[26.04.21] Song Min-ho Admits 102 Days of Absence as 18-Month Sentence Sought

Song Min-ho Admits 102 Days of Absence as 18-Month Sentence Sought

📍Charged with violating Military Service Act during alternative service… asks for a second chance to serve

Song Min-ho admitted to prolonged unauthorized absence while serving as a public service worker. Prosecutors have requested an 18-month prison sentence, and whether he will be required to serve again has emerged as a key issue.

🔹 Admits all charges as trial concludes quickly

The Seoul Western District Court held the first trial for Song Min-ho on April 21 for violating the Military Service Act.

The hearing proceeded unusually quickly. As the defendant admitted all charges, the process moved directly to closing arguments without lengthy examination.

Prosecutors requested an 18-month prison sentence, stating that the prolonged absence effectively amounted to abandoning his duty.

🔹 102 days of absence from duty

According to the prosecution, Song Min-ho served as a public service worker from March 2023 to December 2024 in facilities under the Mapo District.

During this period, he was absent without valid reason for a total of 102 days or left his workplace without authorization.

Under the Military Service Act, leaving duty for more than eight days without justification can result in up to three years in prison.

Prosecutors determined that his actions went beyond simple absence and amounted to a substantial failure to perform his duties, with some instances involving false explanations to supervising authorities.

🔹 Appears in court and apologizes

Song Min-ho appeared in court wearing a black suit and briefly spoke to reporters, apologizing for disappointing the public.

In court, he admitted all charges.

In his final statement, he acknowledged that he failed to fulfill his duty as a citizen and stated that his actions could not be justified.

🔹 Mentions health issues but denies excuses

He mentioned psychological instability and health issues, including bipolar disorder and panic disorder.

However, he emphasized that such conditions could not justify his actions.

He expressed deep regret and stated that he should have acted more responsibly as a public figure.

🔹 Requests another chance to serve

Song Min-ho asked the court for leniency.

He said that if given another opportunity, he would return to service and complete his duty faithfully.

His defense also argued that he was in a weakened physical and mental state at the time and requested that this be considered in sentencing.

🔹 Key issue: future service status

The key issue is whether he will be required to serve again.

If he receives a sentence of 18 months or more, he will be reassigned to wartime labor service, effectively ending his obligation.

If the sentence is lighter or suspended, he will still be required to complete the remaining service period.

This places him at a critical turning point depending on the court’s decision.

🔹 Supervisor denies responsibility

Meanwhile, a supervisor charged with neglecting oversight denied all allegations in court.

The court plans to issue a final ruling after completing the examination of evidence.

One-line summary : Song Min-ho admitted to 102 days of absence and apologized, as his future service status becomes a key issue amid an 18-month sentence request.