Song Mino Faces Jail Time for Poor Military Service

Song Min-ho, a member of the group Winner, admitted to all charges in his first trial for allegedly unauthorized absence for a total of 102 days while serving as a public service worker. The prosecution has requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison for Song Min-ho.

According to the prosecution, Song Min-ho is accused of colluding with Lee, the person in charge of service management, to leave his workplace without authorization while working as a public service worker from May 2023 to December 2024. Lee is reported to have assisted Song Min-ho in his unauthorized absences by falsifying attendance records or manipulating them as sick leave. The prosecution stated that the reason for the sentencing request was that Song Min-ho evaded his service by submitting false documents despite not reporting to work for an extended period.

Song Min-ho's legal team admitted to the charges but pleaded for leniency due to his health condition. His lawyer explained that Song Min-ho was in a situation where normal service was difficult at the time due to bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and cervical disc herniation. In his final statement, Song Min-ho expressed shame and regret for not faithfully fulfilling his duty of national defense, stating that if given the opportunity to serve again after recovering his health, he would complete it to the end. Immediately after the trial, he also told reporters that he would humbly accept the punishment.

On the other hand, Lee, who was in charge of service management, denied the charges. The court has decided to continue the trial on the 21st of next month for further evidence examination regarding Lee, and the sentencing date for Song Min-ho will be determined later. Allegations of Song Min-ho's poor service first surfaced in December 2024, and he was indicted without detention after a police investigation.