A South Korean court has convicted Song Min-ho, a 33-year-old member of the boy band Winner, of violating the country’s military service requirements. The musician received a one-year suspended prison sentence on Thursday, meaning he can avoid jail time if he refrains from committing crimes during a two-year probationary period.
Song was assigned to perform mandatory military service as a social service worker at a community center in Seoul from 2023 to 2024, as part of South Korea’s requirement that all able-bodied men serve at least 18 months in the military. The court found that Song recorded 102 unauthorized absences during his 21-month assignment. In addition, his supervisor at the social service center was also handed a suspended jail sentence for assisting Song in evading his duties, which included falsifying records to indicate his presence.
The court emphasized that military service must be performed faithfully and that social service agents are held to the same standard as other personnel. However, the court acknowledged that Song had admitted to the charges and demonstrated remorse for his actions. Authorities initiated their investigation following Song’s discharge in 2024, after local media reported that he had been frequently absent and had taken excessive sick leave.
Military service compliance among South Korean entertainers has remained a subject of significant public debate. Previous cases illustrate the serious consequences of violations. Singer Psy was required to enlist twice after a court determined he had neglected his duties by continuing entertainment work during his initial service. Pop star Steve Yoo faced a national scandal and was banned from South Korea after evading military service in 2002 by renouncing his citizenship.
Prior to Thursday’s ruling, Song expressed regret and apologized to his supporters, according to reports. However, he declined to address whether he intended to re-enlist to fulfill his mandatory military obligations. The case highlights the tension between demands of the entertainment industry and strict national service requirements in South Korea.
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