The Supreme Court has ruled against a man who cited his socialist beliefs as grounds for objecting to military service. 

In upholding a lower court decision to dismiss the man’s case against the state conscription agency, the top court said Oct. 25 that there had been no error in interpreting the legal principles, according to judicial circles on Tuesday.

After delaying conscription multiple times since 2009, the 34-year-old plaintiff, identified as Na Dan, applied for the alternative service program in 2020, saying he could not serve in the military as a socialist.

Na called the military a violent organization that represents capitalist interests.

The Military Manpower Administration rejected Na’s application, prompting him to file an administrative suit the following year in hopes of reversing the decision.

He lost his initial case and his appeal, with the appellate court saying he had no grounds for conscientious objection because his convictions were “fluid” and “changeable.” 

Since 2020, the government has allowed young men to complete a three-year alternative service program in lieu of mandatory military duty if they have valid grounds, such as religious or personal beliefs.