Possible Penalties for WINNER’s Mino Due to Alleged Poor Work Performance in the Military

WINNER’s Mino, whose real name is Song Minho, has found himself at the center of controversy following allegations of poor work performance during his mandatory alternative military service. 

As a Korean citizen, Mino, like many other able-bodied men, is required to serve in the military for approximately 18-21 months. 

However, the Dispatch report has raised allegations of poor work performance which potentially put him at risk of disciplinary action.

Investigations into misconduct during alternative service have sparked concerns that he may face imprisonment. A recent episode of SBS’ “Curious Stories Y” highlighted the controversy surrounding Mino’s military service. 

Due to his struggles with social phobia, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder, the 31-year-old rapper received a grade 4 rating in his physical examination. As a result, he began his alternative service at the Mapo-gu Facility Management Corporation in Seoul in March 2023.

On December 17, Dispatch raised allegations of poor service during his mandatory military duty. According to reports, Mino failed to properly report to work at the Mapo Community Service Facility, where he was assigned to deal with petitioners and deliver notices to the post office.

Colleagues of Song have come forward with allegations that he neglected his duties due to his celebrity status. A former social worker and a public facility official testified that he rarely showed up to work, with one claiming to have seen him only once or twice a month. Another public service worker stated they saw him just twice or three times in 10 months. 

The supervisor, responsible for monitoring Mino’s attendance, refused to address the situation, fearing that his statement would be distorted and used against him.

He took two long-distance trips during his alternative service. The WINNER member attended his sister’s wedding in San Francisco in May 2023, just two months into his service. He later traveled to Hawaii with a friend in October this year. 

Since his return on October 30, Mino did not show up to work and likely signed an attendance record in bulk, as reported by Dispatch.

According to Attorney Kim Yu Don, if Mino is found guilty of leaving his workplace for more than 8 days without a valid reason, he could face up to 3 years in prison and be required to serve five times the period of his absence.

The Mapo Police Station has booked him on charges of violating the Military Service Act. The Military Manpower Administration has requested a thorough investigation into his alleged poor service.