First Draft Alternative Service Conscripts Gathered... 36 Months of Confinement Service in Prison
Gathered in Suits with Long Hair, No 'Loyalty' Slogan
Some Express Discontent, "Does Religious Conscience Include Freedom of Hairstyle?"
On the afternoon of the 26th, when the alternative service system for conscientious objectors based on religious beliefs or nonviolence and pacifism was first implemented, an entrance ceremony for 63 conscientious objectors was held at the Alternative Service Training Center inside Daejeon Prison, where the entrants are seen applauding. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] As the alternative service for conscientious objectors on religious grounds began for the first time on the 26th, some voices of discontent toward the service members have continued.
The Military Manpower Administration held an induction ceremony at the Yeonmugwan of Daejeon Prison in the afternoon and summoned 63 conscientious objectors.Inside the building, Daejeon Prison hung a banner that read "The First Step Toward Harmony Between Belief and Military Service."
The induction ceremony was different from the enlistment of active-duty soldiers at training centers. Alternative service members wore dark suits instead of military uniforms. They also wore neckties and passed through the main gate of Daejeon Prison wearing dress shoes instead of military boots.
There was no regulation on hairstyles, so most trainees maintained their usual hair styles. Additionally, the ceremony omitted the national anthem. The "loyalty" salute and slogans heard at training grounds were also skipped because they conflicted with the religious beliefs of the alternative service members.
On the afternoon of the 26th, when the alternative service system for conscientious objectors based on religious beliefs or nonviolence and pacifism was first implemented, 63 conscientious objectors held an entrance ceremony at the Alternative Service Training Center inside Daejeon Prison, and the entrants are moving to the ceremony hall. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The service members said, "We can fulfill our national defense duties while keeping our religious beliefs," and "We feel a sense of responsibility and will devote ourselves to the training."
However, some criticized the appearance of the induction ceremony. Although alternative service is performed for religious reasons, there are criticisms that it is too different from the appearance of active-duty enlistment.
Kim, a university student in his mid-20s, said, "Among young people, there are many criticisms about 'military service based on religious beliefs,'" adding, "'On what grounds do they judge conscience and decide on alternative service?'" He continued, "Also, shouldn't alternative service be performed at the same level as regular soldiers?" expressing frustration.
Lee, a company employee in his 30s, pointed out, "The absence of hairstyle regulations could cause dissatisfaction among active-duty soldiers." He criticized, "Short hair is like a symbol of enlistment, so I want to ask if all these things are allowed under religious beliefs."
On the afternoon of the 26th, when the alternative service system for conscientious objectors based on religious beliefs or nonviolence and pacifism was first implemented, an entrance ceremony was held for 63 conscientious objectors at the Alternative Service Training Center inside Daejeon Prison. The photo shows the interior of the living quarters for alternative service personnel. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, 63 people who were acquitted due to conscientious objection based on religion, etc., will receive three weeks of education at the alternative service training center inside the prison instead of military training and will be assigned to Daejeon Prison and Mokpo Prison.
They will serve 36 months of dormitory service, twice the length of active-duty army service, performing auxiliary tasks such as correctional facility meal service, distribution of supplies, health and hygiene, and facility management. They wear correctional officer uniforms, work eight hours a day, and are allowed to use mobile phones after work or on holidays. Reserve force alternative service is performed up to the 6th year.
Salary and leave are treated at the same level as active-duty soldiers, and if they desert service, the service period is extended by five times the number of days absent. If they desert for more than eight days, their alternative service status is canceled, and they face criminal punishment.
The implementation of the alternative service system comes two years and four months after the 2018 Constitutional Court ruling to include alternative service for conscientious objectors in military service.
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