Song Mino apologizes following military service law violation sentence

Song Mino, a member of the group Winner, issued a handwritten apology via social media following a court ruling regarding violations of the Military Service Act. The singer expressed deep regret for his actions, stating he felt ashamed of his irresponsible choices and apologized to fans and young citizens currently fulfilling their military duties.

Song was previously indicted for being absent from his duties as a social service agent at a facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul, for a total of 102 days without justifiable cause between March 2023 and December 2024. On December 1, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended for two years.

The court noted that military service is a fundamental duty that must be performed sincerely, emphasizing that social service agents are not exempt. In determining the sentence, the court considered Song's admission of guilt, his reflection on the matter, his history of psychiatric treatment, and his lack of prior criminal records.

Additionally, a service manager was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for aiding Song's unauthorized absences by falsifying attendance records. The manager has denied conspiring with Song to facilitate the absences.