WINNER member Song Min Ho, better known as Mino, has received a 1-year prison sentence suspended for 2 years after being found guilty of violating South Korea’s Military Service Act. The Seoul Western District Court delivered the first-trial verdict on October 1, 2026, following allegations that the singer repeatedly failed to report for his alternative military service. Mino served as a social service agent from March 2023 to December 2024. The case centred on 102 nonconsecutive days during which he was accused of failing to appear at his assigned duty station.
Mino Receives 1-Year Prison Term Suspended For 2 Years
The court sentenced Mino to 1 year in prison but suspended the sentence for 2 years. This means he does not immediately serve the prison term, provided he does not commit another offence during the suspension period. The ruling came after prosecutors had sought an 18-month prison sentence.
The court found Mino guilty of violating the Military Service Act over his unauthorised absences while carrying out alternative mandatory service. A co-defendant involved in overseeing his service was separately sentenced to 10 months in prison, also suspended for 2 years.
WINNER Member Was Accused Of 102 Unauthorized Absences
Mino was assigned as a social service agent at facilities in western Seoul. According to the case brought before the court, he failed to appear for duty on 102 days between May 30, 2023, and December 2, 2024. The allegations became public after concerns were raised about his attendance during his mandatory service.
The military authorities and investigators subsequently examined whether his absences constituted a violation of the Military Service Act. Before the verdict, Mino expressed regret over his actions and apologised to people who had supported and cared for him. He did not answer questions about whether he would have to complete additional military service.
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Mino's Military Service Case Could Have Further Consequences
Although Mino has received a suspended prison sentence, the case does not necessarily settle every issue related to his military service. The October 1 ruling was delivered at the first trial and remains subject to appeal. South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration has said that, if the conviction becomes final, Mino may be required to complete service corresponding to the period he was absent.
Based on the 102 days cited in the case, that could mean additional service of the same duration. The exact administrative consequences will depend on the final status of the court ruling and the authorities’ subsequent decisions.
Mino's Career With WINNER And Solo Activities
Song Min Ho debuted as a member of WINNER in 2014 after participating in the survival program WIN: Who Is Next. He later developed an individual career as a rapper, songwriter, producer and solo performer. As part of WINNER, Mino has released multiple albums and performed with the group internationally. He has also pursued solo music, including albums such as XX, Take and To Infinity.
His military service case comes after years of activity across music, television and other creative projects. The latest court ruling now adds a significant legal development to his career, while questions surrounding any additional military duty remain unresolved pending the final outcome.
Final Take
WINNER’s Mino has been sentenced to 1 year in prison, suspended for 2 years, after being convicted of violating South Korea’s Military Service Act over 102 unauthorised absences during his social service duty. Because the ruling is from the first trial, possible additional military service and other administrative consequences remain pending.
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