‘Military Service Act Violation’ Song Min-ho Sparks Uproar by Attending Close Friend Lee Dong-hwi’s Premiere... Calls to “Boycott the Film” Spread

According to The Financial News, Winner member Song Min-ho (Mino), who is awaiting trial on charges of violating the Military Service Act, has stirred controversy after it emerged that he attended a movie premiere for his close friend, actor Lee Dong-hwi.
Recently, posts appeared on online communities claiming that Song Min-ho was spotted at the VIP premiere of the film "Method Acting" (directed by Lee Ki-hyuk) held on the 13th at Megabox COEX in Seoul.
At the time, Song Min-ho was reportedly wearing a hat and a mask to cover his face, along with medium-length hair that came down to his neck.
Song Min-ho and Lee Dong-hwi are known to be long-time close friends. They have often shown off their friendship on social media by posting selfies together and sharing photos of gifts they exchanged.
However, the eyewitness accounts drew even more attention because they surfaced while Song Min-ho, who faces allegations of violating the Military Service Act, had his trial postponed.
Netizens reacted critically, leaving comments such as, "So he delays the trial but still wants to flaunt his friendships," "The timing is unfortunate," and "It’s nice to support a close friend, but shouldn’t he be lying low and reflecting right now?" Some even went as far as to say, "We should boycott the film," causing the backlash to spill over onto Lee Dong-hwi as well.
As the controversy grew, Lee Dong-hwi addressed the issue during a round interview held on the 16th. He reportedly said, "To be honest, I didn’t personally invite him," and added, "I only found out he was there at the venue," choosing his words carefully.
Previously, from March 2023 to December the following year, Song Min-ho worked as a Social Service Agent in Mapo District in Seoul, but he is suspected of neglecting his duties by frequently failing to report for work. As a result, in December last year, Song Min-ho and the head of the facility where he served, identified as Mr. A, were indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act and abetting neglect of duty.
Song Min-ho appeared for police questioning three times. During the first session, he denied the allegations, insisting he had "fulfilled his service properly." However, in subsequent interrogations, conducted alongside evidence such as CCTV footage from his workplace, he admitted to most of the charges. The first trial hearing was initially scheduled for March, but at the request of Song Min-ho’s side, it was postponed and will now be held on April 21.
Meanwhile, "Method Acting" follows "funny actor" Lee Dong-hwi, who rose to fame through comedy but no longer wants to do comedy. The film depicts the events that unfold as he becomes excessively immersed in a role in an effort to be recognized for his sincere acting. It is set to be released on the 18th.

gaa1003@fnnews.com An Ga-eul Reporter