[25.12.31] Song Min-ho indicted without detention over 'allegations of inadequate military service'

WINNER’s Song Min-ho Indicted Without Detention over Poor Public Service Performance

📍Failure to report to work and leaving duty station alleged; supervisor also charged under Military Service Act

Song Min-ho, a member of K-pop group WINNER, has been indicted without detention on charges of violating South Korea’s Military Service Act over allegations of negligent service during his time as a public service worker. Prosecutors confirmed additional unauthorized absences through digital forensics and location data analysis.

Song Min-ho has been indicted without detention in connection with allegations that he failed to perform his duties properly while serving as a social service agent.

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🔹 Prosecutors indict Song Min-ho for violating military service law
According to legal sources on July 31, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Song Min-ho on July 30 without detention. The official responsible for supervising Song’s public service duties was also indicted on the same charge.

Song allegedly failed to comply with scheduled attendance and left his workplace during working hours while serving at a public facility in Mapo District, Seoul.

🔹 Additional absences confirmed through phone forensics and GPS data
Following supplementary investigations, prosecutors conducted forensic analysis of Song’s mobile phone and reviewed GPS movement records, confirming additional unauthorized absences beyond those initially identified by police.

Song reportedly admitted most of the allegations related to leaving his duty station during working hours during police questioning.

🔹 Supervisor charged for negligent oversight
The supervisor of the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility was charged with failing to properly manage and supervise Song despite being aware of his negligent work behavior. Investigators also confirmed that Song was transferred to the same facility approximately one month after the supervisor took up the post.

🔹 Investigation timeline and legal implications
Song served as a public service worker from March 2023 to December 2024 and was released from service thereafter. Following allegations of negligent duty, the Military Manpower Administration requested a police investigation in December last year. Police booked Song and transferred the case to prosecutors in May.

Under the Military Service Act, public service workers who leave their duties without justifiable reasons may have their service extended by five times the number of days missed, and those absent for eight days or more may face up to three years in prison. However, re-enlistment as an active-duty soldier is not permitted under current law.

🔹 Prosecutors vow strict enforcement
A prosecution official stated, “We will ensure appropriate punishment is imposed in accordance with the law and will continue to respond strictly to violations of military service obligations.”

One-line summary : WINNER member Song Min-ho was indicted without detention, along with his supervisor, for negligent service as a public service worker in violation of the Military Service Act.