Korean Popular Male Idol Faces Trial for Military Service Violations—A Quarter of Service Missed Without Permission, Severe Penalties Expected

Leaving duty without a valid reason

According to the indictment revealed on February 12:

“He was absent without permission for a total of 102 days and left his duty without a valid reason.”

The popular male idol from the group WINNER, MINO (real name Song Min-ho, 32), who is also known in Japan, was indicted by the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office. From March 2023 to December 2024, MINO served as a social service worker, a substitute for mandatory military service, at a facility in Seoul. Prosecutors claim that out of roughly 430 scheduled workdays, MINO was absent without permission for about one-quarter, totaling 102 days.

Before detailing MINO’s charges, it’s worth looking back at his distinguished career.

“He debuted as the rapper of a male vocal group in July 2011. In August 2014, he became a founding member of WINNER, which debuted in Japan the following September. The group’s popularity in South Korea is enormous; their May 2019 mini-album WE hit number one on five online charts within three hours of release. Among fans, MINO enjoys overwhelming support from teenagers and people in their twenties,” said an employee of a major record label.

The indictment of such a popular idol has sent shockwaves among young people in Korea.

“According to prosecutors, MINO’s unauthorized absences increased over time. From March to May 2023, the first three months of his social service, he was absent only one day. By July 2024, he reportedly missed nearly 20 days in a single month.

A contributing factor appears to be his supervisor, referred to as A. When MINO claimed he didn’t want to work due to illness or other reasons, A reportedly granted permission. A also allegedly created false documents to make it appear that MINO had been working without issues. Based on documents found on computers and communications on smartphones, prosecutors proceeded with the indictment for violating the military service law,” reported a Korean newspaper journalist.

As an example

MINO is said to generally acknowledge the charges.

Under South Korea’s Military Service Act, social service personnel who are late or leave work early without a valid reason face up to one year in prison. If they are absent from service for more than eight days without permission, they can be sentenced to up to three years in prison. Shin Il-Byeon, editor-in-chief of Korea Report and an expert on Korean affairs, explains:

“Military service and its alternative systems are the greatest duty for South Korean men to protect their country. Neglecting this duty carries significant social consequences. Aside from serious crimes like murder, violations of the Military Service Act are among the most scrutinized actions in South Korea.

Moreover, if the individual is a male idol with considerable social influence, as in this case, the authorities cannot overlook it. As an example, the heaviest possible punishment may be imposed. He may not be able to continue his activities in the entertainment industry going forward.”

Originally, MINO’s trial was scheduled to begin on March 24, but he requested a postponement. Since it is a trial requiring the defendant’s appearance, his request was granted, and the first hearing is now set for April 21.