WINNER member Song Min Ho’s first trial on charges of violating South Korea’s Military Service Law has been postponed to April 21 after the court granted his request to delay the original date of March 24.
The 10th Criminal Division of Seoul Western District Court accepted the rescheduling request on March 5, postponing the hearing by about a month. Song Min Ho and a service supervisor, identified only as Mr. A or Lee, were indicted without detention on Dec. 30, 2025, on charges related to his time as a public service employee.
Prosecutors accuse the singer of repeatedly failing to show up for work, leaving his assigned job without permission and neglecting his duties while serving at facilities in Seoul’s Mapo district between March 2023 and December 2024, according to the indictment. allkpop.
According to the indictment cited in local reports, he is suspected of having been absent without leave for a total of 102 days, which raises the risk of a prison sentence of up to three years if the court finds him guilty.
The supervisory officer is also accused of failing to manage or intervene appropriately despite knowing about Song’s repeated absences. Prosecutors say they gathered evidence through forensic analysis of mobile phones, GPS data, commuter logs and CCTV footage during the additional investigation.
Song Min Ho completed his alternative service and was officially discharged from his post as a public service employee in December 2024, but doubts soon arose as to whether he had adequately fulfilled his obligations, the Korea JoongAng Daily reported.
The Military Manpower Administration requested a police investigation, and in December 2024 he was formally reprimanded on charges of violating the Military Service Law. Police later passed the case on to prosecutors, saying he had largely acknowledged that he had been absent and had left his workplace during working hours.
If negligent service were legally confirmed, authorities have indicated that they may revoke his discharge and order him to serve the uncompleted term, although re-enlistment as an active duty soldier is not possible under current law, as per soompi.
Public debate has intensified as fans and commentators compare his case to that of other idols who completed active duty without controversy, as the court prepares to open the postponed trial in April.
