WINNER's Mino convicted over military service violation

WINNER member Mino was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, after being found guilty of violating South Korea's Military Service Act.

The Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 10, presided over by Judge Sung Joon-gyu, handed down the sentence on Thursday, Oct. 1, according to several Korean media outlets.

Mino, whose real name is Song Min Ho, was charged with violating the Military Service Act after leaving his assigned workplace without authorization for a total of 102 days while serving as a social service worker.

He served at facilities in Seoul's Mapo District from March 2023 to December 2024.

Before entering the courtroom, Mino addressed reporters and expressed remorse over the case.

“I regret it and am reflecting on my actions. I am sorry to my fans as well,” he said, according to the Korean outlet.

During his final statement, Mino also apologized to those present in court and acknowledged that his health conditions were not an excuse for his actions.

“I know that my depression and panic disorder are not an excuse or justification for this illness,” he said.

Mino had previously expressed his intention to complete his remaining service if given another opportunity to serve.

South Korean news outlet News1 also reported that the court sentenced Lee, who was responsible for managing Mino's service at the time, to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for his role in the case.

The prosecution had previously sought a one-year-and-six-month prison sentence for Mino.

Mino is a South Korean rapper and singer-songwriter best known as a member of K-pop boy group WINNER. He has also pursued a solo career in music and painting.