A South Korean man who tried to avoid military service by gaining weight sentenced to prison.

A man who intentionally tried to gain weight to avoid two years of mandatory military service in South Korea was sentenced to one year in prison.

According to a report by The Korea Herald, the Dongbu District Court ruled that a 26-year-old man, whose name was not disclosed, violated military service laws.

The court determined that the individual deliberately increased his daily food and water intake before the military fitness examination, resulting in a one-year prison sentence with a two-year suspension.

PENALTY ALSO IMPOSED ON THE FRIEND WHO ENCOURAGED HIM

The court noted that the individual followed a diet prepared by his friend, who "encouraged him by presenting specific plans to gain weight," and sentenced this person to six months in prison with a two-year suspension for aiding and abetting the crime.

The court stated that the lenient punishment was due to the fact that neither the defendant nor his friend had any prior convictions and that the defendant accepted his mistake.

In South Korea, men without any physical issues are required to serve at least 18 months of mandatory military service.