Song Mino, a member of the K-pop group WINNER, appeared at the Seoul Western District Court on July 14 as a witness in the trial of the manager responsible for his social service duty. The manager faces charges of violating military service laws, specifically regarding allegations of falsifying attendance records for the artist during his alternative service period at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation.
The Legal Proceedings at Seoul Western District Court
The trial, overseen by Criminal Division 10, centers on whether Mr. A—the person responsible for managing Song Mino’s social service duty—knowingly permitted unauthorized absences. According to court filings, the prosecution alleges that Mr. A facilitated these absences while simultaneously logging the artist’s attendance as if he were present. While the defense acknowledges that irregularities occurred in the processing of attendance, they maintain that there was no prior conspiracy or collusion to falsify records.
Song Mino’s testimony was requested by the court to focus on whether there was any prior collusion between the two. The artist, dressed in a black suit, offered a brief apology to the press before entering the courtroom.
Did you know?
In South Korea, alternative military service is a common pathway for individuals who do not serve in active-duty combat roles. Managers at these facilities are legally required to verify daily attendance and report any unauthorized absences to the Military Manpower Administration.
Context of the Military Service Violation Charges
The legal scrutiny follows an investigation into Song Mino’s service record. Records indicate that the artist was absent without authorization for 102 days out of approximately 430 working days between March 2023 and December 2024. During an earlier hearing in April, Song Mino admitted to the charges brought against him. The prosecution has requested a sentence of one year and six months in prison for the artist.
In his final statement to the court, Song Mino expressed remorse for his actions. “I am sorry for failing to fulfill my national defense duty faithfully,” he stated, while asking the court for leniency and the opportunity to complete his service in accordance with regulations.
Future Trends in K-Pop Military Compliance
The case highlights a growing trend of increased oversight regarding the military service of public figures in South Korea. Following several high-profile investigations into the conduct of celebrities during their alternative service, regulatory bodies have begun implementing stricter monitoring systems for attendance and performance.
Industry observers note that the entertainment sector is shifting toward greater transparency. Agencies are increasingly tasking dedicated legal teams to ensure their artists strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the Military Manpower Administration. This proactive stance aims to mitigate the long-term reputational damage that can result from service-related legal disputes.
For artists and management agencies, maintaining meticulous, independent logs of service hours—separate from the official facility records—has become a standard recommendation to prevent discrepancies during government audits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against the manager in this trial?
The manager, identified as Mr. A, is accused of violating military service laws by allegedly condoning Song Mino’s unauthorized absences and falsifying attendance records to reflect normal work hours.
How many days was Song Mino absent?
According to reports, the artist had 102 days of unauthorized absence out of approximately 430 working days during his service period.
What happens if a celebrity is found guilty of military service violations?
Legal consequences can range from fines to prison sentences. In this case, the prosecution has requested a one-year-and-six-month prison term for Song Mino.
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