WINNER's Song Min-ho Discharged from Alternative Military Service Amid Controversy

Song Min-ho (송민호), a member of the K-pop group WINNER, has been officially discharged from his alternative military service as of December 23, 2024, after completing 1 year and 9 months of duty. On his final day, he took sick leave and did not report to his assigned post at the Mapo Community Welfare Center in Seoul.

Min-ho, who was classified as a 4th-grade supplementary reserve, began his service in March of last year at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation. He later transferred to the Mapo Community Welfare Center in March to continue his alternative service. He has previously revealed in a broadcast that he has been diagnosed with panic disorder and bipolar disorder.

As he approached his discharge, Min-ho faced allegations of inadequate service. On December 17, the entertainment media outlet Dispatch reported that after returning from a trip to Hawaii on October 5, he was unaccounted for at work starting from the second week of November. It was noted that his attendance records were handwritten, raising concerns about their accuracy.

An individual identified as A, who worked alongside Min-ho at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation, claimed to Dispatch on December 23, "The regular hours are 9 AM to 6 PM, but they adjusted his start time to 10 AM. I heard it was due to medication, but I don't know the details." A also stated, "He was absent more often than present, and when he did come in, he was rarely on time, often just showing up after 10 AM."

Another employee, referred to as B, who worked in the parking management team, described Min-ho's behavior, saying, "When he did come in, he would wear AirPods and lay back, just playing games. He really only came in about twice a week, and I saw him only 2-3 times in a month." B also mentioned that Min-ho neglected his primary duties, such as responding to public inquiries and postal tasks, and maintained long hair despite staff comments.

In response to these allegations, YG Entertainment, Min-ho's agency, stated, "We cannot confirm detailed information regarding the artist's service. However, we can clarify that the reason for his sick leave was an extension of ongoing treatment prior to his service, and all other leaves were taken in accordance with regulations."

The Mapo Police Department has received a public complaint regarding the alleged manipulation of Min-ho's attendance records and has initiated an investigation as of December 18.