He has been charged with 102 days of unauthorized absence, with supervising officer A also on trial.
It is reported that Song Min-ho generally acknowledged the charges during police investigations.
[TV Daily Reporter Han Seo-yul] Song Min-ho of the group WINNER faces his first trial for violating military law. The first hearing against Song Min-ho and his supervising officer, A, will take place at the Seoul Western District Court on the 21st.
In December last year, the Seoul Western District Prosecutor's Office charged him without detention for unauthorized absence during his service as a social service worker from March 2023 to December 2024. According to a report from JoongAng Ilbo, he was absent without leave for 102 days, a quarter of his 21-month service period, leading to controversy.
A, his supervisor, is also charged for neglecting his duty to monitor Song Min-ho and falsifying work records. The original trial date was set for March 24, but the date has been postponed to the 21st at Song Min-ho's request. He has reportedly acknowledged his inadequate service during three police investigations. Meanwhile, he recently attended the VIP premiere of 'Method Acting'.
This case highlights the significance of military obligations in South Korea once again. The conflict between maintaining a celebrity image and fulfilling military duties is becoming more pronounced, raising questions about how Song Min-ho will navigate this situation.
Especially for entertainers serving as social service workers, criticism regarding their work ethics can emerge due to public scrutiny. Song Min-ho is likely concerned about meeting the expectations of fans and the public, which can significantly affect his future activities.
Depending on the trial's outcome, the situation may impact not only his stance on military service but also his career as an artist. The public's interest in this case is high, and it's essential to observe how events unfold in the coming days.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: DB
