South Korea
“Best Court Decision of the Year”
The Gwangju Appellate Court decided “not guilty” for three young men who refused military service. The nation is waiting on the highest court to render its decision.
National Human Rights Commission Urges Respect for Freedom of Conscience
South Korea’s National Human Rights Commission urged the government to protect the fundamental right of conscientious objection to military service.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court Soon to Release Significant Decision
The Court’s decision on conscientious objectors, if positive, will strengthen the right of freedom of conscience and religion for all South Korea’s citizens.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Korean Prisons File Additional Complaints
South Korea continues punishing young Witness men with imprisonment for the legitimate exercise of their freedom of religion and conscience.
Will South Korea Protect Freedom of Conscience?
Seon-hyeok Kim, a conscientious objector, was previously acquitted of evading military service. Why did the appeal court overturn the verdict and convict him?
UN Human Rights Committee Urges South Korea to Recognize Conscientious Objection
The global community is watching the government’s response to the Committee’s call to fully implement the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Hundreds of Korean Witnesses File Complaints With UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
International and domestic pressure continues to mount for South Korea to provide alternative service to conscientious objectors instead of imprisoning them.
Constitutional Court Examines South Korea’s Treatment of Conscientious Objectors
The Court adjourned the hearing, and will deliberate on the constitutionality of laws that punish conscientious objectors.
Are Judges in South Korea Ready to Adopt International Standards for Conscientious Objectors?
The Constitutional Court will reconsider South Korea’s refusal to recognize the right of conscientious objection. A global audience eagerly anticipates the judgment.
South Korea Guilty of Arbitrary Detention of Conscientious Objectors
Every year, authorities imprison hundreds of young Witnesses as conscientious objectors. For the fifth time, the UN Human Rights Committee states that South Korea has no justification to do so.
International Convention Coverage: Witnesses Release Bible at World Cup Stadium in Seoul
Jehovah’s Witnesses released the revised New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in Korean during the “Keep Seeking First God’s Kingdom!” International Convention.
Judges Struggle With Their Own Conscience When Required to Ignore Conscience of Others
South Korean judges are distressed by the injustice of mandatory verdicts that criminalize and imprison conscientious objectors instead of recognizing their human rights.
Gallup Poll Reveals Shift in Perception of Conscientious Objection in South Korea
An increasing number of South Koreans now favor offering alternative service to those who conscientiously object to military conscription.