WINNER's Song Min-ho Faces 18-Month Sentence for Absenteeism During Military Service

Song Min-ho, a member of the South Korean group WINNER, is facing a proposed 18-month prison sentence for unauthorized absences during his mandatory military service. The public has shown mixed reactions to the news.

On the 21st, the Seoul Western District Court held the first trial for Song Min-ho and his supervisor, Mr. Lee, who are accused of violating the Military Service Act.

Song Min-ho is accused of habitually being absent without leave from his duties 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 for a total of 102 days without a valid reason.

Prosecutors stated, "Song Min-ho appears to have not performed his duties due to prolonged unauthorized absences," and requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months.

Song Min-ho's defense argued that he was suffering from bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and physical pain due to a cervical rupture, which led to poor judgment. They added, "He voluntarily submitted evidence that could be unfavorable to him during the investigation," and pleaded for leniency so he could reintegrate as a responsible member of society.

Following the trial, Song Min-ho's social media was flooded with mixed reactions. Supportive fans wrote messages like "We always support you" and "You'll be back on stage someday." However, some criticized him, saying, "Now you apologize in court," and shared images symbolizing imprisonment.

In his final statement, Song Min-ho expressed regret, saying, "As a young man of South Korea, I failed to fulfill my national defense duties diligently." He apologized for showing a "shameful side" despite being loved by many and expressed his desire to recover quickly and, if given the chance, complete his service diligently.

Reported by Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr