Shock 104-day absence... 'military service fraud' Song Min-ho finally appears in court [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

WINNER member Song Min-ho is set to appear before the public through a trial for alleged violation of the Military Service Act.

The Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 10 will hold the first court session on the 21st for Song Min-ho and A, his supervisor, on charges of violating the Military Service Act.

Previously, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office Criminal Division 1 (Chief Prosecutor Won Shin-hye) filed non-detained indictments against the two on the 30th, 2025, on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Song Min-ho worked as a social service worker at a facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024 but is accused of leaving his workplace without valid reason and neglecting attendance and duties. A is accused of neglecting supervision despite being aware of Song Min-ho's poor work performance. Notably, it is reported that Song Min-ho transferred to the same facility just one month after A did.

Song Min-ho, who was classified as a 4th-grade supplementary service candidate during the conscription physical examination, fulfilled his military service obligation as a social service worker at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation from March 2023 and transferred to the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility in March 2024. However, doubts about inadequate performance emerged as his discharge date approached. Frequent sick leave and unfaithful attendance became issues. It is known that Song Min-ho has been receiving treatment for panic disorder and bipolar disorder.

Song Min-ho, who was discharged on the 23rd, 2024, faced allegations of neglecting his duties as a social service worker by failing to report to work properly. Consequently, the Seoul Mapo Police Station conducted a summons investigation against Song Min-ho on the 23rd, 2025, on charges of violating the Military Service Act. At that time, Song Min-ho stated that he explained the facts regarding the allegations against him and worked in accordance with "regulations", "with no issues in his service". However, after three rounds of investigations, it was revealed that he largely admitted to poor performance and unauthorized absence from his workplace, drawing attention to whether he would be allowed to resume his duties.

According to the indictment submitted by the Prosecutors' Office, Song Min-ho was absent without leave for a total of 102 days while working as a social service worker at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation and the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility, leaving his duties without valid reason. The service period for social service workers is 1 year and 9 months, with approximately 430 days of required attendance excluding weekends and public holidays. Song Min-ho was absent without leave for a period equivalent to about one-fourth of that time. Notably, in July 2024, he was absent for a total of 19 days. Out of 23 days he was required to work, he worked only 4 days.

Furthermore, the Prosecutors' Office determined that supervisor A also colluded in Song Min-ho's unauthorized absences. It is reported that when Song Min-ho claimed he would not report to work due to oversleeping or fatigue, A approved it and falsely prepared documents as if he had reported to work normally. Even specific details of the conspiracy have reportedly surfaced. A told Song Min-ho in May 2023, "I have training tomorrow, so I won't come to work. Let's meet on the 31st", informing him in advance that he would not report to work, after which Song Min-ho arbitrarily failed to report. The Prosecutors' Office further stated in the indictment that A subsequently prepared a daily service status report as if Song Min-ho had reported to work.

Additionally, Song Min-ho recently drew attention after being spotted at the VIP screening of the film 'Method Acting' held at Megabox COEX in Seoul. Reports circulated on ONLINE communities that he attended with his face covered by a mask and hat. Given that a two-shot photo of Song Min-ho and Lee Dong-hwi was previously shared on ONLINE communities and Lee Dong-hwi himself confirmed their close friendship on SNS with the message "I received this as a gift right after coming to Korea. Thank you. (S)Min-ho, this is really cool, right?", questions arose as to whether Lee Dong-hwi had invited Song Min-ho to this event.

However, Lee Dong-hwi drew a line in an interview with StarNews regarding the release of 'Method Acting', stating "I did not invite Song Min-ho". He added, "I did not contact him; I only heard that he attended at the venue".

Public outrage has grown significantly under these circumstances. It remains to be seen how Song Min-ho, who was seen smiling even before the trial, will appear in court.

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*This content was translated by AI.