Rapper Song Min-ho, widely recognized as Mino from the popular K-pop group Winner, has publicly defended his military service record amidst an ongoing police investigation. Reports emerged on Friday detailing Song’s appearance at the Mapo Police Precinct in western Seoul on Thursday, where he was questioned for approximately four hours regarding allegations of excessive sick leave during his mandatory social service duty.
The accusations center around Song’s time at a community center, where he served as a social service worker. He is suspected of taking unwarranted sick leave and manipulating attendance records to conceal these absences. According to SBS reports, during the police inquiry, Song Mino firmly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he diligently fulfilled his military service obligations and did not attempt to evade his duties.
Song Mino, South Korean rapper and member of Winner, during investigation regarding military service sick leave allegations
To ascertain the veracity of the allegations, police investigators have reportedly reviewed surveillance footage from the community center and conducted interviews with Song Mino’s supervisor. These measures aim to determine if the K-pop star received preferential treatment compared to other social service personnel during his service.
Song Mino, professionally known as Mino, commenced his mandatory military service in March 2023 and completed his duty on December 23, 2024. In South Korea, military service is a compulsory duty for all able-bodied men, requiring them to serve for at least 18 months. Individuals who do not qualify for active duty due to health reasons, but are not severely ill, are assigned to alternative 21-month social service roles. These roles are typically within public institutions such as subway stations or government offices.
It has been noted that Song Mino reportedly took sick leave on his final day of service, which may have triggered further scrutiny. The Military Manpower Administration initiated a formal investigation last month. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has also announced a city government-led review of attendance records for all conscripted social service personnel, indicating a broader effort to ensure compliance and fairness within the system.
The outcome of the police investigation and the inquiries by the Military Manpower Administration and the Seoul city government remain pending. Fans and the public await further updates on the situation surrounding Song Mino and the allegations against his military service conduct.
