Out of prison, Hong could only land a door-to-door sales job and petty work.
Ironically, the fate of Jehovah's Witness inmates only drew nationwide attention in 2001, when a Buddhist became the first non-Jehovah's Witness to declare himself a conscientious objector.
Since then, 14 other pacifists have either been jailed or are on trial.
With the government seeking reconciliation with former battlefield foe North Korea, conscientious objectors say it's time to allow them "alternative" civil service, such as working in homeless shelters.
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