Song Min-ho, Duty Manager: Was There Really No Falsified Attendance? [★FOCUS]

*This content was translated by AI.

While A, the duty manager responsible for Song Min-ho, who pleaded guilty to violating the Military Service Act in a trial alongside WINNER's Song Min-ho, denies the charges, the two will face off next week in court over the Prosecution Service's burden of proof.

The Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 10 will hold the second trial session for A's alleged violation of the Military Service Act on the 21st. This trial will focus on A, who denies the charges, while Song Min-ho's arguments have concluded, with sentencing to be scheduled for a later date. The Prosecution Service has sought a one-year and six-month prison sentence for Song Min-ho, who admitted to all charges.

The court previously held the first trial session for both individuals on April 21. Earlier, the Seoul Western District Prosecution Service's 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.

The Prosecution Service pointed out that Song Min-ho, serving as a social service agent, failed to report for work normally and left his workplace for 102 days, effectively abandoning his duties for an extended period without authorization.

Subsequently, A denied the charges, stating, "There is no fact that I conspired with Song Min-ho to leave his post," and the court decided to continue the trial against A. A plans to prove his innocence through evidence investigation at the next session.

Currently, the Prosecution Service believes that manager A was involved in Song Min-ho's unauthorized absence. It is reported that when Song Min-ho claimed he would not report for work due to oversleeping or fatigue, A permitted it and falsified documents to make it appear as though Song had reported for work normally. The Prosecution Service's indictment states that 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," thereby informing Song in advance of his own absence. Consequently, Song Min-ho did not report for work arbitrarily, and a daily duty status form was later created to make it appear as though Song had reported for work.

Given the conflicting claims from both sides, this trial will draw attention to what actions A took regarding Song Min-ho's poor performance and how A will respond to these allegations. Depending on the circumstances, previously undisclosed details about Song Min-ho's poor performance may also be mentioned.

Meanwhile, in his final statement, Song Min-ho said, "I would like to apologize to the presiding judge and everyone present here. As a young person in the Republic of Korea, I failed to faithfully fulfill my sacred duty of national defense until the end. I suffer from bipolar disorder and panic disorder, and I am well aware that this illness should never be used as an excuse or alibi. 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 regret over 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. I would like to apologize once again."

Song Min-ho's lawyer stated, "Song Min-ho has admitted to all charges and is taking time to reflect on his failure to faithfully fulfill his sacred duty of military service as a young person in the Republic of Korea, which he ought to have borne. However, we ask that the court deeply consider 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 other mental anguish, as well as physical and mental pain due to cervical spine rupture, to the extent that performing normal duties was difficult. 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 with investigators, never attempting to evade the weight of his past actions. Once again, we ask the court to extend the maximum leniency possible under the law, allowing Song Min-ho to respond properly to the nation's call and 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-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 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 from duty. 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 duty on December 23, 2024, faced allegations of neglecting his duties, such as 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, 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 performance and unauthorized absence from his workplace.

In particular, according to the indictment submitted by the Prosecution Service, Song Min-ho was absent without authorization for a total of 102 days while working as a social service agent at the Mapo-gu Facility Management Corporation and the Resident Convenience Facility, leaving his post 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 required to report for work is approximately 430 days. Song Min-ho was absent without authorization for a period corresponding to about one-quarter of this 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 four days.

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*This content was translated by AI.