K-pop star Mino could be reinstated into South Korea’s military system or sent to prison if he is convicted of repeatedly skipping alternative service without permission, according to prosecutors and legal experts.
Song Min-ho, better known as Mino of the WINNER group, is on trial in the Seoul Western District Court for violating the Military Service Law during his time as a public service employee. Prosecutors asked the court to sentence him to one year and six months in prison, saying his conduct demonstrated a “gross” dereliction of duty.
According to the Korea Times, at the first hearing on April 21, 2026, Mino admitted to all charges and told the judges that he would accept whatever punishment they decided.
Mino served in an alternative rather than active-duty military assignment, working at public facilities in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 24, 2023 until his discharge on December 23, 2024. Prosecutors say that during this period he was absent without leave for 102 days, nearly a quarter of the required service time.
Mino’s unauthorized absences
Documents cited in the indictment show that his absences increased as his discharge approached, including 19 days missed in July 2024 and 14 days in November 2024. Authorities also allege that he sometimes left work early and presented false explanations for his time spent away, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.
Under South Korea’s Military Service Law, serious violations such as desertion or repeated unauthorized absences can lead to criminal sanctions, including prison time and new service obligations.
Legal commentators in local media note that if Mino is sentenced to a prison term, he could then be ordered to complete his remaining military service upon release, depending on the court’s decision and review by military authorities.
In court, Mino said he is willing to reenlist and “faithfully complete” his duties if given another chance, signaling that a return to duty is a real possibility.
The singer, 33, apologized to fans and the public, saying he was ashamed of having disappointed people who saw him as a role model. His lawyers asked for leniency, citing mental health issues including bipolar disorder, panic attacks and physical pain due to a spinal injury.
The court is expected to issue a verdict and decide whether he will serve his prison sentence, be forced to return to military service or receive a lighter sentence, such as probation, in the coming weeks, according to Soompi.
