Song Min-ho, a member of the K-pop group WINNER, has reportedly admitted to most of the allegations that he left his assigned workplace without permission during his mandatory alternative military service as a social service worker.
At a regular press briefing held on March 31 at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, a police official stated, “Song was summoned for questioning three times, and he has largely acknowledged leaving his workplace during working hours.”
Authorities are currently analyzing evidence secured through seizure warrants and communication records, in addition to Song’s testimony. Based on this, they will determine whether to charge him with violating the Military Service Act.
Song began his alternative service in March 2023, working at a public welfare facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul. He was discharged from service on December 23, 2024. However, about a week before his discharge, suspicions emerged that he had been frequently absent from his post without proper justification.
According to media reports, Song is alleged to have attended a DJ party in Goseong, Gangwon Province, and even traveled abroad during his service period. In response to these allegations, the Military Manpower Administration requested a formal police investigation on December 23, and police subsequently booked Song and launched a probe.
As part of the investigation, police searched his workplace and summoned him three times for questioning between January and February this year. His agency, YG Entertainment, previously stated that “his medical leave was a continuation of treatment received prior to his service, and all leave was used in accordance with regulations.”
As the case gained public attention, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon ordered an emergency inspection into the working conditions of all social service workers in city-run institutions. The Military Manpower Administration also announced plans to strengthen oversight of alternative service management, including more detailed disciplinary guidelines and expanded monitoring efforts.
If the investigation concludes that Song violated service obligations, the agency said it may cancel his previous discharge and require him to serve again for the period in question.
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