Prosecutors Indict 47 More Including Those Who Requested Military Service Evasion with 'False Epilepsy' Claims

Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office and Military Manpower Administration Joint Investigation Team
42 Draft Dodgers and 5 Accomplices Indicted Without Detention
Exploiting Consistent Medical Records for Diagnosable Conditions

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] The prosecution, investigating military service evasion through 'false epilepsy,' has referred more than 40 evaders and accomplices to trial.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Joint Investigation Team on Military Service Evasion of the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office and the Military Manpower Administration announced on the 9th that they have indicted 47 people without detention, including military service broker Gu (48), who was charged with military service evasion, 42 evaders who conspired with him, and 5 accomplices who actively participated, on charges of violating the Military Service Act and obstructing official duties by deception. Among the suspects are already known individuals such as professional volleyball player Jo Jaesung of OK Financial Group, actor Song Deokho, and medical students.

The 42 evaders are accused of conspiring with broker Gu from February 2019 to November last year, paying between 3 million and 60 million KRW under the pretext of military service consulting.

According to the prosecution, after receiving crime scenarios and other instructions from Gu, they fabricated epilepsy symptoms such as seizures and obtained false medical certificates from medical institutions, which were then submitted to the Military Manpower Administration to receive military service exemptions.

The five accomplices who actively participated were indicted on charges of deceiving medical institutions and the Military Manpower Administration through broker contracts, payment of fees, acting as witnesses, and false 119 emergency calls. The prosecution has identified that Gu received a total amount of 634.25 million KRW during this process.

Broker Gu and the suspects exploited the fact that 30-40% of epilepsy patients do not show abnormal findings in EEG tests, and that epilepsy diagnosis is possible through consistent medical records. Knowing that at least one year of treatment history is required as of the physical examination date to receive a grade 4 (supplementary service) or lower classification, Gu and the clients managed consultation and medical records for 1-2 years. Gu also ensured that clients took actual medication just before the final drug test to produce a positive drug reaction.

Additionally, Gu selected himself or family and acquaintances of the evaders as witnesses and falsely complained of symptoms to medical institutions, making clients testify as if they had sudden seizures during long use of electronic devices and had similar symptoms for a long time. When evaders requested quick resolution of military issues due to age or limits on postponement of enlistment, they shortened the crime period by making false 119 emergency calls and going directly to emergency rooms of large hospitals.

The types of military service evasion were diverse. The most common case, involving 38 people, was evading military service by pretending to have epilepsy during the 'military service disposition change' procedure while being in active duty or supplementary service (social service agent) and postponing enlistment.

One person evaded service during the 're-examination for military service' procedure conducted if enlistment is not done within four years after military disposition, and two people evaded during the 'enlistment examination' procedure conducted just before enlistment after military disposition. One person who had not yet been classified for military service evaded during the 'initial military service examination' procedure.

The prosecution stated, "We are continuing investigations into broker Gu, Kim, and many other evaders, and will promptly investigate new allegations, including suspicions related to military service evasion by social service agents at Seocho District Office."

According to Article 136 of the Enforcement Decree of the Military Service Act, if a person damages their body or uses deception to evade or reduce military service obligations and is criminally punished for violating the Military Service Act, they must undergo criminal punishment and fulfill their military service obligations.