WINNER Song Mino Testifies In Ex-Supervisor Trial

Song Mino of the group WINNER, who was handed a request of one year and six months in prison at his first trial for violating the Military Service Act, appeared as a witness in the trial of A, the supervisor who oversaw his alternative service, acknowledging a personal friendship with him while firmly denying any collusion over his absence from duty.

The Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 10 held the third hearing on July 14 for A, a former service supervisor indicted for violating the Military Service Act, and conducted witness questioning of Song Mino. Having already concluded the proceedings in his own case, Song Mino appeared in court that day not as a defendant, but as a witness.

During the hearing, Song Mino acknowledged lending A money during his service, offering advice regarding A’s child’s dance activities, and going on an overnight fishing trip together.

However, he pushed back firmly when prosecutors pressed him on whether this personal exchange amounted to a bribe in return for favorable treatment during his service. Song Mino explained, “This was in no way done in expectation of special treatment or any kind of payoff u2014 it simply came out of the friendship that built up during my service.”

It was also revealed that Song Mino had traveled to and from regions like Busan and Jeju during his service without obtaining permission from A each time, and that he had filled out attendance records in batches after the fact, along with retroactively processing annual and sick leave. It was also confirmed that A had sent Song Mino a message to the effect of “If you’re tired, you can rest at home.”

Regarding this, Song Mino testified, “It’s true that A took my health condition into account and was very considerate,” but added, “Not showing up for duty was entirely my own responsibility, and my absence from service was the result of my own personal judgment and choice.” He then bowed his head toward A, who ended up facing trial alongside him because of his actions, saying, “I feel a great deal of guilt over this.”

Song Mino cited severe bipolar disorder and panic disorder as the reasons behind his inability to serve diligently. He revealed, “My doctor advised against my service from the very beginning, and even during my service I was told to stop or was deemed unfit, but I was determined to see my service through to the end.” He added with a bitter tone, “I now regret my decision to try to complete my service normally.”

Meanwhile, the court plans to conclude the proceedings after holding a defendant examination of service supervisor A on August 20.

Source: (A)