The Seoul Western District Court is scheduled to hold the first trial hearing on April 21 for Song Mino and his service supervisor, identified as Mr. A, on charges related to breaches of the Military Service Act.
Earlier, on December 30, 2025, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office indicted both individuals without detention. Song Mino is accused of neglecting his duties and leaving his assigned workplace without valid reason while serving as a public service worker from March 2023 to December 2024 at facilities in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Meanwhile, Mr. A faces charges of failing to properly supervise him despite being aware of his alleged negligence. Notably, reports suggest that Song Mino transferred to the same facility just one month after Mr. A changed his workplace.
After receiving a Grade 4 supplementary service classification during his physical examination, Song Mino began fulfilling his mandatory service in March 2023 at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation before transferring to a community service center in March 2024. However, just before his discharge, allegations of poor attendance and negligent service surfaced, including frequent sick leave and questionable work behavior. It was also revealed that Song Mino had been receiving treatment for panic disorder and bipolar disorder.
Although he was officially discharged on December 23, 2024, suspicions soon arose that he had failed to properly attend work during his service. The Mapo Police Station launched an investigation on January 23, 2025. During questioning, Song Mino initially stated that he had “served in accordance with regulations” and that there were “no issues” with his service. However, after three rounds of investigation, it was revealed that he had largely admitted to negligence and unauthorized absences, raising further questions about whether he might be required to re-enlist.
According to the prosecution’s indictment, Song Mino was absent without permission for a total of 102 days during his service nearly a quarter of the approximately 430 required working days over the 21-month service period. In July 2024 alone, he reportedly missed 19 out of 23 working days, attending only four.
Prosecutors also allege that his supervisor was complicit. When Song Mino reportedly said he would skip work due to oversleeping or fatigue, Mr. A allegedly approved his absence and even falsified documents to make it appear as though he had attended. Evidence of collusion was also cited, including a message from May 2023 in which the supervisor informed Song Mino in advance of his own absence, after which Song Mino also failed to show up. Prosecutors claim attendance records were later fabricated.
Amid the controversy, Song Mino was recently spotted at a VIP screening of the film Method Acting at COEX Megabox in Seoul, drawing further attention. Witnesses reported that he attended wearing a mask and hat. Speculation arose that actor Lee Dong-hwi had invited him, especially given their known friendship. However, Lee Dong-hwi denied this in an interview, stating, “I did not invite Song Mino. I only heard that he attended.”
Public criticism continues to intensify as the trial approaches. With scrutiny already high, attention is now focused on how Song Mino will present himself in court and how the case will ultimately unfold.
Sources: Nate
You must be logged in to post a comment.