Tallest fighter to take army role

Choi Hong-man, left, joins boot camp yesterday at the 36th Infantry Division of the Korean Army in Wonju, Gangwon. [YONHAP]

At 218 centimeters (7-foot-2), Choi Hong-man is the tallest fighter in Korea’s K-1 mixed martial arts circuit.
And yesterday he became the tallest member, if not the biggest target, in the Korean Army, joining boot camp at the 36th Infantry Division in Wonju, Gangwon.
Choi, who weighs in at 160 kilograms (352 pounds), will undergo four weeks of training and then begin 25 months of alternative military service, assisting officials with administrative tasks at a local government office.
“This is going to be an interesting experience,” Choi, dressed in a yellow T-shirt and jeans, told Yonhap before entering the camp. The 27 year old was swamped by journalists, photographers and television crews, plus curious onlookers trying to get a glimpse of the giant fighter.
“This is something every man does and I’m going to try to enjoy myself,” Choi added.
A military rule that exempted those taller than 196 centimeters (6-foot-5) from mandatory service was abolished in 1999.
Choi suffers from acromegaly, a condition that leads to excess production of human growth hormone. His condition allowed him to enter alternative service, during which men can commute from their homes with almost no physical drills.
“I am still young and there will still be opportunities to fight,” Choi said.
Officials scrambled to fit the gigantic Choi into army gear. It wasn’t easy. They designed new boots to accommodate Choi’s 380-millimeter (15-inch) feet. The largest boots ordinarily provided by the Army are 330 millimeters.
The army also produced oversized uniforms for Choi’s height and his 44-inch waist.

By Yoo Jee-ho Staff Reporter [jeeho@joongang.co.kr]