He has acknowledged unauthorized absences, with further instances being revealed in the process.
This incident could significantly impact his entertainment career.
[TV Daily reporter Lee Gi-eun] Song Min-ho of WINNER is set to face his first trial in March due to allegations of inadequate military service.
According to legal sources, the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 10 presided by Judge Seong Jun-kyu scheduled the first hearing for Min-ho and his service supervisor, Mr. Lee, for March 24. Min-ho has been accused of showing poor work performance while serving as a social service worker from March 2023 to December last year in a facility in Mapo-gu, failing to attend work regularly.
Mr. Lee is also implicated for allegedly turning a blind eye to Min-ho's negligent service. Following a police investigation, which started last December upon a request from the Military Manpower Administration, Min-ho admitted to the charges of unauthorized absences. The prosecution has conducted supplementary investigations, revealing further instances of his missed duties. Min-ho, a member of WINNER and also a painter, is likely to face significant repercussions from this incident in his career.
The case involving Song Min-ho is likely to have a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Military service obligations for celebrities are a serious issue in Korean society, and this incident may further ignite discussions around it. Fans will be concerned about the potential career repercussions for Min-ho due to inappropriate conduct, which could negatively affect both him and his group.
Moreover, Min-ho has also been working as an independent painter in addition to his career with WINNER. This showcases his desire to communicate with fans through a diverse range of artistic expressions. However, the ongoing case could hinder his artistic career as well.
Finally, this incident brings to light the issues surrounding the social service worker system yet again. This system has long been under scrutiny, particularly concerning the conduct of celebrities during their service. Thus, this case represents a potential starting point for broader discussions in both the entertainment industry and society as a whole.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
