It started as a rumor, then it became a police investigation. Now, Song Minho (Mino) from the boy band WINNER is facing trial over claims that he barely showed up for his mandatory military service. Prosecutors allege that he was absent without permission for 102 days during his time as a social service worker.
This is far more than previously reported and has led to intense public backlash in South Korea.
On February 11, as per an indictment confirmed by JoongAng Ilbo, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office stated that Song left his post without justifiable reason while serving at the Mapo-gu Facility Management Corporation and related resident convenience facilities. He served from March 24, 2023, through December 23, 2024.
To put it into perspective, social service workers are required to serve for about one year and nine months. Since weekends and public holidays are excluded, the actual number of working days is around 430. If prosecutors’ findings are accurate, Song Minho was absent for nearly a quarter of his required service time.
Under Article 89-2 of the Military Service Act, anyone who is absent from service for more than eight days without a valid reason can face up to three years in prison.
Song Minho’s Absence Increased Towards the End of Service
The indictment details how the pattern of absences changed over time. Between March and May 2023, the 32-year-old K-pop star was absent for only one day. By November 2024, one month before his discharge, his unauthorized absences jumped to 14 days.
In July 2024, during a period of prolonged heavy rain across the country, he was scheduled to work 23 days but reportedly showed up for only four. Prosecutors say he was absent for 19 days that month alone. Prosecutors allege that his unauthorized absences became more frequent as he approached the end of his service.
Facility Manager Accused of Covering Up Absences
The case also involves a facility manager, who was responsible for overseeing Minho’s attendance and daily work records.
According to prosecutors, when he did not report to work due to reasons such as oversleeping or fatigue, the manager allowed it and later prepared documents to make it appear that Song had worked.
The indictment states that he adjusted annual leave and sick leave records to cover the absences and approved false reports.
One specific incident was included in the indictment. On May 29, 2023, at around 6:09 p.m., the facility manager reportedly sent Mino a message saying he would not be at work the next day due to training and would see him on May 31.
The WINNER member then did not report to work on May 30.
Prosecutors allege that the manager later completed a daily report as if Song Minho had been present. That same day, photos were uploaded to social media showing him attending his sister’s wedding in San Francisco.
How Prosecutors Built the Case
This case did not go directly to trial. Police first investigated Song Minho after receiving a complaint from the Military Manpower Administration in December 2024. They conducted searches and seizures at the Mapo facility to secure CCTV footage and service records.
Song was questioned twice, in January and February 2025, and reportedly admitted to most of the allegations during a police investigation.
In May 2025, police referred the case to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office without detention. However, prosecutors were not satisfied with the scope of the investigation. They conducted their own supplementary probe, including mobile phone forensics and GPS data analysis.
Through this, they uncovered additional unauthorized absences beyond what the police had originally charged.
On December 30, 2025, both Song and the facility manager were indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act.
YG Response and Group Activities
When concerns about his military service first surfaced, YG Entertainment stated that Mino’s sick leave was related to medical treatment he had been receiving even before enlistment. The agency also said that other vacation days were used in accordance with regulations.
However, the controversy has already affected WINNER’s activities. In May 2025, YG announced that the group would hold concerts with three members only. Song Minho did not participate in the July 2025 concert, which marked WINNER’s first group performance in over three years.
The agency later confirmed that the group would continue promotions as a three-member team.
Fellow member Kang Seungyoon completed his own military service around the same time and was discharged honorably.
Trial Date Set
Legal observers say Song Minho faces more than just potential jail time. The Military Manpower Administration has stated that if the court confirms serious violations, it may cancel Song’s discharge and require him to serve the remaining period again. This could mean being recalled to duty years after his original discharge.
The first trial was originally scheduled for March 24, 2026. However, on February 5, his legal team submitted a request to postpone the hearing. The court accepted the request, and the first trial is now set for April 21, 2026, at the Seoul Western District Court. Song Minho will be required to appear in person.
