[Breaking News] Song Min-ho, who admitted to "poor service performance," says, "If given the chance, I would like to serve again" [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.

Former WINNER member Song Min-ho admitted his wrongdoing during the trial on charges of violating the Military Service Act. The Prosecution Service sought a prison sentence for Song Min-ho.

The Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 10 presided over the first hearing on the 21st for Song Min-ho and A, the person responsible for managing his service, on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Previously, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office Criminal Division 1 (led by Chief Prosecutor Won Shin-hye) filed non-detained indictments against the two on December 30, 2025, on charges of violating the Military Service Act.

On this day, the Prosecution Service sought a one-year and six-month prison sentence for Song Min-ho, who admitted to all charges in the indictment.

In his final statement, Song Min-ho said, "I offer my apologies to everyone. Mental illness, such as bipolar disorder and panic disorder, cannot be used as an excuse or alibi for the duty of national defense. I am ashamed to have shown such an embarrassing image. I hope to recover my health as soon as possible and, if given the opportunity to serve again, I would like to accept it."

According to the Prosecution Service, Song Min-ho worked as a social service agent at a facility in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024 but is suspected of leaving his workplace without valid reason and neglecting his attendance and duties. A is suspected of neglecting supervision despite being aware of Song Min-ho's poor work performance.

Song Min-ho, who was classified as a supplementary service member (Grade 4) during the conscription physical examination, fulfilled his military service obligation as a social service agent 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 poor work performance emerged just before his discharge from service. 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 from service on December 23, 2024, faced allegations of neglecting his duties, such as failing to report to work properly during his time as a social service agent. Consequently, the Seoul Mapo Police Station conducted a summons investigation into Song Min-ho, who was filed under suspicion of violating the Military Service Act on January 23, 2025. At that time, Song Min-ho explained the facts regarding the allegations raised against him, stating that he "worked according to regulations" and "had no problems with his service," but the results of three separate investigations revealed that he largely admitted to poor service performance and unauthorized absence from his workplace.

In particular, according to the indictment submitted by the Prosecution Service, Song Min-ho was absent without leave for a total of 102 days while working as a social service agent at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation and the Resident Convenience Facility, leaving his service without valid reason. The service period for a social service agent is one year and nine months, and excluding weekends and public holidays, the total number of days he was required to work was approximately 430 days. Song Min-ho was absent without leave for a period equivalent to about one-fourth of that time. In particular, in July 2024, he was absent for a total of 19 days. He was required to work 23 days but worked only four days.

Furthermore, the Prosecution Service viewed that manager A also colluded in Song Min-ho's unauthorized absences. It is reported that when Song Min-ho stated he would not come to work due to oversleeping or fatigue, A approved it, and documents were falsely created to make it appear as though 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 May 31," informing him in advance that he would not be working, after which Song Min-ho arbitrarily failed to report to work. The Prosecution Service further stated in the indictment that A subsequently created a daily service status report to make it appear as though Song Min-ho had reported to work.

In addition, Song Min-ho recently drew attention after being spotted at the VIP screening of the movie "Method Acting" held at COEX Megabox in Seoul. Reports circulated online that he attended the event with his face covered by a mask and a hat. In the past, a two-shot photo of Song Min-ho and Lee Dong-hwi was released on online communities, and Lee Dong-hwi had previously confirmed their close friendship on SNS by saying, "I received this as a gift as soon as I came to Korea, thank you. (Song) Min-ho, this is cool, right?" This has added to the speculation that Lee Dong-hwi may have invited Song Min-ho to this event.

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

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*This content was translated by AI.