'102 days of unauthorized absence': Song Min-ho (Mino) to serve again; Military Manpower Administration reviewing re-service procedures

[Financial News] Mino, 33, of the group Winner, who was accused of violating the Military Service Act for unauthorized absences while serving as a social service worker and was given a suspended prison sentence at his first trial, is expected to serve again for the 102 days he was absent. The specific service institution and workplace have not yet been decided.
According to Star News on the 16th, a Military Manpower Administration official said that day regarding Mino’s repeat service, “The relevant department is currently reviewing how to proceed with the re-service process after the (first-trial) ruling became final.”
The Military Manpower Administration had previously said it would take steps to have Mino serve again for the number of days he was absent once the ruling became final. He will not re-enlist for active duty; instead, he will perform social service again for the number of days he was absent.
On the 1st, Judge Sung Jun-gyu of the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 10, sitting alone, sentenced Mino to one year in prison, suspended for two years, after he was indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act. The sentence became final after Mino did not appeal the first-trial ruling.
Mino was indicted on charges of being absent without authorization from his workplace for 102 days while serving as a social service worker at a facility in Seoul’s Mapo District from March 2023 to December of the following year. That was one-quarter of his approximately 430 required workdays.
In his final statement, Mino said, “As someone who has received the love of many people, I feel sorry that I showed a shameful side instead of setting an example,” adding, “If I’m given the chance to serve again, I want to complete it faithfully to the end.”
On the 9th, Mino posted a handwritten letter on his social media account, saying, “I bow my head and apologize for causing so many people concern because of me.”
He said, “I’m so sorry to have disappointed the young people who are faithfully fulfilling their military service obligations, and the fans who have cared for me more than anyone. Day after day, my regret weighed on me. I was ashamed of and resented the irresponsible choices I made in the past.”
He added, “I will not evade my foolish mistakes and will reflect on them,” and, “I will faithfully carry out the remaining procedures and obligations. I will not forget this incident and will keep it in mind, and live with a greater sense of responsibility.”
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter