WINNER's Song Mino Denies Collusion With Officer in Military Service Case

WINNER member Song Mino denied colluding with the officer who oversaw his alternative military service, testifying as a witness in the officer's trial on July 14.

The Seoul Western District Court held the third hearing for the former service management officer, identified only as A, who faces charges of violating South Korea's Military Service Act.

Song, whose own trial has already concluded, arrived at the courthouse in a black suit. He offered only a brief "I'm sorry" to reporters before heading into the courtroom.

Song acknowledged several personal exchanges with A during his service period. He confirmed that he had lent A money, given advice about A's child's dance activities, and taken a two-day fishing trip with the officer.

Song drew a line at the idea that any of it amounted to a deal. "None of it was done in expectation of favors or anything in return," he said. "It was simply based on the friendship we built during my service."

Song is accused of skipping 102 out of roughly 430 required workdays without authorization while serving as a social service worker from March 2023 to December 2024. A was indicted on charges of failing to properly supervise Song's service. A's side has admitted to problems in how attendance was handled but has continued to deny any prior collusion with Song.