In a development that has cast a dark cloud over the future of the iconic group WINNER, member Song Mino (Song Min-ho) has found himself at the center of a severe legal and military controversy.
On December 31, 2025, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office officially indicted the 32-year-old rapper without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act.
The indictment follows a year-long investigation into allegations that Mino neglected his duties as a social service worker, leading to public outcry and significant uncertainty regarding his potential jail time.
Allegations of Persistent Duty Evasion
The case against Mino involves a series of alleged violations that took place during his alternative military service, which he served from March 2023 to December 2024.
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According to the prosecution and the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), Mino was found to have been absent from his assigned post for at least eight days without authorization.
Beyond these eight days, investigators used mobile phone tracking and GPS data to uncover a pattern of “lax attendance.”
Reports indicate that on the days Mino did report for duty, he often stayed for only brief periods, allegedly spending much of his work time playing games before leaving early.
The severity of the situation is compounded by the indictment of “Mr. A,” the head of the Mapo Community Convenience Facility, who is accused of knowingly allowing Mino’s irregular attendance and failing to report the misconduct.
The Legal Stakes: Potential Jail Time and Re-enlistment
Under Article 89 of the South Korean Military Service Act, a conscript who leaves their post for eight or more days without a justifiable reason can face a prison sentence of up to three years.
While Mino has been indicted without physical detention, the prosecution’s findings suggest that the legal consequences could be severe given the duration and nature of the negligence.
In addition to criminal penalties, the MMA has indicated that if the allegations are fully substantiated, Mino’s original discharge status could be canceled.
This would lead to a re-enlistment order, forcing him to serve his entire term again from the beginning—a scenario famously experienced by soloist Psy in the early 2000s.
During the police investigation, Mino reportedly admitted to the majority of the allegations, which may impact the finality of the court’s ruling.
Impact on WINNER’s 2026 Comeback
The legal battle has dealt a devastating blow to the plans for WINNER’s full-group activities. Fans had been eagerly anticipating a four-member comeback in 2026, marking the group’s first complete return since all members completed their service.
Also Read: WINNER Triumphs in Seoul with 3-Day Concert, Touching Fans Despite Song Min Ho’s Absence
However, following the indictment, YG Entertainment has signaled that the group will likely move forward without Mino.
The other three members—Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon—already held their first standalone concert in July 2025 as a trio while the investigation was ongoing.
With Mino now facing a trial and potential re-enlistment, industry experts believe that any upcoming albums or world tours will proceed as a three-member unit to distance the group’s brand from the military scandal.
Public Backlash and the Misogyny Debate
The scandal has reignited a fierce national debate in South Korea over “celebrity privilege” in the military.
Netizens have expressed feelings of betrayal, noting that Mino was assigned to a relatively comfortable social service role due to his documented mental health struggles (including Bipolar Disorder and panic disorder), only to allegedly abuse that flexibility.
The public’s harsh reaction to Mino has also been compared to recent controversies involving female idols, sparking discussions on how the public handles male versus female scandals.
While some argue that military evasion is a unique “national sin” in Korea, others point out that the fallout from this case could permanently tarnish the legacy of one of the industry’s most respected rappers.
As the trial proceeds in early 2026, the K-pop world remains focused on whether Mino will face imprisonment or the grueling path of starting his service anew.
