Overview of Song Minho's Military Service Absence Allegations
Song Minho (32), a member of the group WINNER, has been under prosecution investigation regarding allegations of unauthorized absence from his assigned workplace during his social service worker duty. According to reports, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office stated in the indictment that Song Minho was absent without justification for a total of 102 days while working as a social service worker at the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation and residents' convenience facilities, thus failing to fulfill his service obligation. This was confirmed through the prosecution's direct supplementary investigation based on mobile phone forensics and GPS location data.
Song Minho's service period lasted approximately 22 months from March 2023 to December 2024. Since social service workers are required to report for duty on approximately 430 days during their service period, 102 days of unexcused absences constitutes a significant portion of the total service period. It is reported that the prosecution indicted additional counts of unexcused absences beyond the criminal facts referred by police.
Work Patterns and Falsified Documents
According to the indictment, Song Minho attended work only 4 days in an entire month at one point. This represents a drastically different pattern from normal social service work attendance. Based on the prosecution's investigation, Song Minho cited reasons such as oversleeping and fatigue for his absences.
A more serious issue is that an official, identified as A, at the Mapo residents' convenience facility allegedly conspired in Song Minho's service violation. The prosecution determined that A approved Song Minho's requests not to report for duty due to oversleeping or fatigue, and subsequently created and approved falsified documents indicating normal attendance. Additionally, it was noted that A conspired in the offense by arbitrarily processing Song Minho's remaining paid leave and sick leave. This goes beyond simple individual absences and constitutes systematic neglect in military service operations.
Related Laws and Punishment Standards
According to Article 89 of the Military Service Act, those who abandon their duties for 8 or more days without just cause are subject to imprisonment of up to 3 years. In Song Minho's case, being indicted for 102 days of unexcused absences far exceeds the minimum standard specified in the Military Service Act. Typically, ordinary citizens committing service violations of this magnitude receive extended service periods and imprisonment.
The social service worker system was established to allow various forms of fulfilling military service obligations, but it still constitutes fulfilling national defense duties. Therefore, diligent work during the service period is legally considered a mandatory requirement. Song Minho's case has served as an opportunity to reemphasize the importance of such service obligations.
Song Minho's Position and Trial Schedule
YG Entertainment, the company representing Song Minho, issued a statement explaining that "Song Minho's sick leave was a continuation of treatment he had been receiving before his service, and all other leave was used in accordance with regulations." However, it is reported that Song Minho largely admitted to the service violation allegations during the police investigation phase.
The first trial was originally scheduled for the 24th of next month, but the defendant's side requested a postponement, which the court accepted. The Seoul Western District Court is scheduled to hold the first trial on April 21, 2025. It is expected that Song Minho's specific arguments and the court's judgment will follow in subsequent proceedings.
This content is general information compiled based on publicly available materials. Please verify accurate details through official announcements from relevant institutions.
