[Exclusive]Admitting '102 days of unauthorized absence,' Song Min-ho to undergo re-service procedures [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

• "Deep regret, with a sense of responsibility" handwritten apology... Military Manpower Administration "Reviewing procedure progression"

Song Min-ho of the idol group WINNER has ultimately been ordered to fulfill his military service obligation again due to inadequate performance as a social service agent.

A Military Manpower Administration official told StarNews on the 16th regarding Song Min-ho's re-service, "The relevant department is currently reviewing the progression of re-service procedures following the finalization of the (first-instance) verdict."

The Criminal Division 10 of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Song Min-ho, who was 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 agents are no exception," while explaining the sentencing rationale by noting that he "admitted all charges and is reflecting, and his health condition appears to have affected military service."

Subsequently, as Song Min-ho did not appeal within seven days of the verdict, the first-instance judgment was finalized. However, Person A, who had been responsible for managing Song Min-ho's service, has appealed the verdict. A Military Manpower Administration official had previously stated immediately after the first-instance verdict, "If the verdict on Song Min-ho's charges of violating the Military Service Act is finally confirmed, he will re-serve 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 judgment has not yet been finally confirmed."

Song Min-ho worked as a social service agent at a facility in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024, but was indicted without detention along with Person A on charges of leaving his workplace without just cause and neglecting attendance and duties.

Song Min-ho, who received a Class 4 supplementary military service classification in his conscription physical examination, fulfilled his military service obligation as a social service agent 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 work performance emerged ahead of his discharge from mobilization. Frequent sick leave and insincere attendance records became issues. Song Min-ho is known to have received treatment for panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and other conditions during this period.

Song Min-ho, who was discharged from mobilization on December 23, 2024, faced public outrage after suspicions arose that he had neglected his duties, such as failing to properly attend work during his time as a social service agent. Subsequently, the Seoul Mapo Police Station conducted a summons investigation into Song Min-ho, who was registered as a suspect on charges of violating the Military Service Act, on January 23, 2025. At the time, Song Min-ho explained the facts regarding the suspicions raised against him and testified to the effect that he "worked according to discipline" and "there were no problems with his service," but after three rounds of investigation, he ultimately admitted to inadequate service and leaving his workplace.

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 District Facility Management Corporation and the Resident Convenience Facility, thereby neglecting his duties without just cause. The service period for social service agents is one year and nine months, requiring approximately 430 days of attendance excluding weekends and public holidays. Song Min-ho effectively left his post without authorization 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 admitted his charges and appeared at the final hearing, stating 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 military service obligation 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 makes me feel truly 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 so that if given the opportunity for re-service, I can complete it diligently to the end," adding, "I would like to offer my apologies once again."

Along with this, Song Min-ho posted a handwritten apology on his personal SNS on the 9th, stating, "I bow my head in apology for causing concern 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." He added, "Regret has been long day by day. My past choices lacking in responsibility are shameful and ugly. I will reflect without avoiding my foolish mistakes." He further stated, "I will diligently perform the remaining procedures and obligations. I will not forget this incident, keep it in mind, and live with an even more responsible attitude."

Attention is now focused on whether Song Min-ho's apology, in which he readily admitted his charges and expressed willingness to re-serve, can turn around negative perceptions.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original