According to confirmation by Star News, the Seoul Western District Court’s Criminal Division 10 was initially scheduled to hold the first trial for Song Mino and a supervisory official identified as A on March 24. However, after the defense submitted a request to delay the hearing, the court accepted it on February 5, pushing the date back by roughly one month. The new trial date has now been set for April 21.
Previously, on December 30, 2025, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Song Mino and A without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Song Mino is accused of leaving his workplace without valid reasons and neglecting attendance and duties while serving as a public service worker from March 2023 to December 2024 at a facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul. A, who was responsible for overseeing his service, is accused of failing to properly supervise him despite being aware of his alleged negligence. It was also reported that about one month after A transferred to a different workplace, Song Mino was reassigned to the same facility.
Prosecutors reportedly secured objective evidence, including mobile phone forensic data and GPS records, and conducted supplementary investigations. During this process, additional instances of unauthorized absence were allegedly identified. The prosecution stated that it would do its utmost to ensure punishment appropriate to the alleged offenses.
Song Mino received a Grade 4 classification during his military physical examination and began fulfilling his mandatory service as a public service worker at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation in March 2023. In March 2024, he was reassigned to the Mapo Community Welfare Facility. However, shortly before his discharge, allegations of poor service surfaced, including frequent sick leave and insincere attendance. It has been reported that Song Mino has been receiving treatment for conditions such as panic disorder and bipolar disorder.
Although Song Mino was officially discharged on December 23, 2024, suspicions arose that he had failed to properly report to work during his service period. As a result, the Mapo Police Station booked him on January 23, 2025, on suspicion of violating the Military Service Act and summoned him for questioning. During the investigation, Song Mino initially stated that he had worked in accordance with regulations and that there were no issues with his service. However, after three rounds of questioning, it was revealed that he largely acknowledged allegations of poor service and leaving his workplace during duty hours, drawing attention to whether he could be ordered to serve again.
In response, the Military Manpower Administration requested a police investigation to determine the validity of the allegations. Police conducted search and seizure operations at the Mapo Community Welfare Facility and Song Mino’s residence, securing CCTV footage and analyzing his attendance records. The Military Manpower Administration stated that if poor service is confirmed, it plans to revoke his discharge and require him to complete the unserved portion of his duty. It also announced plans to strengthen attendance management for public service workers by introducing electronic check-in and check-out systems.
A National Police Agency official later explained during a press briefing that Song Mino was questioned three times and that search warrants and communication investigations were carried out. Based on the collected materials, authorities will determine whether charges apply, adding that Song Mino generally acknowledged leaving his workplace during duty hours.
Regarding potential penalties, attorney Kim Kang Ho of Law Firm Law & Liberty said during a January broadcast of YTN Radio’s Case X File that punishment would depend on the number of days absent. He explained that under the Military Service Act, desertion can carry a sentence of up to three years in prison, while tardiness, unauthorized early leave, or leaving the workplace can result in up to one year. He also clarified that opinions calling for Song Mino to re-enlist as an active-duty soldier are not legally feasible, as he has already completed his service.
Sources: Daum
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