"I will not make excuses": Song Min-ho declares intent to resume service, can we sense his sincerity? [Yoon Sang-geun's Context]

*This content was translated by AI.

Song Min-ho, a former member of WINNER who admitted to defective service as a social service agent, calmly acknowledged his wrongdoing. Citing the mental and physical suffering he endured during his service, he stated he would not make excuses for his actions and also declared his willingness to resume service. Was this confession truly sincere?

On the 21st, the single judge of Criminal Division 10 at Seoul Seobu District Court held the first trial session for Song Min-ho and A, his supervisor, on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Previously, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Seobu 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.

As evidenced by the intense public interest, numerous media crews gathered at the scene. Additionally, individuals appearing to be fans waited at the courthouse entrance and cheered upon spotting Song Min-ho.

Dressed in a black suit, Song Min-ho appeared in court and explicitly stated that he fully accepted the charges brought by the Prosecution Service. The Prosecution Service alleged 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, requesting a one-year and six-month prison sentence for him.

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 South Korean, I failed to faithfully fulfill my national defense obligation until the end. I am suffering from bipolar disorder and panic disorder, and I am well aware that this illness should never serve as an excuse or justification. As someone who has received the love of many people, seeing such shameful behavior where I could not 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 resume service, I wish to complete it faithfully until the end. I would like to offer my apologies once again."

Whether Song Min-ho's apology, in which he readily admitted the charges and expressed his willingness to resume service, can turn negative public opinion around remains uncertain. With references to Psy's case of resuming service, the atmosphere remains filled with debate. However, with A's denial of charges and the sentencing date not yet set, how the court views Song Min-ho's current charges is expected to determine future possibilities such as resuming service.

Song Min-ho's lawyer stated, "Song Min-ho has fully accepted the charges and is reflecting on his failure to faithfully fulfill the sacred military service obligation that a young South Korean should bear. However, we ask that special circumstances be deeply considered when determining the sentence."

He further added, "At the time of the offense, Song Min-ho was suffering from severe bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and other mental anguish, as well as physical pain from cervical spine rupture, making it extremely difficult to perform normal duties. Due to this, 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. Once again, we ask the court to show the utmost leniency allowed by law, enabling him to respond properly to the nation's call and become a sincere member of society."

According to the Prosecution Service, Song Min-ho worked as a social service agent 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.

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 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 defective service emerged just before his discharge. Frequent sick leave and unreliable 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 duty 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 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 investigation, it was revealed that he largely admitted to defective service 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 social service agents is one year and nine 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-quarter of the total. 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 four days.

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*This content was translated by AI.