Song Min-ho Acknowledges Military Service Neglect Amid Investigation

On March 31, 2025, police confirmed that Song Min-ho, a member of the popular South Korean group Winner, has acknowledged allegations of neglecting his duties during his alternative military service. This revelation has sparked significant public interest regarding the potential for his re-service.

During a press briefing held at the Seoul Seodaemun-gu government office, a police official stated that Song Min-ho was investigated three times and generally admitted to leaving his work post during his service period, which lasted from March 2023 to December 2024. The police are currently assessing whether he had a valid reason for not fulfilling his military obligations.

Speculation surrounding Song Min-ho's alternative service has been rife, particularly since his agency, YG Entertainment, did not disclose the reasons for his service. Previous reports suggested that he might have been struggling with panic disorder and bipolar disorder, which could have contributed to his situation. However, the controversy intensified when allegations emerged that he had not properly carried out his duties, with reports indicating he signed in for work but then left his post.

In December 2024, Dispatch, a prominent media outlet, reported that they had visited the community center where Song Min-ho was assigned over ten times without seeing him present. This raised further questions about his commitment to his service. Following these allegations, testimonies from colleagues who served alongside him as social service workers also surfaced, adding fuel to the fire of suspicion.

As the investigation unfolded, police carried out searches at the community service facility in Mapo-gu, where Song Min-ho was stationed, and secured CCTV footage to corroborate the claims against him. The police stated that they would analyze the gathered evidence to determine the validity of the allegations.

Song Min-ho completed his service on December 23, 2024, but the controversy regarding his conduct continued to linger. In light of the findings from the police investigation, the Military Manpower Administration has requested an inquiry into his alleged dereliction of duty. If confirmed, this could lead to a significant consequence: under Article 89 of the Military Service Act, his service period could be extended by up to 35 days.

Unlike other celebrities who have faced similar accusations, such as Se7en, who was able to re-enlist as an active-duty soldier after being found guilty of neglecting his military duties, Song Min-ho's situation is different. Due to the nature of his service as a social service worker, he cannot re-enlist in the same way. However, the possibility of him being required to re-serve remains a point of contention.

The public's reaction to the news has been mixed, with many netizens expressing their belief that Song Min-ho should indeed face consequences for his actions. The ongoing discourse reflects broader societal attitudes towards military service in South Korea, where serving in the military is seen as a vital duty for all able-bodied men.

YG Entertainment has maintained that all leaves taken by Song Min-ho were in accordance with regulations. They stated that his sick leave was related to an ongoing treatment that predated his service. Nonetheless, the gravity of the situation is evident, and the potential ramifications for Song Min-ho could be severe, depending on the outcome of the police investigation.

As the investigation continues, the eyes of the public remain fixed on Song Min-ho and the decisions that will follow. Will he face re-service, or will the police conclude that he had valid reasons for his actions? The answers to these questions could not only impact his career but also resonate with discussions around military service obligations in South Korea.

In conclusion, the unfolding story of Song Min-ho serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding military service in South Korea, where public figures often find themselves under intense scrutiny. As the investigation progresses, it will be interesting to see how this situation develops and what it means for Song Min-ho's future.