WINNER member MINO (Song Minho), whose conviction for neglecting his duties as a public service worker has been finalized, will have to fulfill the remainder of his mandatory military service.
On October 16, the Military Manpower Administration stated that a decision had been made for MINO to re-serve following the finalization of his first-instance court ruling. An official from the Military Manpower Administration explained, "After thoroughly reviewing the exact period of additional service and the assigned service institution based on the written judgment, we plan to formally notify him of his re-service."
MINO was indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act for leaving his assigned workplace without authorization for 102 days while serving as a public service worker and submitting false explanations to the institution. On October 1, the Seoul Western District Court sentenced MINO to one year in prison, suspended for two years, in his first-instance trial. MINO did not appeal, and the sentence was finalized as handed down.
The court stated, "Military service is an obligation for the existence and security of the nation, and one must fulfill it faithfully. There is a high level of public interest regarding the fulfillment of military service by those working in the broadcasting industry." However, the court cited as mitigating factors for sentencing the fact that MINO admitted to the wrongdoing, was in poor health at the time, and expressed his intention to complete his remaining service. The court also noted that MINO's unauthorized absence went undetected because an accomplice, surnamed Lee, signed off on normal attendance, and sentenced Lee, who was in charge of managing attendance records, to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
During the trial, MINO testified, "If given the opportunity to re-serve, I will fulfill my duties faithfully." Immediately following the sentencing, he said, "I humbly accept the court's decision."
In a handwritten letter posted on social media on October 9, MINO stated, "I bow my head in apology for causing deep concern to many people because of me." He added, "I am truly sorry for disappointing the young people who are faithfully fulfilling their military service duties, as well as the fans who have cherished me," and continued, "I will faithfully carry out the remaining procedures and obligations moving forward."
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)