Shock 102-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 is scheduled to hold the first trial session on the 21st for Song Min-ho and A, his supervisor responsible for managing his military service, 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 December 30, 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 his 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 Class 4 supplementary service member during the conscription physical examination, fulfilled his military obligation as a social service worker at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation from March 2023 and transferred his workplace to the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility in March 2024. However, doubts about inadequate performance emerged as he approached his discharge date. 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 December 23, 2024, faced allegations of neglecting his duties, including failing to report for work properly during his time as a social service worker. Consequently, the Seoul Mapo Police Station conducted a summons investigation against Song Min-ho on January 23, 2025, on charges of violating the Military Service Act. At that time, Song Min-ho explained the facts regarding the allegations against him, stating that he "worked according to regulations" and "had no issues with his service." However, after three rounds of investigations, it was revealed that he largely admitted to inadequate service 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-gu Facility Management Corporation and the Resident Convenience Facility, leaving his service 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 participated in Song Min-ho's unauthorized absences. It is reported that when Song Min-ho claimed he would not report for work due to oversleeping or fatigue, A approved it and falsely prepared documents as if he had reported for work normally. Even specific details of collusion have reportedly emerged. In May 2023, A told Song Min-ho, "I have training tomorrow, so I won't be at work. Let's meet on May 31," informing him in advance that he would not be present, after which Song Min-ho arbitrarily failed to report for work. The Prosecutors' Office further stated in the indictment that A subsequently prepared a daily service status report as if Song Min-ho had reported for work.

Additionally, Song Min-ho recently drew attention after being spotted at the VIP screening of the movie "Method Acting" held at COEX Megabox in Seoul. Eyewitness accounts spread 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 friendship on SNS by saying, "I received this as a gift right after coming to Korea. Thank you. (Song) Min-ho, this is really cool," questions arose as to whether Lee Dong-hwi had invited Song Min-ho to this event.

However, in an interview with StarNews regarding the release of "Method Acting," Lee Dong-hwi drew a clear line, 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.

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*This content was translated by AI.