Testimonies from colleagues A and B, who worked alongside Mino, revealed worrying patterns of absenteeism, lack of accountability and preferential treatment due to his celebrity status.
Reports of absenteeism and poor work ethic
A and B testified that Mino rarely respected the revised start time of 10:00 a.m., often arriving late or not arriving at all. Even when he was present, he reportedly spent his time playing with AirPods instead of doing tasks such as responding to complaints, organizing documents, or completing mail-related errands. A recalled that the days Mino went to work were significantly more numerous than the days he didn’t show up. B estimates that Mino worked a maximum of two days a week and sometimes only two or three days a month.
The pardon extended to Mino included changes to his work hours and exclusion from telephone duties to avoid public identification as a celebrity. This arrangement placed additional burdens on his colleagues, who had to shoulder his responsibilities while dealing with dissatisfied and frustrated citizens.
Appearance and dress code violations
Mino was also criticized for violating workplace standards regarding clothing and grooming. He refused to cut his long hair despite management’s requests, and his casual attire, including Crocs instead of regulation shoes, drew complaints from both staff and the public. A recalled that even for his brother’s wedding, Mino failed to meet expectations in terms of physical appearance, presenting himself with the same long hairstyle that had sparked internal controversy.
Special privileges and perceived favoritism
Both A and B noted that Mino received preferential treatment, which they attributed to his celebrity status. For example, he was excused from answering calls due to concerns about public reaction and was allegedly given leniency during inspections. These privileges led to resentment among his peers, who felt unsupported as Mino’s flaws were overlooked.
Mental health and public defense
Following the Dispatch’s report, Mino’s side cited mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and panic disorder, to explain his behavior. While these claims attracted sympathy in some quarters, critics viewed them as insufficient justification for his conduct, especially since his absences and lack of commitment significantly increased the workload for his colleagues.
Systemic criticism
Wider concerns about the misuse of the public service system are highlighted, with critics arguing it has become a way for celebrities to circumvent active military service while maintaining lenient working conditions. Dispatch accused the Military Manpower Administration of failing to enforce accountability, allowing individuals like Mino to evade proper scrutiny.
Despite the charges, Mino is set to complete his service and be discharged without major incident, leaving unresolved questions about fairness and integrity in the military’s alternative service system.
