South Korea pardons over 1000 objectors of military service

South Korea has pardoned 1,879 men who refused to do military service for religious or personal reasons.

It comes after a court last year recognised conscience or religious beliefs as a justifiable reason to turn down military service.

All able-bodied men in South Korea are required to serve for up to 24 months by the time they are 28.

Conscientious objectors faced 18 months in prison and often struggled to find employment.

Monday’s announcement was the third round of special pardons since president Moon Jae-in was elected in 2017.

The justice ministry said more than 5,000 people were pardoned in total, including 267 who breached election law, and three political and labour activists.