Ahead of Discharge... Song Minho Under Police Internal Investigation Over 'Negligent Service' Allegations

Agency States "Vacation Used According to Regulations"

The police have launched an internal investigation into allegations of poor service by Song Minho, a member of the group WINNER, during his social service duty.

According to Sports Kyunghyang on the 19th, the Seoul Mapo Police Station received a complaint through the National Police Agency's online petition system the previous day, requesting an investigation into Song Minho's habitual attendance manipulation, and has begun an internal inquiry. It is known that the police plan to review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the institution where Song Minho is serving.

WINNER Song Minho. Photo by YG Entertainment

Currently, Song Minho is suspected of inadequate alternative service, including not properly reporting to his workplace, the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility. Song Minho began his alternative service at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation on March 24 last year and transferred to the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility a year later in March. He was assigned to assist with the operation of resident facilities at the site but has been embroiled in allegations of neglecting his duties, such as not properly attending work. Regarding this, the facility stated that Song Minho was unable to attend work due to reasons such as sick leave, annual leave, and hospitalization.

As the controversy grew, Song Minho's agency, YG Entertainment, stated, "It is difficult to confirm detailed information regarding the artist's service," but added, "However, the sick leave was an extension of treatment received before the service, and all other leaves were used in accordance with regulations."

Meanwhile, Song Minho debuted in August 2014 with WINNER's first full album and gained fame after finishing as the runner-up on Mnet's survival program 'Show Me the Money 4.' He further increased his popularity by officially joining the tvN series 'New Journey to the West' in 2017. Song Minho's discharge date is scheduled for the 23rd. However, due to the current allegations, the Military Manpower Administration has begun verifying the facts, drawing attention to whether his discharge will proceed as planned.