Mino Admits Poor Military Service, Requests Re-enlistment

Song Min-ho, a member of the group 'Winner', has been indicted for allegedly being absent from his duties as a public service worker for a total of 102 days without leave and has been sentenced to prison. On the 21st, the prosecution requested a prison sentence of 1 year and 6 months for Song at the first trial hearing held at the Seoul Western District Court. Song is accused of habitually being absent without leave while working as a public service worker at the Mapo District Facility Management Corporation and resident convenience facilities from March 2023 to December 2024. According to the Military Service Act, public service workers who are absent from duty for more than 8 days without a justifiable reason may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 3 years.

Song Min-ho's legal team admitted to all charges in court. Song's lawyer stated, "He deeply regrets not fulfilling his duty of national defense, which every young Korean man must faithfully perform." However, they requested that his mental health history and his remorseful attitude be considered as mitigating factors in sentencing. The lawyer explained that Song was experiencing severe physical and mental distress due to bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and cervical disc herniation at the time of the offense, making normal work difficult.

In his final statement, Song Min-ho said, "As a young Korean man, I failed to faithfully fulfill my duty of national defense until the end," and added, "I believe that my struggles with bipolar disorder and panic disorder should not be an excuse or a justification." He also expressed his remorse, saying, "As someone loved by many, I am ashamed to have shown a bad example and a shameful side," and pleaded, "I am currently receiving treatment, and if given the opportunity to serve again after recovering my health as soon as possible, I want to faithfully complete it until the end."

Meanwhile, Lee, the supervisor who was indicted alongside Song for allegedly participating in Song's unauthorized absences, denied the charges in court. Lee is accused of condoning Song's poor work attitude or neglecting his management and supervision despite knowing about it. The next hearing for Lee is scheduled for the 21st of next month, and the sentencing for Song will be scheduled later, after the evidence examination for Lee is completed.