Man sentenced in South Korea for exploiting military loophole by gaining weight
- A South Korean man gained over 20 kilograms to avoid military service responsibilities.
- He was sentenced to a suspended prison term after being caught manipulating his weight.
- This case highlights ongoing issues surrounding military conscription and evasion in South Korea.
In November 2023, a court in South Korea sentenced a man to a one-year suspended prison term for manipulating his weight to avoid military conscription. The 26-year-old man, who was initially deemed suitable for active-duty military service, gained more than 20 kilograms through excessive eating and hydration prior to physical exams. His actions, encouraged by an acquaintance, were a strategic attempt to secure status for social service duty, which is more lenient compared to active military roles. South Korea has a mandatory military service law lasting 18-21 months for all able-bodied men, and dodging these duties remains a contentious issue in the country, often leading to legal consequences for those who try to evade service through such means.