WINNER
member Song Min-Ho, also known as Mino, is set to face court proceedings over alleged violations of South Korea's Military Service Act, a case that has drawn significant public scrutiny. The K-pop artist hails from the boy band, also comprising Kim Jin-Woo (Jinu), Lee Seung-Hoon (Hoony), and Kang Seung-Yoon (Seungyoon or Yoon), and functions under YG Entertainment. Mino is a rapper, singer-songwriter, music producer, artist, and actor. The 33-year-old idol, who made his debut with WINNER in 2014, served his mandatory military service from March 2023 to December 2024. He is accused of neglecting duties during the term and is now facing the heat of the authorities in South Korea.
About court hearing
Korean media reported on April 18, that the Seoul Western District Court will hold its first hearing for Mino on April 21. Mino has been indicted without detention, alongside a supervising official, who oversaw his service duties. Both are accused of breaching regulations tied to mandatory service.
Mino's military service
Mino, who completed his alternative military duty as a public service worker in Seoul’s Mapo District, faced charges in late December 2025, and an investigation was launched in January 2025. During his service period, he is alleged to have repeatedly missed work or left his assigned post without valid justification, raising concerns about neglect of duty.
Supervisor's involvement
The official is also under investigation for allegedly failing to properly monitor Mino's attendance and responsibilities. Authorities claim that despite being aware of the situation, the supervisor did not intervene appropriately. He is held responsible for these violations by approving absences without proper justification and altering attendance records.
More about the case
After initial training, Mino moved to a community welfare centre in 2024. However, concerns about his attendance reportedly surfaced close to the end of his service period. Reports indicate that he previously received treatment for mental health conditions, including panic disorder and bipolar disorder. These factors had been referenced in relation to his service classification, though their role in the current case remains unclear.While Mino initially denied any wrongdoing, subsequent questioning reportedly led to an acknowledgement of lapses in attendance and duty performance. According to the indictment, Mino is accused of being absent without authorisation for 102 days during his service.Amid the growing controversy, Mino was recently seen attending a VIP screening of the film Method Acting in Seoul’s COEX district. Witnesses noted that he attempted to keep a low profile by wearing a mask and a hat.
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