WINNER's Song Min-ho Admits to Charges of Unauthorized Absence During Military Service, Pleads for Leniency

Song Min-ho, a member of the group WINNER, has admitted to charges of unauthorized absence during his mandatory military service and has pleaded for leniency.

On the 21st, the Seoul Western District Court held the first trial for Song Min-ho and his service supervisor, Mr. Lee, who are facing charges of violating the Military Service Act. The initial trial was scheduled for the 24th of last month but was postponed at Song Min-ho's request in February.

Song Min-ho is accused of habitually being absent without leave while serving as a social service agent at the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation and community facilities from March 2023 to December 2024. According to the indictment, he was absent without valid reason for a total of 102 days.

Prosecutors have requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months, stating, "Song Min-ho appears to have not engaged in actual service due to his prolonged unauthorized absences." Song Min-ho's attorney argued, "The defendant was suffering from bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and physical pain due to a cervical rupture, which led to poor judgment." The attorney further stated, "Song Min-ho voluntarily submitted evidence that could be unfavorable to him during the investigation process," and appealed for leniency, hoping he could return as a responsible member of society.

In his final statement, Song Min-ho expressed remorse, saying, "As a young man of South Korea, I failed to fulfill my national defense duties sincerely to the end. I apologize for showing a shameful side as someone who receives much love from many people. I hope to recover my health soon and, if given another chance to serve, I wish to complete it diligently."

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr