Militarism and Resistance in South Korea 한국 군사주의와 저항

http://www.seoulidarity.net
South Korea has more citizens imprisoned for conscientious objection to military service than any other nation in the world. Over 700 are currently serving 18 month terms. Every year, men face the brutal choice to join the military complex or follow their conscience, facing social ostracism and imprisonment. A history of Japanese imperialism, a civil war sparked by the United States and Soviet jousting. Three decades of military dictatorship. Pervasive United States military presence. Violent destruction of farming villages for the expansion of U.S. bases. A National Security Act that restricts freedom of speech and opposition to military duty. Korea has recently begun to openly face its own contradictions of "democracy" and a deeply ingrained militarization.

seoulidarity.net
in korean - withoutwar.org

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[yangrokn]

Get the fuck commies!

They always say we hate America, and they are proud to be Anti Americanists! But they don't blame on the North Korean's Kim Jung IIl regime on purpose!

They're also sending their kids & deliever babies to make them American citizens! what the fuck are they thinking? They hate ROK military and ROK government!

Do not believe this kind of bull shits!

[jefe21]

this video doesn't advocate communism. it advocates freedom and democracy. who are you talking about? before you comment, breathe... otherwise, you will write a frenzied, incoherent, knee-jerk nationalistic reactionist response. 평화

[TheTollundWoman]

@jefe21

@jefe21

you protest militarism in South Korea...what about militarism in the North, where mandatory military service lasts for a minimum of 8 years, where soldiers aren't even given adequate rations and where the head of state is a four-star General? and the National Security Law is necessary, just like there are laws in Germany against defending Hitler, it makes sense there are laws in Korea against defending Kim Jong Il who killed 3 million civilians

[alHalwima]

South Korea today is not much different from pre-WWII Japan. It's only a matter of time before some old bastard, claiming to be chosen by God or be some Christian minister or something, comes to power and makes South Korea into a fascist regime again. Even though America forced democracy on Japan, at least they stuck with it. South Korea tosses away human rights for the sake of fighting Communism. I just wish both halves would fight already and end this.

[canpitt]

While civil rights are certainly within given human rights, the situation in Korea does not allow non-conscription to occur in S.Korea. Along with being technically at war with N.Korea still, Korea is surrounded by many powerful nations that have shown to be aggressors in the past (aka. Russia, China, and Japan, though the last is restricted by the US) and needs to maintain a constant military awareness. COs and civil rights movements, though noble as they may be, cannot be tolerated in Korea.

[unorthodoxtrotsky]

To denounce any leftist politic by demonizing it as "commies" is typical characteristic of militarist propaganda in South Korea.  This idiot yangrokn seem to have very difficult time thinking outside of the box that shapes blatant nationalism and militarism.

[starmanskye]

Well done! Thoughtful and illuminating discussion of the issues S. Korean have struggled with, which few Americans have the slightest understanding of despite the significanc for their OWN society under thrall to the dictates of militarism. It's vital to question the premise of violence as a cure to violence, and examine better options for resolving conflicts & insuring the benefits of self-rule, social justice, economic opportunity, self-actualization, community-building & peace.

[maxust]

this is all bullcrap

[etrash]

짱!

[JayyJayy45]

You should be proud that you have the priviledge of serving your country.