WINNER’s Song Mino Faces New Allegations of Inadequate Military Service: "Rarely Showed Up, Played Games Reclined with AirPods Max"

Song Min-ho (MINO) of WINNER, who is set to be discharged from alternative service today (December 23), faces additional allegations of inadequate military service.

According to Dispatch, a public service worker (referred to as “A”) who worked alongside Song at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation claimed, "I barely saw him come to work. He never started at 9 a.m. Instead, the facility adjusted his work start time to 10 a.m."

Another employee, “B,” revealed, "He rarely showed up. When he did, he wore AirPods Max, reclined in his chair, and just played games."

B also stated, "This wasn’t limited to the welfare facility. It was the same at the facilities management office. At most, he came in twice a week. Some months, I saw him only two or three times. Public service workers are supposed to start at 9 a.m., but Song Min-ho was given a 10 a.m. start time as a privilege for being a celebrity."

When asked if he adhered to the 10 a.m. start time, B said, "He would come in around 10:30 or 11 a.m., then play games for 20–30 minutes before leaving. For lunch, he’d say he’s eating at home because he’s a celebrity."

B further alleged that Song did not perform basic duties, such as answering phone calls. "Everyone except Song, from the public service workers to the staff, took calls. His voice being recognizable was cited as the reason for excluding him from this task."

Song was also excused from delivering administrative notices to the post office, reportedly due to claims of social anxiety. Additionally, B alleged that Song ignored instructions to cut his long hair and refused to wear the designated public service uniform.

The records of Song’s attendance were handwritten, leaving room for potential falsification or bulk approvals under the discretion of the supervisor.

Initial allegations of inadequate service surfaced on December 17, when reports revealed Song frequently missed work due to sick leave and vacation days. Controversy intensified when it was revealed that Song traveled abroad in October and was not seen fulfilling his duties afterward.

In response, YG Entertainment stated, "We are unable to confirm detailed information regarding the artist’s service. However, the sick leave was an extension of pre-service medical treatment, and all other leave was used in accordance with regulations."

Despite YG’s explanation, the controversy persists. The Military Manpower Administration has launched an investigation, while a formal petition requesting a probe into the allegations was submitted to the national complaints portal.

As part of the investigation, the Seoul Mapo Police have initiated a preliminary inquiry into claims of habitual attendance manipulation. The police have requested the preservation of CCTV footage from the workplace and plan to review it thoroughly.