Genius Plan to Dodge Draft

Hi Global Recap readers,

If you know any Korean men, you’re probably familiar with the dread they feel as able-bodied individuals facing mandatory military service.

And by “able-bodied,” I mean really able-bodied.

One man took this concept literally and came up with a years-long plan to avoid the draft.

To kick off today’s newsletter, here’s a lighter story than usual: 👇

🇰🇷 SOUTH KOREA
Man Balloons Himself to Dodge Draft

While many parts of the world need soldiers to fight in wars, a South Korean man devised a brilliant plan to avoid the draft.

🤔 What did he do? He deliberately gained weight and has now been found guilty. The Seoul Eastern District Court handed him a one-year suspended prison sentence for his creative, yet illegal, attempt to dodge the draft.

He was DEDICATED to say the least.

The Weight Gain Plan

The unnamed 26-year-old doubled his daily food intake to gain over 44 pounds (20kg).

• He even quit his part-time delivery job to consume high-calorie foods.

• His weight ballooned from 183 pounds (83kg) in 2017 to 225 pounds (102kg) by June 2023. Now, THAT’s dedication.

• But that’s not all. Before weighing in during physical examination, he consumed large amounts of water to increase his weight further.

Legal Consequences

The court didn’t find this amusing though. It found him guilty of violating the Military Service Act.

• He received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

• His friend, who allegedly helped him, got a six-month suspended sentence.

Military Service in South Korea

All able-bodied men in South Korea must serve at least 18 months in the military.

• Men fit for service must enlist before turning 28.

• The man was initially deemed fit for combat duty in 2017.

🇷🇴 ROMANIA
TikTok's Role in Election Drama

TikTok's CEO is in hot water after a far-right candidate's shocking win in Romania's presidential election. The European Parliament wants answers about the platform's role in this political twist.

Is this a legitimate election interference case? Or is this an attempt to censor opposition?

Election Shockwaves

The ultranationalist and pro-Russian Călin Georgescu's first-round victory has everyone talking.

• Georgescu, with no party backing, stunned everyone with his unexpected win.

• Researchers are now focusing on a major TikTok campaign that boosted his popularity.

TikTok Under Scrutiny

EU lawmakers are demanding TikTok's CEO explain the platform's involvement.

• Valérie Hayer, head of the liberal Renew Europe group, called for the CEO to testify.

• Concerns are rising about radicalization and disinformation across Europe.

Fake Accounts Galore

Thousands of fake accounts might have played a role in Georgescu's campaign.

• Bogdan Manolea from the Association for Technology and Internet believes TikTok was misused.

• The Romanian Prime Minister wants to review the funding behind Georgescu's TikTok campaign.

TikTok's Defense

TikTok claims the reports are misleading and highlights their efforts to ensure fair play.

• TikTok spokesperson Paolo Ganino stated that most candidates used the platform.

• TikTok set up an election center and partnered with a local NGO to counter disinformation.

What's Next?

The second round of the election is set for December 8.

• The outcome could have significant implications for Romania's political future.

• All eyes are on TikTok and its role in shaping political landscapes.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Democrats' Fundraising Fiasco

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is in the spotlight again.

Why? They started a GoFundMe campaign in a desperate plea for donations following massive layoffs. This comes after they were heavily criticized for blowing millions on celebrity-filled events for Kamala Harris's presidential campaign.

Even the union is fighting against the DNC.

Layoffs and Outrage

The DNC laid off two-thirds of its staff with just one day's notice and no severance.

• The union representing the workers is furious, calling the layoffs unfair and demanding severance pay.

• A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the laid-off workers, aiming to raise $25,000 but only reaching $15,816 so far.

Celebrity Spending Spree

The DNC's spending spree included millions on celebrity town halls.

• The Harris campaign spent $1 billion in just 15 weeks, including payments to Oprah Winfrey's production company.

• Critics on social media are outraged, pointing out the mismanagement of funds and broken promises.

Union's Fight Continues

The union is still fighting for severance pay for the laid-off employees.

• The DNC claims the layoffs are part of normal post-election downsizing.

• The union insists the GoFundMe is not a replacement for the severance they are demanding.

Social Media Backlash

Social media users are not holding back their criticism.

• Comments range from blaming Harris for the layoffs to calling out the DNC's mismanagement.

• Some suggest wealthy Democratic celebrities should step in to help the laid-off staffers.

Harris's Hawaiian Getaway

Adding fuel to the fire, Kamala Harris is vacationing in Hawaii while her staffers face financial uncertainty.

• Critics are using this as another example of the DNC's poor handling of the situation.

• The White House has deflected questions about the layoffs to the DNC, defending President Biden's pro-union stance.

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Begins

Israel's cabinet has given the green light to a US-backed ceasefire deal with Hezbollah after intense negotiations. The agreement aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict and restore peace in the region.

Cabinet's Decision

The Israeli cabinet approved the ceasefire deal with a 10-1 vote.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted the proposal, which was backed by the US.

• Far-right minister Ben Gvir was the only one to vote against the plan.

Ceasefire Details

The ceasefire took effect on Wednesday at 4 am local time.

• The Lebanese army and security forces will deploy in southern Lebanon over the next 60 days.

• Israel will withdraw its forces within the same timeframe, allowing civilians to return home.

Netanyahu's Stance

Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire's success depends on Hezbollah's actions.

• He stated, “The duration of the ceasefire depends on what happens in Lebanon.”

• Israel reserves the right to respond forcefully to any violations.

Biden's Remarks

President Joe Biden echoed Netanyahu's sentiments in his announcement.

• Biden stressed that Israel retains the right to self-defense against any threats.

• He highlighted the importance of peace for both the Lebanese and Gazan people.

Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

The ceasefire deal does not affect the war in Gaza.

• Biden mentioned that the US will continue efforts to find peace in Gaza.

• He urged Hamas to release hostages and negotiate a ceasefire in good faith