URGENT UPDATE: WINNER member Song Mino is facing the possibility of a prison sentence as investigations reveal alarming details about his military service obligations. Authorities have confirmed that Mino allegedly neglected his duties more severely than previously understood, with reports of repeated unauthorized absences.
Recent findings by the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office indicate that Mino, who served as a social service worker, failed to report for duty multiple times and left his assigned post without authorization. Initial investigations already confirmed over eight days of unauthorized absence, but further forensic analysis of his cell phone and GPS data has uncovered even more days of absence.
Under the Korean Military Service Act Article 89, leaving one’s service post without justifiable reason for more than eight days can lead to a prison sentence of up to three years. With Mino’s confirmed absence days now expected to exceed this threshold, legal experts warn that the likelihood of incarceration has significantly increased.
The prosecutors have indicted Mino without detention, citing an escalation of confirmed unauthorized absences during their supplementary investigation. Officials from the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) explained that absences within seven days are typically resolved administratively; however, cases exceeding eight days automatically trigger criminal charges, necessitating Mino’s case to be forwarded to law enforcement.
These unauthorized absences reportedly occurred between March 2023 and December 2024, while he was assigned to serve in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Initially, Mino denied the allegations during two rounds of police questioning but later admitted during his third interrogation that he had left his workplace during work hours.
As the number of confirmed absence days continues to climb, the potential consequences for Mino loom larger, depending on the final court ruling. This situation not only threatens his career but also raises questions about the responsibilities of K-Pop idols during mandatory military service.
Fans and followers of WINNER are left in shock as news of Mino’s potential legal troubles spreads. The impact on his career and the group’s future remains uncertain, adding a layer of emotional turmoil for devoted supporters. As the case develops, fans are urged to stay updated on the latest updates regarding Mino’s situation.
Next Steps: The court’s decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Mino’s fate. Observers are closely monitoring this case, which highlights the rigorous expectations placed on K-Pop idols in South Korea.
Stay tuned for further developments on this breaking story as we bring you the latest updates surrounding Song Mino and WINNER.
