In brief
Song Min‑ho (Mino) of K‑pop group Winner was convicted for 102 unauthorised absences from a Seoul community centre where he served as a social worker. The court handed him a one‑year sentence suspended for two years, meaning he will avoid imprisonment if he refrains from further offences. Both Song and his former supervisor received suspended sentences for falsifying records. The case highlights the national debate over mandatory military service for entertainers.
South Korea's mandatory military service requirement, formerly regarded as a civic duty, has come under scrutiny after star Song Min‑ho (Mino) was convicted for violating service obligations.
Song, 33, served as a social worker at a Seoul community centre from 2023 to 2024 while on an alternative service assignment. Authorities discovered he recorded 102 unauthorised absences over 21 months, leading to a one‑year prison term suspended for two years, meaning he must refrain from further offences during his probationary period.
The court emphasised that social service agents are duty‑bound Faithfully and that Song's remorse notwithstanding, the offence merits punishment. His former supervisor also received a suspended sentence for falsifying attendance records.
The entertainment sector has long grappled with conscription issues; high‑profile cases—such as Psy and Steve Yoo—sparked public debate and legal repercussions. Song expressed regret but did not commit to re‑enlisting.
