WINNER’s Song Mino Found Guilty Of Unauthorized Absence During Mandatory Service, Receives Suspended Sentence
WINNER‘s Song Mino (33), who was indicted on charges of repeatedly being absent without leave while serving as a public service worker, has been found guilty in his first trial.
Judge Seong Jun Gyu of the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 10 sentenced Song on October 1 to one year in prison, suspended for two years, on charges including violation of the Military Service Act. The ruling comes roughly six months after prosecutors requested a one-year-six-month prison sentence at his closing trial this past April.
Mr. Lee, the service management official who was also indicted for allegedly helping Song’s unauthorized absences, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Song is accused of habitually being absent without leave while serving as a public service worker at the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation and a resident convenience facility in Seoul, between March 2023 and December 2024. Prosecutors determined that he was absent without leave for 102 of his mandatory 430 service days — roughly a quarter of his total required attendance.
The court stated, “Military service is a fundamental duty of citizens that must be faithfully carried out, and public service workers are no exception,” adding, “The act of being absent without leave for 102 days during his service period is not a light offense.” However, it explained its sentencing reasoning, noting, “Song has acknowledged all charges, is remorseful, and has pledged to fulfill his military duty for the remainder of his service.”
Before appearing in court around 9:50 a.m. that day, Song met with reporters and said, “I’ve truly reflected a great deal and have regretted this every single day,” adding, “I only feel sorry toward those who loved me so much.” He continued, “There’s no excuse. I offer my apology once again,” bowing his head. However, he did not respond when asked whether he had any plans to re-enlist for service.
Source: (A)
