Song Min-ho of WINNER has been indicted on charges of violating South Korea’s Military Service Act after allegedly being absent without valid reason for 102 days during his time as a public service worker. Legal experts say that, unlike past high-profile cases, re-enlistment as an active-duty soldier is not expected under current law.
According to legal sources on February 13, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office filed charges against Song, alleging that while serving at a facility under the Mapo District Facilities Management Corporation in Seoul, he failed to report to duty for a total of 102 days without legitimate cause.
Public service duty typically lasts around 21 months, with approximately 430 actual working days. If the prosecution’s claims are upheld, the alleged absences would account for nearly one quarter of his total service period.
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Absences Increased Toward End of Service
Investigators reportedly found that the number of absences increased as his discharge date approached. In early 2023, the absences were minimal, but by July 2024, he was allegedly absent for 19 days in a single month. In November 2024 — one month before his discharge — he was said to have missed 14 days. Reports indicate that during one month, he worked only four days.
Prosecutors claim that reasons provided for absence included oversleeping and fatigue. They also allege that a service supervisor approved the absences and processed documentation as if Song had reported to duty normally. The supervisor has also been indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act.
The indictment reportedly includes an instance in May 2023, when Song traveled to the United States to attend his younger sister’s wedding. Prosecutors allege that despite being abroad, documentation indicated he had worked the following day.
Legal Consequences and No “Psy-Style” Re-Enlistment
Under Article 89-2 of the Military Service Act, leaving one’s assigned duty for eight or more days without justifiable cause can result in up to three years in prison. Additionally, authorities may impose an extension of service equal to five times the number of unauthorized absence days.
Speculation about possible re-enlistment has circulated online, drawing comparisons to Psy, who previously re-served in the military after his industrial technical personnel status was revoked. However, legal experts have clarified that the circumstances differ significantly.
On YTN Radio’s “Lee Won-hwa Lawyer’s Case X-File,” attorney Kim Kang-ho explained that because Song has already been officially discharged from service, current law does not allow conversion to active-duty status.
Song Min-ho’s Side Responds
Song’s representatives previously stated that medical leave taken during his service was an extension of treatment he had been receiving prior to enlistment. They also asserted that other leave days were used in accordance with regulations.
As the case moves forward, public attention remains focused on the court’s ruling and the potential legal consequences for one of K-pop’s well-known idols.