WINNER's Song Min-ho Faces Allegations of 102 Days of Unauthorized Absence from Public Service

Prosecutors have alleged that Song Min-ho, a member of the group WINNER, was absent without leave for a total of 102 days during his public service duty, according to the indictment.

On the 12th, a media outlet reported that the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office stated in the indictment that "Mr. Song was absent without a valid reason for a total of 102 days while serving as a public service worker at the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation and Resident Convenience Facilities."

Public service workers, who do not work on weekends and holidays, are required to work approximately 430 days during their 1 year and 9 months of service. If the prosecution's claims are accurate, Song Min-ho was absent for about a quarter of his required service days. According to the Military Service Act (Article 89-2), those who are absent without a valid reason for more than 8 days can face up to 3 years in prison.

Song Min-ho's service period was from March 24, 2023, to December 23, 2024. According to the crime list prepared by the prosecution, Song's absence was only one day from March to May 2023, but it increased to 14 days in November 2024, a month before his discharge. In July of the previous year, he was absent for a total of 19 days, with his absences increasing over time. In July, when he was supposed to work 23 days, Song Min-ho only worked 4 days.

Prosecutors also believe that the management was complicit in Song's absences. According to the indictment, the investigation revealed that "when Song Min-ho said he would not come to work due to oversleeping or fatigue, it was allowed, and false documents were created and approved as if he had attended work," and "in this process, Song's remaining annual leave and sick leave were arbitrarily processed, conspiring in the crime."

Song Min-ho's first trial was initially scheduled for the 24th of next month, but his side submitted a request to postpone the trial date on the 5th, leading to a rescheduling. The first trial is now set to take place on April 21 at the Seoul Western District Court.

Meanwhile, as allegations of Song Min-ho's inadequate service surfaced, his agency, YG Entertainment, stated, "The reasons for sick leave are extensions of treatment received before service, and all other leave was used in accordance with regulations."

Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia one@tenasia.co.kr