Starting Today, Applications Open for Alternative Service for 'Conscientious Objectors'

On the 5th, in front of the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, representatives of civic groups including People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy are performing at an emergency press conference opposing the proposal for punitive alternative military service for conscientious objectors. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]The alternative service system based on freedom of conscience, such as religious beliefs, will be fully implemented starting from the 30th. Those classified as alternative service personnel will be called up as alternative service workers from October. They will serve in correctional facilities for 36 months without military training, performing auxiliary duties such as meal service, health and hygiene, and facility management.

The Military Manpower Administration announced that from this day, applications for alternative service classification will be accepted through the Alternative Service Review Committee or local Military Manpower Administration offices. Eligible applicants include those subject to active duty enlistment, social service personnel call-ups, and reservists who have completed their service.

Applicants must apply at least five days before their enlistment or call-up date, and those currently serving military duty are not eligible to apply. Required documents for application include ▲ alternative service classification application form ▲ statement ▲ family relation certificate ▲ statements from parents and acquaintances (at least three people) ▲ copies of detailed school life records from elementary to high school ▲ and a certificate of religious affiliation (if applicable).

The Alternative Service Review Committee Secretariat conducts online investigations including the applicant’s SNS, on-site and acquaintances’ statements, applicant interviews, and supplementary investigations. Based on these, a preliminary review committee composed of five members evaluates the application.

Subsequently, 29 review committee members recommended by six organizations including the National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of National Defense make the final decision to approve, reject, or dismiss the application. If dissatisfied with the committee’s decision, applicants may file an administrative appeal or administrative lawsuit. It is reported that specific review criteria to judge the applicant’s 'conscience' have not yet been finalized.

The review committee is expected to hold a separate meeting soon to finalize detailed review criteria by mid-next month at the earliest, based on precedents from the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court, overseas cases from Germany, the United States, Taiwan, and expert opinions.

Meanwhile, this implementation of the alternative service system comes two years after the Constitutional Court ruled the Military Service Act unconstitutional for not defining alternative service based on 'religious beliefs' as a type of military service.

This new system is evaluated as opening a legal path for conscientious objectors, who had previously faced criminal punishment, to lawfully refuse military service.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.