Mino was absent without leave for 102 days during his 430-day service as a social worker, meaning he missed nearly a quarter of his scheduled workdays during his alternative mandatory military service. However, he is expected to make up only the 102 days he missed, sparking online criticism that he should have to serve his entire term again.
Following news that WINNER member Mino may have to resume his military service, some online commenters have questioned whether simply making up his absences is fair.
The Military Manpower Administration said that on October 16th that they are reviewing the procedures for his return to service following the finalization of his court sentence.
The Seoul Western District Court sentenced Mino to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act on October 1st. Mino did not appeal, making the ruling final.
Mino served as a social worker at a facility management corporation and a community welfare center in Seoul from March 2023 to December 2024.
However, prosecutors found that he had been absent without leave for 102 out of approximately 430 scheduled workdays. In July 2024, for example, he showed up for only four of the 23 days he was scheduled to work, missing the other 19 days without authorization.
The court handed down a suspended sentence after considering that Song admitted to the charges and expressed remorse. It also noted that his health condition appeared to have affected his ability to fulfill his duties.
Despite the ruling, news that Song may only need to make up his missed days drew strong reactions online.
“He should have to serve another year and six months, not just 102 days. Are you kidding me?” one commenter wrote.
“He should have to start his military service all over again. What a joke to make him serve just 102 more days!” another said.
A third questioned whether the system was fair, writing, “If you get caught and only have to make up the days you missed, what’s the punishment? Would an ordinary person get the same treatment?”
The backlash centers on whether making up the days missed is enough to hold someone accountable for violating military service rules.
The Military Manpower Administration is reviewing the next steps, but Mino’s return date and assigned location have not yet been confirmed.
Song is expected to serve an additional 102 days to make up for his unauthorized absences. However, critics continue to argue that simply making up the missed days may not be sufficient.
>> WINNER’s Mino May Have to Serve 102 Additional Days, Military Official Says
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