The 26-year-old was sentenced last week by a court in South Korea, where all able-bodied men are required to service in the military for at least 18 months.

He was deemed fit to serve in a combat role after an initial physical exam in October 2017.

By the time of his final physical exam in June 2023, however, he was extremely obese with a body mass index of 35.8.

The man was advised by a friend to double his daily food intake and chug water just before the exam in order to avoid combat, The Korea Herald reports.

He was sentenced last week to one year’s imprisonment, suspended for two years.

His friend was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, also suspended for two years.