Song Min-ho (32) of the group WINNER has reportedly acknowledged the allegations of inadequate service as a social service worker, drawing attention to the possibility of his re-service.
A police official stated at a regular press briefing held at the Cheongsa in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 31st, regarding the allegations of Song Min-ho's inadequate service, "We have summoned the subject (Song Min-ho) for questioning three times and conducted searches and communication investigations."
He added, "He generally acknowledged the part about leaving the workplace during working hours," and stated, "We will determine whether there are charges based on the materials we have secured."
Song Min-ho served as a social service worker from March 2023 to December 2024. Although his agency, YG Entertainment, did not disclose the reason for alternative service at the time of enlistment, there has been speculation that it may be due to panic disorder and bipolar disorder, which he confessed to in past broadcasts.
However, just about a week before his discharge, he became embroiled in controversy over allegations of inadequate service. Reports emerged that Song Min-ho had not properly fulfilled his duties during his service period due to reasons such as sick leave, annual leave, and hospitalization.
Song Min-ho was discharged on December 23, 2024, but the repercussions continued.
Ultimately, the Military Manpower Administration requested a police investigation into the allegations of Song Min-ho's inadequate service. The Military Manpower Administration stated that if it is confirmed through the police investigation that there were issues with Song Min-ho's service attitude, even if he has been discharged, the discharge could be canceled, and he would have to re-serve for the problematic period.
As it became known that Song Min-ho acknowledged the allegations of inadequate service during the police investigation, netizens have expressed opinions that he should re-serve. According to Article 89 of the Military Service Act, if a social service worker's negligence in duty is detected, the service period can be extended by up to 35 days.
However, it is practically impossible for him to re-enlist as an active duty soldier like singer Psy.
Psy, who served as an industrial technical personnel, was recognized for inadequate service in 2007 and re-enlisted as an active duty soldier in December of that year. If facts such as service evasion are detected, the head of the local Military Manpower Administration can cancel the transfer to industrial technical personnel and enlist them as active duty soldiers or summon them as social service workers.
However, in Song Min-ho's case, the type of military service is different from Psy's, making re-enlistment as an active duty soldier impossible. However, there is a possibility of re-service, and attention is focused on whether Song Min-ho will undergo re-service after the police investigation.
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
