In South Korea, where military service is mandatory for able-bodied men, a 26-year-old man tried an unusual method to dodge the draft: binge eating. Leading up to his physical examination, this man began consuming massive quantities of food with the help of a friend, who masterminded a special diet plan that doubled his daily intake. This tactic allowed him to get classified as obese, so he could settle for a non-combat role at a government office instead of serving in the military.
The court in Seoul handed him a one-year suspended sentence after he was caught, while his friend received a six-month suspended sentence for his part in the scheme. Initially, the defendant was assessed as fit for combat duty; however, he tipped the scales at a hefty 102kg (225 lbs) during his final examination, categorizing him as heavily obese. Despite claiming that he never thought his friend would go through with this drastic plan, the judge found both men guilty. This incident highlights the lengths some may go to, as all South Korean men over the age of 18 are required to serve for at least 18 months.
The court in Seoul handed him a one-year suspended sentence after he was caught, while his friend received a six-month suspended sentence for his part in the scheme. Initially, the defendant was assessed as fit for combat duty; however, he tipped the scales at a hefty 102kg (225 lbs) during his final examination, categorizing him as heavily obese. Despite claiming that he never thought his friend would go through with this drastic plan, the judge found both men guilty. This incident highlights the lengths some may go to, as all South Korean men over the age of 18 are required to serve for at least 18 months.
