WINNER's Song Min-ho apologises in handwritten letter after suspended sentence
In short
Song Min-ho (송민호), a member of the group WINNER, posted a handwritten apology on social media on October 9, saying he was ashamed of his "irresponsible past choices." On October 1 the Seoul Western District Court gave him a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act. He was charged with being absent without leave on 102 days while working as a social service agent in Seoul's Mapo district.
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Song Min-ho (송민호), a member of the group WINNER, posted a handwritten apology on social media on October 9. On October 1 a court gave him a suspended prison sentence for violating the Military Service Act. "I bow my head and apologise for causing concern to many people," he wrote. He said he was sorry to have disappointed young people performing their military service duty and the fans who cared for him. "I should have stated my position as soon as possible, but it became too late," he wrote. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
"Every day was long with regret. I was ashamed of and hated my irresponsible past choices," Song wrote. He said he would reflect on his "foolish mistakes" without avoiding them, faithfully carry out the remaining procedures and duties, and live more responsibly. Seoul Shinmun reported that this was his first social media post in about three years and seven months, since March 2023. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Song, 33, was charged with being absent without leave on 102 days while working as a social service agent at a facility in Seoul's Mapo district from March 2023 to December 2024. Maeil Business put the total number of workdays in that period at about 430, while CBS NoCut News gave it as 430. Seoul Shinmun identified the workplace as the Mapo district facilities management corporation. Maeil Business reported that he admitted all the charges at his first hearing in April. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
On October 1 Judge Seong Jun-gyu (성준규) of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended for two years. According to Seoul Shinmun, the judge said military service is a duty for the existence and security of the state, that social service agents are no exception, and that public interest is high in whether people in the broadcasting industry complete their service. In explaining the sentence, the judge noted that Song had admitted the charges and shown remorse. The judge also said his poor health appeared to have affected how he served, and that he had pledged to complete his remaining service. [ 2 , 3 ]
A supervisor surnamed Lee, who was responsible for managing Song during his service, was also charged with leaving his poor service unchecked and signing false entries in the attendance register. Lee received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Seoul Shinmun reported. The newspaper also quoted the Military Manpower Administration as telling the media that once the ruling is final, Song will serve again for the number of days he was absent. [ 2 ]
Song debuted with WINNER in August 2014, according to Maeil Business. He finished as runner-up on Mnet's "Show Me the Money 10" and has appeared on variety shows including "New Journey to the West." [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The judge said public interest is high in whether people in the broadcasting industry complete their military service. According to Seoul Shinmun, the Military Manpower Administration said Song will serve again for the days he missed once the ruling becomes final.
Key facts
- Song Min-ho, a member of the group WINNER, posted a handwritten apology on social media on October 9. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- On October 1 Judge Seong Jun-gyu (성준규) of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced him to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- He was charged with being absent without leave on 102 days while serving as a social service agent in Seoul's Mapo district from March 2023 to December 2024. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Maeil Business put his total workdays in the period at about 430; CBS NoCut News gave the figure as 430. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Song admitted all the charges at his first hearing in April, Maeil Business reported. [ 1 ]
- A supervisor surnamed Lee, charged with leaving Song's poor service unchecked and signing false entries in the attendance register, received a 10-month prison sentence suspended for two years. [ 2 ]
- Seoul Shinmun said this was Song's first social media post in about three years and seven months, since March 2023. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Song Min-ho posted a handwritten apology on social media on October 9. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The Seoul Western District Court sentenced him on October 1 to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- He was charged with 102 days of unauthorised absence while serving as a social service agent in Mapo district, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- In the apology he said he would reflect on his mistakes without avoiding them and would faithfully carry out the remaining procedures and duties. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- When Song would serve again to make up the days he missed. Only Seoul Shinmun reports this. It quotes the Military Manpower Administration as saying he will serve again for the missed days once the ruling is final, and none of the documents says when that will be.
- Whether the first-instance ruling will be appealed. None of the documents says whether the prosecution or Song has appealed.