Winner member Song Min-ho, who skipped work for 102 days, may face prison time: "Re-enlistment is impossible"

[Financial News] Legal experts say Winner member Song Min-ho, who is accused of being absent without leave for a total of 102 days while serving as a social service worker, could be sentenced to a prison term.

According to the entertainment industry on the 14th, attorney Kim Kang-ho of a law firm recently appeared on YTN Radio's "Case X-File" and discussed the potential level of criminal punishment for Song. Kim explained, "The outcome will vary depending on the number of days he was absent, but under the Military Service Act, desertion from service is punishable by up to three years in prison, while tardiness, leaving early without permission, or leaving the workplace without authorization is punishable by up to one year in prison."
Regarding speculation that he might be required to re-enlist as an active-duty Army soldier, Kim stated, "He has already completed his service, so under the current Military Service Act, that is not possible."
Kim also noted, "Given that Mr. Song Min-ho has been indicted, it is highly likely that there were specific acts constituting a violation of the Military Service Act, rather than a simple administrative error."
Previously, while working as a social service worker at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation in Seoul and at local community facilities, Song is alleged to have been absent without leave for 102 days, leaving his post without justifiable reason.
Assuming that the total number of actual working days during a social service worker's full term is about 430, Song's unauthorized absence is estimated to account for roughly 25% of the entire period.
Under Article 89-2 of the Military Service Act, a social service worker who leaves duty for a total of eight days or more without justifiable reason may face a prison sentence of up to three years.
Song Min-ho's first trial date has reportedly been rescheduled to April 21.

hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter