South Korean Supreme Court Upholds Jail Sentence for Conscientious Objector Over PUBG Playtime

The court questioned the authenticity of the man's anti-violence stance due to his enjoyment of the battle royale game.

A South Korean man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for refusing mandatory military service, citing conscientious objection.
The Supreme Court dismissed his claim, partly because of his frequent playtime in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), a game known for its violence.
The court argued that the man's enjoyment of PUBG contradicted his stated opposition to violence and war.
Despite acknowledging the difference between virtual and real violence, the court saw his gaming habits as undermining his conscientious objection.
The man had also criticized the military for human rights abuses and unfair orders, but the court did not find these claims sufficient to avoid service.