WINNER member MINO (33), who was indicted on charges of being absent without authorization from his place of service for 102 days while serving as a social service worker, was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, in his first trial.
On October 1, Judge Seong Jun-gyu of Criminal Division 10 of the Seoul Western District Court sentenced MINO, who was indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act, to one year in prison, suspended for two years. Lee, the service management official who was indicted alongside him, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, also suspended for two years.
MINO was charged with being absent without authorization for 102 days while serving as a social service worker at a facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024.
The court stated, "Military service is a duty necessary for the existence and security of the nation, and it must be performed faithfully. Social service workers are no exception," adding, "There is a high level of public interest in the fulfillment of military service by people working in the broadcasting and entertainment industry."
The court found that the offenses were not minor, noting that MINO had been absent from his service for an extended period and that Lee, as the official responsible for managing his service, had neglected his supervisory duties and actively participated in the offense by recording his service status inaccurately.
In particular, the court determined that Lee actively contributed to MINO's improper service by knowingly allowing his absences and signing attendance records and other documents to make it appear that MINO had reported for work.
However, the court took into consideration several mitigating circumstances, including MINO's admission of all the charges and his remorse, the fact that his health condition at the time appears to have affected his ability to perform his service, and his stated intention to fulfill his remaining military service obligations.
Ahead of the sentencing, MINO arrived at the courthouse with a somber expression and spoke to reporters about his feelings. He said, "I have reflected deeply on what I did. I have regretted it every day, and I feel like I have become very small. I have nothing but apologies for the people who have given me so much love."
Meanwhile, according to SPOTV News, once the ruling becomes final, MINO is expected to make up the days of service he missed without authorization. According to the Military Manpower Administration, it is highly likely that he will have to complete an additional 102 days of service, corresponding to the 102 days of unauthorized absence specified in the prosecution’s indictment.
The prosecution alleged that MINO had been absent without authorization for 102 of approximately 430 scheduled workdays.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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