UPDATE: WINNER member Song Mino is now facing the possibility of a prison sentence as investigations into his military service reveal alarming details of neglect. Authorities have confirmed that Mino, serving as a social service worker in Mapo-gu, Seoul, has significantly more unauthorized absences than initially reported.
New findings indicate that Mino failed to report for duty and left his assigned workplace without authorization on multiple occasions. Initial police investigations confirmed over eight days of unauthorized absence, but forensic analysis of his cell phone and GPS data revealed that this number is expected to increase dramatically. Under the Korean Military Service Act Article 89, being absent from military service for more than eight days can lead to a prison sentence of up to three years.
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office has indicted Mino without detention for violating the Military Service Act, stating that the number of confirmed unauthorized absences grew during supplementary investigations. Legal experts warn that as the confirmed absence days continue to rise, the likelihood of Mino facing jail time increases significantly.
The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) has clarified that absences of seven days or less are typically handled administratively. However, any case exceeding eight days is automatically escalated to criminal charges, which explains why Mino’s case was forwarded to the police and prosecutors.
Mino’s unauthorized absences reportedly occurred between March 2023 and December 2024. During two rounds of questioning, he initially denied the allegations, but during a third interrogation, he admitted to leaving his workplace during work hours.
As the investigation unfolds, the public and fans are left questioning the implications for Mino and the popular K-pop group WINNER. The emotional impact on fans, who have supported Mino throughout his career, is palpable, and many are awaiting further developments in this shocking case.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation, and the next steps will be critical. The court’s judgment will ultimately dictate Mino’s fate, as the ongoing situation continues to develop.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent story as it unfolds.
