WINNER's MINO Gets Suspended Sentence, Stays Silent on Further Service Plans

Singer Song Min-ho (MINO), 33, a member of K-pop group WINNER, received a suspended prison sentence at his first-instance trial on charges of being absent without authorization for 102 days while serving as a social service worker.

Judge Sung Jun-kyu of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced Song on the morning of Oct. 1 to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act and related charges. His former service supervisor, identified by the surname Lee, received a 10-month prison sentence, also suspended for two years. Prosecutors had sought an 18-month prison term for Song and a one-year term for Lee.

"Military service is a fundamental duty of citizens that must be fulfilled faithfully, and social service workers are no exception," the court said. "There is also considerable public interest in how those working in the entertainment industry fulfill their military service obligations."

Before the sentencing, Song said, "I've reflected deeply on what I did. I've regretted it every day," adding, "All I feel is remorse toward those who loved me." He continued, "There is no excuse. I would like to apologize once again."

After the ruling, he said, "I will humbly accept the court's decision." He left the courthouse without giving specific answers to reporters' questions about completing his remaining service or his future career plans.

The suspended sentence and the fulfillment of his remaining military service obligations are separate matters. Article 30(2) of the Military Service Act stipulates that days of unauthorized absence do not count toward the service period, while Article 33(4) generally requires those sentenced for offenses including unauthorized absence to complete their remaining service as social service workers.

Song served as a social service worker at the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation and a community convenience facility in Seoul from March 2023 to December 2024. Prosecutors identified a total of 102 days of unauthorized absence, nearly a quarter of the roughly 430 days he was required to report for duty. Lee was also charged with turning a blind eye to Song's inadequate service, including recording him as present despite knowing he was absent.

Song admitted to the unauthorized absences and apologized during an earlier hearing. In his final statement, he said, "If I am given the opportunity to serve again, I want to faithfully complete my service to the end." He denied, however, that he had planned the unauthorized absences in advance with Lee.