Song Min-ho, a member of the group Winner, is expected to serve additional time due to a military law violation stemming from unauthorized absences during his social service period. The Military Manpower Administration announced on October 16 that it is reviewing the re-service procedures following the confirmation of Song's sentence for violating military law.
From March 2023 to December 2024, Song Min-ho was assigned to work as a social service agent at the Seoul Mapo-gu Facility Management Corporation and community welfare facilities. He was charged with unauthorized absences amounting to 102 days, which is about a quarter of his total required attendance of approximately 430 days.
Under military law, periods of unauthorized absence are not counted toward service time, necessitating re-service for the equivalent duration. On October 1, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Song to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for his military law violation. He did not appeal the ruling within the seven-day window, thus confirming the initial verdict. A co-defendant, who was responsible for managing his service, received a ten-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years, but has appealed the decision.
During his final statement, Song expressed regret, stating, “As a young person in South Korea, I failed to fulfill my duty of national defense. I hope to recover my health soon and, if given the opportunity for re-service, I want to complete it diligently.”
The court emphasized that military obligations are a duty of citizens related to the nation's existence and must be fulfilled sincerely, noting the significant public interest in military service among those in the broadcasting industry.
On October 9, Song Min-ho posted a handwritten apology on his social media, stating, “I have regretted each day. I am ashamed and angry at my irresponsible choices. I will fulfill the remaining procedures and obligations diligently.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.