Song Minho, the rapper from K-pop group WINNER, has been indicted in Seoul over misconduct during his alternative military service.
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office announced on December 31, 2025, that the 32-year-old rapper and the manager of the Mapo Community Service Facility, identified as Mr. Lee, would face charges. Both were indicted without detention, meaning they will remain free while awaiting trial.
Mino is accused of repeatedly failing to show up for work and neglecting his duties while serving at the Mapo-gu facility between March 2023 and December 2024. As a result, he was not part of the WINNER’s comeback and tour.
The investigation began after the Military Manpower Administration requested a review of Song’s service, including his work records and communication logs. Prosecutors say he often signed the attendance log but left the workplace shortly afterward. The WINNER rapper violated designated working hours.
During police questioning, he largely admitted to leaving his worksite during official hours. The investigation also uncovered evidence from mobile phone data and GPS records, which supported the claims of repeated absences.
Mr. Lee became Song Minho supervisor a month before he transferred to the facility. He is also facing charges for allegedly failing to properly supervise him and for potentially allowing the absences to continue. Authorities suggest that attendance records may have been maintained even when Min Ho was not present.
This case has grabbed major attention in South Korea, where military service is highly valued and viewed as a civic duty. If the court rules against Min Ho, his military discharge could be canceled, and he may have to complete the period of service again. Violating the Military Service Act can also result in fines or imprisonment.
YG Entertainment, Song’s agency, has denied any wrongdoing, stating he was completing his service normally and that any absences were due to authorized medical reasons. As of the indictment, neither Song nor YG Entertainment has made a new public statement.
