[Breaking News] 'Dereliction of Duty' Song Min-ho Sought 1 Year and 6 Months in Prison... "Panic Disorder Is No Excuse, I Want to Serve Again" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Song Min-ho, a former member of WINNER, admitted his wrongdoing in the trial for violating the Military Service Act and now faces a prison sentence.

The Criminal Division 10 of Seoul Western District Court held the first trial session on the 21st for Song Min-ho and A, his supervisor responsible for managing his service, on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Previously, the Criminal Division 1 of Seoul Western District Prosecution Service, led by Chief Prosecutor Won Shin-hye, had 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 1-year and 6-month prison sentence for Song Min-ho, who admitted to all charges in the indictment.

Dressed in a black suit, Song Min-ho personally stated that he admitted to all the charges outlined in the Prosecution Service's indictment. In contrast, A denied the charges, claiming he had no conspiracy with Song Min-ho. The Prosecution Service stated that Song Min-ho failed to report for duty regularly while serving as a social service agent and was absent from his workplace for 102 days.

In his final statement, Song Min-ho said, "I would like to express my apologies to the presiding judge and everyone present here. As a young person of the Republic of Korea, I failed to faithfully fulfill my constitutional duty of national defense until the end. Although I suffer from bipolar disorder and panic disorder, I am well aware that these illnesses should never be used as an excuse or justification. As someone beloved by many, seeing such shameful behavior where I failed to set a good example fills me with deep regret. I am left with only great remorse for my choices."

He continued, "I am currently undergoing intensive treatment. I hope to recover my health as soon as possible and, if given the opportunity to serve again, I wish to complete my duties faithfully until the end. I would like to offer my apologies once again."

Song Min-ho's lawyer stated, "Song Min-ho has admitted to all charges and is reflecting on his failure to faithfully fulfill the sacred duty of military service that every young person of the Republic of Korea should bear. However, we respectfully request that the court take into account special circumstances when determining the sentence."

The lawyer further added, "At the time of the offense, Song Min-ho was suffering from severe bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and physical and mental agony due to cervical spine rupture, making it extremely difficult to perform normal duties. As a result, he made erroneous judgments while forgetting the strict standards expected of a citizen. However, during the investigation, Song Min-ho voluntarily submitted evidence that could be detrimental to himself and cooperated fully, never attempting to evade the weight of his past actions. Once again, we ask the court to show the utmost leniency in allowing him to respond properly to the nation's call and to be reborn as a diligent member of society."

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 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 dereliction of duty.

Song Min-ho, who was classified as a Class 4 supplementary service member 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 his poor performance emerged just before his discharge. Frequent sick leave and unfaithful attendance became major 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 agent. Consequently, the Seoul Mapo Police Station conducted a summons investigation into 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 dereliction of duty 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 duty without valid reason. The service period for social service agents 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 the total required days. 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 Prosecution Service concluded that manager A was complicit in Song Min-ho's unauthorized absences. It was 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 to make it appear as though he had reported for work normally. Even specific details of the conspiracy have reportedly emerged. In May 2023, A told Song Min-ho, "I have training tomorrow, so I won't be coming to 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 Prosecution Service further stated in the indictment that A subsequently prepared the daily duty 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. Reports circulated online that he attended the event with his face covered by a mask and a hat. Previously, a photo of Song Min-ho and Lee Dong-hwi together was shared on online communities, and Lee Dong-hwi had personally confirmed their friendship on social media by posting, "Thank you for the gift I received right after arriving in Korea. (Song) Min-ho, this is cool, right?" This has led to further 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 clear 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.