Prosecution Seeks Prison Sentence for Former Chief Judge Involved in Son's False Epilepsy Military Service Fraud

The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for a former chief judge accused of assisting his son in evading military service by obtaining a false epilepsy diagnosis from a military service broker.

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On the 24th, at a trial presided over by Judge Choi Seon-sang of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 10, the prosecution requested that former chief judge A (51) and his son B (22), both charged with violating the Military Service Act, be sentenced to one year in prison each. A is a former chief judge and is currently known to be a lawyer affiliated with a prominent law firm.

They are accused of handing over 35 million won to military service broker Gu (47) and attempting to evade military service by falsely feigning epilepsy symptoms according to the evasion scenario provided by Gu since 2021.

B received a physical grade 7 at the Central Military Manpower Administration Medical Examination Office in February last year. The Military Manpower Administration assigns grade 7 to individuals who are currently undergoing treatment for an illness and require re-examination after a certain period.

Both A and B admitted to the charges on this day. A stated, "I am ashamed of my wrongful actions and conduct," and added, "I will live with remorse." B also said, "I deeply regret and reflect on my wrongful behavior."

However, their defense attorney argued, "Legally, a violation of the Military Service Act applies when deception is used for the purpose of evading or reducing military service, which is not the case here. B originally had a mental illness that would have exempted him from military service, so I want to emphasize that he should not be considered obligated to serve." The defense also stated that a sentencing opinion will be submitted at the next hearing.

The prosecution explained the reason for their request, saying, "The defense claims that exemption from military service was possible due to mental illness, but if the status of a military service obligation changes retrospectively based on actual symptoms, the punishment regulations must also be flexible accordingly. This case involves the use of false deception related to epilepsy, not a mental disorder, so the defense's argument is not valid."

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