-combat position within a government agency. His actions led to a one-year suspended prison sentence.

Additionally, a friend who had concocted a specialized diet plan that increased the man's food intake was also sentenced to six months suspended imprisonment. The friend denied any responsibility for encouraging the man's actions, emphasizing that he never anticipated his friend would go through with such an extreme strategy.

This case highlights the ongoing debates surrounding military obligations in South Korea and the social pressures faced by young men to comply with national service mandates. As military duties remain a topic of interest, the broader implications on Korean culture and the impact on individuals continue to unfold.

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