WINNER member Song Min-ho (Mino) has admitted to violating South Korea’s Military Service Act by missing approximately 102 days of his mandatory social service duty (out of roughly 430 days) between March 2023 and December 2024, including a notable stretch of 19 out of 23 days in July 2024. He was indicted without detention in late December 2025.
The military service case involving popular K-pop artist Song Min-ho of WINNER has taken a new turn, highlighting ongoing tensions around South Korea’s strict mandatory duty requirements for public figures.
The 33-year-old rapper, better known as Mino, has fully acknowledged failing to complete his required social service properly. According to court documents, he missed around 102 days of duty while serving at facilities in Seoul’s Mapo-gu area from March 2023 until his discharge in December 2024. Prosecutors pointed to particularly heavy absences in mid-2024, including nearly three weeks in July alone.
At an earlier hearing, Mino reportedly expressed remorse, telling the Seoul Western District Court he would faithfully fulfill his obligations if given another chance. However, the situation remains complicated. While Mino accepted responsibility, his service manager has strongly rejected allegations of conspiring to manipulate attendance logs or enabling unauthorized leaves. The manager is set to appear for a second hearing on May 21.
Photo | Winner (Song Min-ho) Star News Media Outlets
Investigators claim Mino often cited personal issues such as fatigue or oversleeping and that records were later adjusted to show him as present. One cited example from May 2023 allegedly involved advance notice of an absence for training. Mino was initially indicted without physical detention on December 30, 2025. Prosecutors have recommended an 18-month prison term, arguing the repeated absences undermined the integrity of the public service system.
This case has reignited public debate in South Korea about fairness in military conscription, especially for celebrities. Fans have shown support for Mino, while others emphasize accountability regardless of fame. Sentencing for the WINNER member is expected soon, with potential implications including additional “reservice” days if convicted.
The developments underscore the high standards expected of those in the entertainment industry while serving the nation. YG Entertainment has not issued a detailed public comment as proceedings continue.
