[Exclusive]Song Min-ho's 102-day re-enlistment confirmed… Military Manpower Administration: "Reviewing procedural steps"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

With the finalization of the suspended sentence for idol group WINNER member Song Min-ho on charges of violating the Military Service Act, the re-enlistment procedure by the Military Manpower Administration is also expected to proceed.

A source at the Military Manpower Administration told StarNews on the 16th regarding Song Min-ho's re-enlistment, "The relevant department is currently reviewing the process of carrying out the re-enlistment procedure following the finalization of the (first-instance) verdict."

The source had previously stated on the 1st, "If the verdict on Song Min-ho's charges of violating the Military Service Act is finally finalized, he will be required to serve again for the number of days he was absent from duty, and procedures to that end will be undertaken," adding, "Since the previous verdict was a first-instance ruling, the verdict has not yet been finally finalized."

The Criminal Division 10 of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Song Min-ho, who had been indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act, to one year in prison with a two-year suspended sentence on the 1st. The court stated regarding Song Min-ho, "Military service is a fundamental obligation of the state that must be fulfilled diligently. Social service personnel are no exception," while explaining the sentencing rationale by noting, "He has acknowledged all charges against him and shows remorse, and it appears his health condition affected his military service."

Subsequently, because Song Min-ho did not appeal within seven days of the verdict, the first-instance ruling became final. However, Person A, who had been in charge of managing Song Min-ho's service, has appealed the verdict, expressing dissatisfaction with it.

Song Min-ho worked as a social service personnel at a facility in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024, but was indicted on charges of leaving his post without justifiable cause and neglecting attendance and duties.

Song Min-ho, who received a fourth-grade supplementary military service classification in his conscription physical examination, fulfilled his military service obligation as social service personnel at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation starting in March 2023, and transferred his workplace to the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility in March 2024. However, suspicions of inadequate performance arose ahead of his discharge from active duty. Frequent sick leave and insincere attendance records became issues. It is known that Song Min-ho had been receiving treatment for panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and other conditions during this period.

Song Min-ho, who was discharged from active duty on December 23, 2024, faced suspicions of neglecting his duties, such as failing to properly report for work during his time as social service personnel. In response, the Seoul Mapo Police Station conducted a summons investigation on January 23, 2025, regarding Song Min-ho, who had been registered as a suspect on charges of violating the Military Service Act. At the time, Song Min-ho explained the facts regarding the suspicions raised against him and testified to the effect that he "worked in accordance with discipline" and "there were no problems with his service." However, it was revealed that after three rounds of investigation, he largely admitted to inadequate service and leaving his post.

In particular, according to the indictment submitted by the Prosecution Service, Song Min-ho was absent without permission for a total of 102 days while working as social service personnel at the Mapo District Facility Management Corporation and the Resident Convenience Facility, thereby abandoning his duties without justifiable cause. The service period for social service personnel is one year and nine months, requiring approximately 430 days of attendance excluding weekends and public holidays. Song Min-ho effectively abandoned his post without permission for a period equivalent to about one-quarter of that time. In particular, he was absent for a total of 19 days in July 2024. He was required to work on 23 days but only worked for four days.

After being indicted, Song Min-ho appeared in court and stated in his final statement, "I would like to offer my apologies to the presiding judge and everyone present here." He added, "As a young person of the Republic of Korea, I failed to diligently fulfill my duty of national defense to the very end. I suffer from bipolar disorder and panic disorder, but I am well aware that this illness must never serve as an excuse or pretext. As someone who receives the love of many people, seeing such a shameful appearance where I fail to set an example truly makes me feel sorry. Only great regret remains regarding my choices."

He continued, "I am currently receiving treatment diligently. I hope to recover my health as soon as possible, and if given the opportunity for re-enlistment, I want to complete it diligently to the very end," adding, "I would like to offer my apologies once again."

Meanwhile, on the 9th, Song Min-ho posted a handwritten apology letter on his personal social media account containing the statement, "I bow my head in apology for causing worry to many people because of me."

Song Min-ho wrote, "I should have clarified my position sooner, but it was too late. I am sorry for making you wait so long," adding, "Regret has been long every single day. My past choices lacking a sense of responsibility are shameful and ugly. I will reflect on my foolish mistakes without avoiding them." He further added, "I will diligently carry out the remaining procedures and obligations from now on. I will not forget this incident, keep it in mind, and live with an even more responsible attitude."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original