Conscientious objectors discuss their opinions after the Supreme Court's Nov. 1st ruling

Article 88 of Military Service Act states if those who have received notice of military duty refuse to serve in the military without valid reason will be sentenced to imprisonment under 3 years.

And by this rule more than twenty thousand conscientious obejctors in South Korea has been imprisoned over the past 70 years.

The Constitutional Court ruled in June that conscientious objectors need an alternative to military service.

The Supreme Court also flipped its court ruling made 14 years ago of convicting a Jehovah's Witnesses conscientious objector guilty.

On 28th of December, the Ministry of National Defense has finalized its plan of 36 months at correctional facilities as alternative military service for conscientious obejctors and is working on its legislation.

While there remains a heated public dispute over the this matter
Let's find out what conscientious objectors actually feel about this issue

[lyfewithdj]

I pray for my fellow JW brothers in Korea who are still imprisoned for being conscientious objectors due to our belief in our loyalty to 여호와 (Jehovah)!🙏 Much ❤ from Atlanta, GA! Ur fellow brothers are constantly praying for u all.
And 감사합니다 for covering this topic, Korea Now!🙂

[danijeld]

In my country (I suppose in other parts of Europe too) conscientious objection is recognized by law, without any sanctions. Several years ago, due to fiscal and other reasons, mandatory service was 'stopped' (they don't say canceled, because the discussion still lasts on what is better for young people, country...), it's now professionalized, payed, more intensive, volunteers decide... And many do apply. (of c. there's University education....)

[gustavomora]

Hey Heeyoung!
Thankfully we don´t have mandatory military service in my country, cause our military forces are mainly to protect the government from its own people and I think that´s pretty bad.
But I would be more than happy to serve in South Corea, I think your country is amazing and worth defending.

[FrankM]

Thanks Heeyoung.
There should have been alternatives, such as public service, from the beginning instead of imprisonment.
I wonder, does having a record that you served in prison for avoiding mandatory military duty, affect your future employment in South Korea?

[ReneKnights]

Definitely respect these dudes. I hope that the JW culture in Korea is better than it is in the U.S. though.

[-Alex-B-]

till 2011 in germany every "healthy" male citizen (there was a medical examination) either had to serve in the military or had to go to a civilian service but I never heard that someone had to go to prision that seems kind of harsh 😢