[Photo] MND’s controversial revision of terminology for “conscientious objectors”

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has revised its official wording for conscientious objectors to military service. Instead of the term “conscientious objector,” the MND will now adopt the term “objector to military service based on religious convictions.” This revision was announced by MND Spokesperson Choi Hyung-soo on Dec. 4, who explained that the word “conscientious” was removed from the term to address the semantic implication that those who have served or are currently serving are somehow not conscientious or moral. The above photo shows demonstrators protesting against the MND’s alternative service plan for objectors to military service. (Park Jong-shik)