Why WINNER's Song Min-ho Can’t Return to Active Duty After Military Scandal

Song Min-ho (MINO), a member of the group WINNER, has come under suspicion for negligent service while working as a social service agent. During a police investigation, he reportedly admitted to leaving his post during working hours. Police are planning to determine the validity of the allegations through a search and seizure as well as communications analysis.

Song was suspected of repeatedly using sick leave and vacation days to be absent from his duty station just before the end of his service last December. At the time, his agency, YG Entertainment, claimed that the leave was used in accordance with regulations. However, controversy escalated after it was revealed that Song had attended parties in areas like Goseong and Yangyang in Gangwon Province.

The police launched an investigation into the case after receiving a referral from the Military Manpower Administration, and Song was booked without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act. He initially denied the allegations during his first round of questioning in January, but by the third round, he had admitted to most of the accusations.

Some have argued that Song should be required to re-enlist as an active-duty soldier, citing past cases like Psy and Chun Myung-hoon of NRG, who were both re-drafted after negligent service.

However, under the current Military Service Act, re-enlistment as an active-duty soldier is not possible in Song’s case. According to Article 33 of the Act, if a person leaves their post without a valid reason, their service period is extended by five times the number of days of unauthorized absence.

As the controversy surrounding Song Min-ho’s alleged negligent service continues, public attention is focused on what disciplinary action he will ultimately face. Police will make a final decision based on the materials they’ve obtained.