Korean put on 65lb to avoid military service

A SOUTH Korean man has been found guilty of attempting to avoid mandatory national service in the military by piling on more than 65lb in the space of six months.

The 21-year-old man, who has not been named, was given a suspended prison sentence by the Cheongju District Court on Sunday, The Korea Times reported. The man was 5ft 9in and weighed more than 250lb (18 stone) when he reported for a physical examination prior to entry in the armed forces. He was assigned to complete his national service in a civilian post until police opened an investigation.

The court had the power to impose a maximum punishment of five years in prison as South Korean law states that anyone who attempts to get out of the compulsory 20-month military service – by fleeing, deliberately causing themselves injury or otherwise avoiding serving – can be prosecuted.

There has been an increase in the number of young men attempting to avoid service in the South Korean armed forces, most citing religious reasons or after claiming to be conscientious objectors. By law, neither is a reason for not serving in the military.