K-Pop Star Mino Faces Legal Challenges Over Military Service Violations

K-Pop artist Mino, a member of the group WINNER, is facing legal challenges due to alleged violations of South Korea's Military Service Act. The case has garnered significant public attention as Mino is accused of neglecting his military duties during his service period. With a court hearing scheduled soon, the situation has raised questions about his responsibilities and the role of his supervising official. As the controversy unfolds, Mino's previous mental health issues have also come into focus, adding complexity to the case. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 21:10 IST

Mino's Legal Troubles

Song Min-Ho, popularly known as Mino from the K-pop group WINNER, is set to appear in court regarding alleged breaches of South Korea's Military Service Act. This case has attracted considerable public attention. Mino, who is part of the boy band alongside Kim Jin-Woo, Lee Seung-Hoon, and Kang Seung-Yoon, is signed under YG Entertainment. The 33-year-old artist, who debuted with WINNER in 2014, is accused of failing to fulfill his military obligations during his service period, which spans from March 2023 to December 2024.

Court Hearing Details

Upcoming Court Hearing

According to reports from Korean media, the Seoul Western District Court is scheduled to conduct its first hearing for Mino on April 21. He has been indicted without detention, along with a supervising official responsible for overseeing his military duties. Both individuals face allegations of violating mandatory service regulations.

Details of Mino's Military Service

Mino's Military Service Background

Mino completed his alternative military duty as a public service worker in the Mapo District of Seoul. He faced allegations in late December 2025, leading to an investigation that commenced in January 2025. During his service, he reportedly missed work or abandoned his post without valid reasons, raising serious concerns about his commitment to duty.

Supervisor's Role in the Case

Supervisor's Accountability

The supervising official is also under scrutiny for allegedly failing to adequately monitor Mino's attendance and responsibilities. Authorities claim that the supervisor, despite being aware of Mino's situation, did not take appropriate action. He is accused of approving absences without justification and manipulating attendance records.

Further Insights into the Case

Additional Case Information

After completing initial training, Mino was assigned to a community welfare center in 2024. However, concerns regarding his attendance reportedly emerged towards the end of his service. It has been noted that he previously sought treatment for mental health issues, including panic disorder and bipolar disorder, which were mentioned in relation to his service classification. While Mino initially denied any misconduct, further questioning led to an admission of attendance lapses. The indictment claims he was absent without authorization for a total of 102 days during his service. Amidst the ongoing controversy, Mino was spotted at a VIP screening of the film Method Acting in Seoul's COEX district, where he attempted to maintain a low profile by wearing a mask and hat.