WINNER member Song Min Ho (Mino), who was indicted over allegations of negligent service during his time as a public service worker, is set to stand trial in March.
According to Star News, the Criminal Division 10 of the Seoul Western District Court will hold the first trial hearing on March 24 for Song Min Ho and an official identified as “A,” who was responsible for managing his service. Both individuals were indicted without detention on December 30, 2025, by the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office on charges of violating the Military Service Act.
Song Min Ho served as a public service worker at a facility in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024. He is accused of leaving his assigned workplace without valid reasons and neglecting attendance and duties during his service period.
Official A is accused of failing to properly supervise Song Min Ho despite being aware of his alleged negligence. Notably, it has been reported that about a month after A transferred to a different workplace, Song Min Ho was also reassigned to the same facility.
Prosecutors secured objective evidence, including mobile phone forensic analysis and GPS records, and conducted supplementary investigations. During this process, they reportedly confirmed additional instances of unauthorized absences by Song Min Ho. The prosecution stated, “We will do our utmost to maintain the indictment so that punishment corresponding to their crimes can be carried out.”
Song Min Ho was classified as a Grade 4 supplementary service member during his military physical examination. He began fulfilling his mandatory service as a public service worker in March 2023 at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation and later transferred to the Mapo Community Convenience Facility in March 2024. However, allegations of negligent service surfaced shortly before his discharge, including frequent sick leave and poor attendance.
It is known that Song Min Ho has received treatment for panic disorder and bipolar disorder. He was officially discharged from service on December 23, 2024. Following allegations that he failed to properly report to work during his service, the Mapo Police Station in Seoul booked Song Min Ho on January 23, 2025, on suspicion of violating the Military Service Act and summoned him for questioning.
At the time, he reportedly explained the circumstances and stated that he had “served in accordance with regulations” and that there had been “no issues with his service.” However, after three rounds of investigation, it was revealed that he largely acknowledged negligent service and leaving his workplace during duty hours, drawing public attention to whether he might be required to serve again.
The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) ultimately requested a police investigation to verify the allegations of poor alternative service. Police conducted search and seizure operations at the Mapo Community Convenience Facility, where Song Min Ho had worked, as well as at his residence. Authorities secured CCTV footage and analyzed his commuting records.
The MMA previously stated, “If the investigation confirms negligent service, we plan to cancel the discharge disposition and require him to re-serve for the period not properly fulfilled.” The agency also announced plans to strengthen management of public service workers by introducing electronic attendance verification systems.
A National Police Agency official said during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Seodaemun, Seoul, “Song Min Ho was summoned for questioning three times, and we carried out search and seizure as well as communications investigations. Based on the materials secured, we will determine whether the charges are substantiated. He largely admitted to leaving his workplace during working hours.”
Regarding the legal outlook, attorney Kim Kang Ho of Law & Liberty law firm said on YTN Radio’s ‘Case X-File’ in January, “It depends on the number of days he was absent, but under the Military Service Act, leaving one’s place of service can be punishable by up to three years in prison, while tardiness, unauthorized early leave, or workplace departure can carry up to one year. Some argue that Song Min Ho should re-enlist as an active-duty soldier, but since he has already completed his service, this is not possible under current law.”
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