Kang We-suck (, born 25 August 1986) is a South Korean and activist for civil and human rights activist who promotes pacifism. Kang's activism in civil rights (religious and political freedoms) began in 2003 when he was a student. Kang went on a hunger strike from 11 August to 25 September and from 16 October to 25 October 2004. In 2008, Kang joined a peace movement and in August 2008, staged a naked protest at the Armed Forces Day of South Korea. In 2011, Kang became a conscientious objector.
Kang was born in 1986 in Dongdaemun, Seoul, South Korea. He was educated at and later attended . He gained admission to the Seoul National University, School of Law in March 2005. However, his time at the university was marked by activism and controversy. He became a prominent figure in student protests, notably leading a high-profile occupation of the SNU administration building in 2007 to protest against the university's tuition policies and its collaboration with corporations. This period of activism culminated in his departure from the institution; he did not complete his law degree and formally withdrew from the university in 2007.
In 2004, Kang refused to attend his high school chapel services, preferring private worship. On 8 July 2004, Kang was expelled. From 11 August to 25 September 2004, Kang went on an hunger strike, receiving support from some teachers, civic groups and 32 congressmen. Kang returned to school in October 2004 but held a further hunger strike from 17 to 21 October. This won religious rights for students and in taking legal action against his school and the government of Seoul Kang was compensated.
As a student of law, Kang promoted the rights of student minorities and on 1 October 2008, made a nude protest against compulsory military service at the 60th Armed Forces Day anniversary parade on Teheran road, Samseong-dongin, Seoul. He ran naked into the parade carrying a gun shaped cookie. He blew on the cookie before eating it. He said,
Kang was detained by police and taken to Suseo police station.
In December 2010, Kang received a notice to appear for military duty from the Military Manpower Administration. He refused to attend and was charged with refusing to perform mandatory military duty. Kang commented,
Kwon Ki-moon, a judge of the Seoul central district court sentenced Kang to eighteen months in prison for violating the conscription law. Kang was taken to prison immediately after the ruling with his mother watching in the courtroom. The judge said,
In 2008, Kang was fined â©6,000,000 for his participation in illegal demonstrations and engaging in actions such as climbing on a police bus or stepping on the shoulders and heads of police officers.
On 14 September and 27 January 2011, Kang began periods of hunger strike of seven days to promote the rights of prisoners. His efforts were interrupted on 8 February 2011 by fainting and hospital admissions.