"The Military Manpower Administration commissioned a study on an alternative form of military service on Aug. 25 when it selected a second research agency,” the ministry said in a press release. “Research will be finished by Dec. 20."

The ministry and the MMA will decide whether to introduce an alternative form of service in a meeting early next year based on the outcome of the study. A ministry official said, "If there is national consensus, we're going to introduce it after gathering views from related agencies and organizations."

The number of conscientious objectors was between 500 and 800 a year from 2000 and 2007. The Criminal Division of the Chuncheon District Court last Friday filed a petition with the Constitutional Court against Article 88 of the conscription law, which only stipulates punishment of conscientious objectors for evasion of military service without giving them a chance of an alternative form of service, calling it unconstitutional by infringing on the basic rights guaranteed by Article 10 of the Constitution.

(englishnews@chosun.com )