The potential for jail time facing WINNER’s Mino over allegations of military evasion is sparking a complex reaction, ranging from outrage among international fans to a critical examination of sentencing disparities within the South Korean legal system. The singer, whose real name is Song Min-ho, reportedly skipped 102 days of his public service duty, a transgression that could result in a three-year prison sentence under Article 89-2 of the Military Service Act.
Mino’s case centers around his service as a public service worker, a role assigned as an alternative to traditional military service. Prosecutors allege he was absent without authorization for the aforementioned 102 days while working at facilities in the Mapo-gu district of Seoul. The absences reportedly increased as his discharge date approached, with a particularly significant period of 19 days missed during the July 2024 monsoon season, when he reportedly only attended four out of 23 scheduled workdays.
While Korean netizens have largely expressed disappointment and anger, with many calling for Mino to retire from the entertainment industry, the response from international fans has been more nuanced. A significant point of contention revolves around the severity of the potential punishment compared to sentences handed down for other crimes, particularly sexual assault. Social media is filled with comparisons to cases like that of Choi Junghoon, who received a two-year sentence for gang rape, leading some to question the proportionality of the justice system. As one Twitter user put it, “Basically in Korea skipping 102 days of military service gives you a sentence equal to that of raping a woman. What a fucking joke.”
The debate is further complicated by the fact that Mino was initially exempt from military service due to health reasons – specifically, a history of bipolar disorder and anxiety following the loss of his father. He voluntarily chose to enlist, a decision that now appears to be central to the legal scrutiny. “mino was already exempt from military but chose to sign up for a role anywyas,” one fan noted on Twitter, highlighting the perceived irony of the situation. Others have pointed to potential underlying mental health struggles as a contributing factor to his absences, though acknowledging this doesn’t excuse the offense.
Adding another layer to the case is the alleged involvement of a manager, identified as “Mr. A,” who was responsible for overseeing Mino’s attendance. Prosecutors claim Mr. A permitted Mino’s absences, sometimes due to reported oversleeping or fatigue, and subsequently falsified documents to cover up the missed workdays. This suggests a potential cover-up and raises questions about the oversight mechanisms within the public service system.
The situation underscores the immense cultural weight placed on military service in South Korea, where it is considered a fundamental obligation for all able-bodied men. Evasion of service is viewed as a serious offense, and the potential for a lengthy prison sentence reflects that societal value. However, the outcry over the potential disparity in sentencing highlights a growing conversation about fairness and proportionality within the Korean legal system, particularly when compared to crimes considered more heinous by many.
The case is still unfolding, and the final sentencing will depend on the court’s assessment of the evidence and mitigating factors. However, the controversy surrounding Mino’s military evasion has already ignited a fierce debate about justice, privilege, and the expectations placed upon public figures in South Korea. The outcome will undoubtedly have ripple effects, not only for Mino’s career but also for the broader conversation surrounding military service and legal accountability in the country.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the potential consequences for Mino and the wider implications for how similar cases are handled in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the strict regulations surrounding military service in South Korea and the potential repercussions for those who fail to comply.
