SEOUL, South Korea — The Constitutional Court has confirmed the legality of a prohibition on collective action by commissioned officers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order within the military ranks essential for national security. The decision was announced after a close 5-4 vote among the court's nine justices.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the law that prevents soldiers from engaging in collective petitions or grievances concerning military service was challenged by a judge advocate who claimed it infringed on freedoms of expression and association. The majority of the court found that while the law does restrict soldiers' freedoms, it remains constitutional because it serves the critical purpose of preserving military discipline and national security. The court noted that other channels exist within the military structure for addressing grievances, such as reporting directly to higher command or through military investigation units. However, the decision faced opposition from four justices who argued that the scope of the ban was overly broad and unconstitutional.