Song Min-ho, better known by his stage name Mino, of the South Korean group WINNER, could face up to 18 months in prison after failing to fulfil his mandatory military service obligations.
The Seoul Western District Court issued the punishment recommendation after prosecutors presented evidence that Mino had accumulated more than 100 days of unauthorised absence during his service period. Specifically, the court heard that between March 2023 and December 2024, the artist missed 102 non-consecutive days without proper authorisation. Authorities further indicated that Mino repeatedly left his post without justification and failed to report for duty on multiple occasions throughout the period in question.
Appearing before the court, Mino made no attempt to dispute the allegations brought against him, accepting all responsibility and charges in full. In a statement delivered during the trial, the singer expressed deep remorse over his conduct and pledged to make amends should the opportunity arise. “As a person who is loved by many, I feel sorry for showing an embarrassing side of myself instead of setting an example,” he said. “If given an opportunity to serve again, I wish to faithfully fulfill it until the end.”
The case has drawn significant public attention in South Korea, where mandatory military service is not only a legal requirement for able-bodied men but also carries considerable cultural and social weight. High-profile figures in the entertainment industry have historically faced intense scrutiny over how they handle their service obligations, and any perceived evasion or negligence tends to provoke strong reactions from the public.
Mino, who rose to prominence as a member of WINNER and has also built a successful solo career as a rapper and singer-songwriter, had enlisted as part of the country’s compulsory service framework. His case now joins a broader conversation about accountability and the standards to which public figures are held, particularly within the Korean entertainment industry.
The court’s final sentencing decision is still pending.
(Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
