K-pop star Mino could be ordered back into South Korea's military system or sent to prison if he is convicted of repeatedly skipping his alternative service without permission, according to prosecutors and legal experts.
Song Min-ho, better known as Mino of the group WINNER, is on trial at the Seoul Western District Court for violating the Military Service Act during his time as a public service worker. Prosecutors have asked the court to sentence him to one year and six months in prison, saying his conduct shows a "serious" neglect of duty.
At the first hearing on Apr. 21, 2026, Mino admitted all the charges and told judges he would accept whatever punishment they decided, according to the Korea Times.
Mino served in an alternative post instead of active-duty military, working at public facilities in Mapo District, Seoul, from Mar. 24, 2023, until his discharge on Dec. 23, 2024. Prosecutors say that during this period, he was absent without permission for 102 days, almost a quarter of his required service time.
Mino's Unauthorized Absences
Records cited in the indictment show his absences increased as his discharge neared, including 19 missed days in July 2024 and 14 days in November 2024. Authorities also allege he sometimes left work early and submitted false explanations for his time away, Korea JoongAng Daily reported.
Under South Korea's Military Service Act, serious violations such as desertion or repeated unauthorized absences can lead to criminal punishment, including prison and renewed service obligations.
Legal commentators in local media note that if Mino is given a prison term, he could later be ordered to complete his remaining military duty after release, depending on the court's decision and military authorities' review.
In court, Mino said he is willing to re-enlist and "faithfully complete" his duties if given another chance, signaling that a return to service is a real possibility.
The singer, 33, has apologized to fans and the public, saying he is ashamed to have disappointed people who saw him as a role model. His lawyers have asked for leniency, citing mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and physical pain from a spinal injury.
The court is expected to deliver a verdict and decide whether he will serve prison time, be forced back into military service, or receive a lighter sentence, such as probation, in the coming weeks, as per Soompi.
