The trial of WINNER's Song Min Ho on charges of violating the Military Service Act has been unexpectedly postponed.
According to Star News, the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 10 had initially scheduled the first hearing for March 24 for Song Min Ho and his service supervisor, identified only as Mr. A. However, on March 5, the court accepted a request from the defense to delay the hearing, pushing it back by approximately one month. The new date has been set for April 21.
Previously, on December 30, 2025, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office’s Criminal Division 1, led by Chief Prosecutor Won Shin Hye, indicted both individuals without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Song Min Ho is accused of leaving his assigned workplace without legitimate reasons and neglecting attendance and duties while serving as a public service worker at a facility in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024. Mr. A is accused of failing to properly supervise Song Min Ho despite being aware of his alleged negligence. It was also reported that about one month after Mr. A transferred to the facility, Song Min Ho was reassigned to the same location.
Prosecutors conducted supplementary investigations, securing objective evidence including mobile phone forensic data and GPS records. During the process, they reportedly uncovered additional instances of unauthorized absences. The prosecution stated it would make every effort to maintain the indictment to ensure punishment proportionate to the alleged offenses.
Song Min Ho, who was classified as Grade 4 (supplementary service) during his physical examination for conscription, began fulfilling his mandatory service in March 2023 at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation. In March 2024, he transferred to the Mapo Community Service Center. However, allegations of negligent service surfaced shortly before his discharge, including frequent sick leave and poor attendance. He is known to have received treatment for panic disorder and bipolar disorder.
Although he was officially discharged on December 23, 2024, suspicions arose that he had failed to properly report to work during his service. The Mapo Police Station in Seoul booked him on January 23, 2025, on charges of violating the Military Service Act and summoned him for questioning. At the time, Song Min Ho reportedly explained the circumstances and stated that he had followed regulations and that there were no issues with his service. However, after three rounds of questioning, it was revealed that he had largely acknowledged negligent service and leaving his workplace during duty hours, drawing attention to whether he might be required to serve again.
The Military Manpower Administration ultimately requested a police investigation to determine the validity of the allegations. Police conducted search and seizure operations at the Mapo Community Service Center and Song Min Ho’s residence, securing CCTV footage and analyzing his commuting records. The administration stated that if the investigation confirms negligent service, it plans to revoke his discharge and require him to complete the unserved period. It also announced plans to strengthen oversight 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 District that Song Min Ho had been summoned for questioning three times and that search and seizure operations as well as telecommunications investigations had been carried out. “We will determine whether the charges are substantiated based on the secured evidence. Song Min Ho has largely acknowledged leaving his workplace during working hours,” the official said.
Regarding the case, attorney Kim Kang Ho of Law Firm Lawl stated during a January appearance on YTN Radio’s 'Case X File' that penalties would vary depending on the number of days of absence. “Under the Military Service Act, desertion from service can result in up to three years in prison, while tardiness, unauthorized early leave, or workplace departure can carry up to one year in prison. Some argue that Song Min Ho should be required to re-enlist as an active duty soldier, but since he has already completed his service, that is not possible under the current law,” he explained.
Meanwhile, following the controversy, YG Entertainment officially announced that WINNER would return as a three-member group without Song Min Ho for a full group concert scheduled in May 2025. Public criticism intensified as the situation drew comparisons with fellow member Kang Seung Yoon, who completed his active duty service without issue around the same time.
SEE ALSO: Former DIA member Jenny shares wedding photos with her husband
SHARE
