URGENT UPDATE: WINNER member Song Mino could face significant jail time as investigations reveal severe violations of his military service obligations. Authorities confirmed that Mino, who served as a social service worker, repeatedly failed to report for duty, with evidence indicating he left his designated workplace without authorization.
Initial police findings uncovered over eight days of unauthorized absence, but a forensic examination of Mino’s cell phone and GPS data has revealed the absence duration may be even greater. Under the Korean Military Service Act Article 89, leaving one’s post without justifiable reason for eight days or more can lead to a maximum sentence of three years in prison.
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office has indicted Mino without detention for violating military service laws, noting that the number of confirmed unauthorized absences has increased during supplementary investigations. The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) stated that absences of seven days or less are usually handled administratively, but cases exceeding this threshold are automatically escalated to criminal charges, which explains why Mino’s case transitioned from police to prosecutors.
Mino’s unauthorized absences reportedly occurred between March 2023 and December 2024 while he was stationed in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Initially, he denied the allegations during two police interrogations but later admitted in a third session that he had indeed left his workplace during official hours.
As the investigation progresses, the confirmed number of absence days continues to rise, increasing the likelihood that Mino could face serious legal consequences, depending on the court’s findings. Legal experts are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that this case could set significant precedents for military service compliance in South Korea.
Readers are urged to stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds, highlighting the serious implications for Mino and the broader implications for K-pop idols navigating military service obligations. Share this story to keep others informed about this urgent legal situation.
