Song Mino of K-pop group WINNER could be required to return to military service if found guilty of violating Korea’s Military Service Act, drawing renewed attention to fairness in the country’s mandatory enlistment system.
A report by the Financial News Wednesday said that if Song is convicted, he is likely to be subject to “reservice,” meaning he would have to complete the period he failed to serve. The length of that period — currently estimated at 102 days — has become a key point of public interest.
The case has also fueled confusion online, with some claiming that Song could be required to serve up to five times the number of days he was absent, or around 500 days. However, that interpretation does not apply to his case.
Under Korean law, the penalty depends on the length of unauthorized absence. For absences of fewer than seven days, additional service of up to five times the missed period may be imposed. But for absences exceeding eight days, as in Song’s case, Article 89-2 of the Military Service Act applies, allowing for criminal punishment — up to three years in prison — along with cancellation of discharge and mandatory reservice for the actual period missed.
This means that even if convicted, Song would not restart his service from the beginning or serve an extended penalty of 500 days, but would instead be required to complete approximately 100 days corresponding to his absence.
Separately, it remains unclear whether Song would return to his previous assignment in Mapo District, where he served as a public service worker. Authorities may reassign him to a different location if they determine that a return to his former post would be inappropriate.
Song appeared Tuesday before the Seoul Western District Court, where he admitted to the charges. Prosecutors sought a sentence of one year and six months in prison.
In his final statement, Song said, “I have been suffering from bipolar disorder and panic disorder, but I know this cannot be an excuse.” He added that he is undergoing treatment and said, “If I am given the opportunity to serve again, I will faithfully complete my duty.”
Whether Song will ultimately be required to return to service will depend on the court’s final ruling, with particular attention on whether the full 102-day absence will be recognized. The sentencing date is expected to be set after the next hearing for a co-defendant, a service supervisor, scheduled for May 21.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
