[26.01.31] Song Min-ho Negligent Service Allegations, First Trial on March 24

WINNER’s Song Min-ho Faces First Trial on March 24 over ‘Negligent Military Service’ Allegations

📍Accused of unauthorized absences during alternative service… to stand trial with supervising official

Song Min-ho (33), a member of the group WINNER, who is accused of negligent service including unauthorized absences during his alternative military service, will face his first trial in March.

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🔹 First trial scheduled for March 24 over alleged violation of Military Service Act
The Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 10 (Judge Sung Joon-kyu) scheduled the first hearing for March 24 for Song Min-ho and his supervising official, identified as Lee, who are charged with violating the Military Service Act. As attendance is mandatory, Song Min-ho must appear in court in person. 

🔹 Allegations of repeated unauthorized absences and negligent duty
Song Min-ho is accused of leaving his workplace without justifiable reasons and neglecting his duties while serving as an alternative service worker at multiple facilities in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024. 

Lee, who was also indicted, is accused of neglecting supervision or tacitly approving Song Min-ho’s negligent work despite being aware of the situation.

🔹 Workplace transfer process under investigation
Investigators also confirmed that Song Min-ho was transferred to the Mapo Community Welfare Facility about one month after Lee moved to the same facility.

🔹 Additional charges identified through supplementary investigation
Previously, the Seoul Mapo Police Station referred the case to prosecutors in May last year following a request from the Military Manpower Administration. After taking over the case, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office conducted supplementary investigations, including mobile phone forensic analysis and GPS data review, and identified additional unauthorized absences that were not included in the initial referral.

The prosecution stated, “We will make every effort to maintain the indictment so that punishment commensurate with the crime is imposed.”

🔹 Song Min-ho’s explanation and controversy
Song Min-ho, who was classified as a Grade 4 supplementary service member, began his alternative service at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation in March 2023 and was transferred to the Mapo Community Welfare Facility in March 2024.

Allegations regarding his negligent service surfaced ahead of his scheduled discharge on December 23, 2024, with frequent sick leave and insincere attendance cited as issues.

In response, his agency YG Entertainment stated, “The sick leave was an extension of medical treatment he had been receiving prior to service, and all other leave was used in accordance with regulations.”

🔹 Limited possibility of reenlistment
Song Min-ho was booked in January last year on suspicion of violating the Military Service Act and underwent three rounds of police questioning. While he initially denied the allegations, he reportedly admitted in the third investigation that he left his workplace during duty hours.

Regarding the possibility of reenlistment, attorney Kim Kang-ho of Law Firm Loel explained, “Since he has already completed his service, reenlistment as an active-duty soldier is not possible under the current Military Service Act.”

One-line summary : WINNER’s Song Min-ho will appear in court on March 24 for his first trial on charges of violating the Military Service Act over alleged negligent alternative service.