Kang We-suck

Kang We-suck (Hangul: 강의석; Hanja: 姜義錫, born 25 August 1986) is a South Korean an activist for civil and human rights activist who promotes pacifism, but also a former high-profile criminal. Kang's activism in civil rights (religious and political freedoms) began in 2003 when he was a student. Kang went on a hunger strike from 11 August to 25 September and from 16 October to 25 October 2004. In 2008, Kang joined a peace movement and in August 2008, staged a naked protest at the Armed Forces Day of South Korea. In 2011, Kang became a conscientious objector.

Kang was born in Dongdaemun in Seoul, Republic of Korea. He was educated at the Sungil middle school and the Daekwang high school. Kang was enrolled in the Seoul National University school of law from March 2005 to 2007 but did not complete his studies.

In 2004, Kang refused to attend his high school chapel services, preferring private worship. On 8 July 2004, Kang was expelled. From 11 August to 25 September 2004, Kang went on an hunger strike, receiving support from some teachers, civic groups and 32 congressmen. Kang returned to school in October 2004 but held a further hunger strike from 17 to 21 October. This won religious rights for students and in taking legal action against his school and the government of Seoul Kang was compensated.

As a student of law, Kang promoted the rights of student minorities and on 1 October 2008, made a nude protest against compulsory military service at the 60th Armed Forces Day anniversary parade on Teheran road, Samseong-dongin, Seoul. He ran naked into the parade carrying a gun shaped cookie. He blew on the cookie before eating it. He said,

Kang was detained by police and taken to Suseo police station.

Conscientious objector

In December 2010, Kang received a notice to appear for military duty from the Military Manpower Administration. He refused to attend and was charged with refusing to perform mandatory military duty. Kang commented,

Kwon Ki-moon, a judge of the Seoul central district court sentenced Kang to eighteen months in prison for violating the conscription law. Kang was taken to prison immediately after the ruling with his mother watching in the courtroom. The judge said,

On June 2008, Kang committed a felony over heads and other body parts of policemen and their bus. The Seoul Central District Court ordered a heavy penalty including a heavy fine.

On 14 September and 27 January 2011, Kang began periods of hunger strike of seven days to promote the rights of prisoners. His efforts were interrupted on 8 February 2011 by fainting and hospital admissions.