Defense Minister Song Young-moo says a plan regarding alternative military service for conscientious objectors will be complete by late next month. 

Song made the remark at the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting on Friday, adding the ministry will create a related task force and legislate the plan next year. 

He said that until the plan is released, the Military Manpower Administration will postpone conscripting conscientious objectors. 

The minister also revealed a plan to reduce the duration of the compulsory military service to 18 months for the Army, 20 months for the Navy and 22 months for the Air Force. Currently, rank-and-file soldiers serve for 21 months, 23 months and 24 months at each respective military branch. 

In June, the Constitutional Court ruled that not allowing alternative service for conscientious objectors is against the Constitution.