South Korea: K-pop singer Song Min-ho, a member of boy band WINNER, has been sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, after being convicted of violating South Korea’s military service law.
Why Was Song Min-ho Convicted?
Song, 33, was found to have repeatedly failed to report for duty at a community centre in Seoul, where he served as a social service agent between 2023 and 2024.
The court heard that he recorded 102 unauthorised absences during his 21-month period of alternative military service.
What Did the Court Say About His Conduct?
The court said military service must be performed faithfully and that social service personnel are also subject to that obligation.
However, judges took into account that Song admitted the offences and expressed remorse. Because the prison sentence was suspended, he will not be incarcerated unless he commits another offence during the two-year suspension period.
Was Anyone Else Convicted?
Song’s supervisor at the social service centre also received a suspended prison sentence after being found to have helped Song avoid his duties, including falsifying attendance records.
Authorities began investigating Song after reports emerged following his discharge in 2024 alleging frequent absences and excessive sick leave.
Why Is Military Service Sensitive for South Korean Celebrities?
South Korea requires able-bodied men to complete mandatory military service, generally for at least 18 months. Some individuals may instead perform alternative social service for qualifying health-related reasons.
Military service involving entertainers has repeatedly generated public controversy in South Korea, with previous high-profile cases involving singers Psy and Steve Yoo resulting in significant public and legal consequences.