Suspended Sentence For Absences
K-pop Singer Song Min-ho Receives Suspended Sentence for Military Service Absences
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Key Points
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The court said Song’s deteriorating health affected his conduct during service and cited his promise to fulfill his obligations during the remainder of his service as factors in sentencing.
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The judge said public interest in military service by people working in broadcasting is high and they are expected to bear a particularly heavy sense of responsibility.
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Prosecutors had sought prison terms of one year and six months for Song and one year for his supervisor at the closing hearing.
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Song told reporters before the ruling that he regretted his actions and felt sorry toward the people who had given him so much love; when asked if he planned to re-enlist, he did not answer.
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Song’s supervisor was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, and was found to have knowingly ignored Song’s absences and falsely signed official documents, including attendance records.
K-pop singer Song Min-ho, a 33-year-old member of the band WINNER, was convicted of violating South Korea's Military Service Act after racking up 102 unauthorized absences during his alternative social-service assignment. BBC reported the court suspended a one-year prison sentence for two years, finding that Song admitted wrongdoing and showed remorse for his conduct between 2023 and 2024.
Song's supervisor also received a suspended sentence—10 months, suspended for two years—after Yahoo News confirmed he knowingly ignored the absences and falsified attendance records. If the ruling stands, Song could be required to redo service for the days he missed, a prospect that could disrupt WINNER's future activities.
Court Cites Health Issues and Public Responsibility
The judge cited Song's deteriorating health as a factor in the suspended sentence decision. Ratopati reported the court also emphasized that public interest in military service by broadcasting professionals is especially high, and those in entertainment must carry "a particularly heavy sense of responsibility."
Song told reporters before the ruling that he regretted his actions and felt sorry to the people who supported him. When asked if he planned to re-enlist or complete his service, he did not answer directly, leaving uncertainty about his next steps.
Supervisor's Role in Concealing Absences
Song's supervisor actively helped hide the 102 absences by falsely signing official documents, including attendance records. Newsy Today confirmed the supervisor was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, after being found to have knowingly ignored Song's missing days.
Prosecutors had initially sought one year and six months in prison for Song and one year for his supervisor. The court's suspended sentences mean both men avoid immediate jail time if they obey conditions over the next two years.
What Happens Next for WINNER
A Military Manpower Administration official said Song could be forced to repeat service for each day he missed if the court's ruling becomes final. This requirement would extend his service obligation beyond the time already completed.
The uncertainty around whether Song must redo service has created questions about WINNER's future schedule and activities. The band, which has fans worldwide, may face disruptions if Song is ordered to complete additional military service requirements.
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