‘Allegations of Inadequate Service’ Song Mino, Second Police Investigation “Conclusion Soon”
On February 17th, during a regular press briefing held at the National Police Agency in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, a police official stated, “We conducted two rounds of questioning for Song Mino, on January 23rd and February 15th. Based on the materials secured through search and seizure and communication investigation, we will determine whether there is any evidence of wrongdoing. We expect to reach a conclusion soon.”
Previously, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) requested a police investigation into allegations of negligent service by WINNER’s Song Mino during his alternative service as a public service worker.
On December 26th, 2024, it was reported that the MMA took the stance that if police investigations confirm misconduct in Song Mino’s service, the discharge decision will be revoked, and he will be required to serve again for the problematic period.
The MMA does not plan to conduct its own investigation and will await the police’s findings.
According to the Public Service Personnel Duty Management Manual, personnel are entitled to 15 days of annual leave if they have served for less than a year, and 16 days if they have served more than a year, totaling 31 days during the service period. They are also allowed up to 30 days of sick leave.
When using annual leave, sick leave, compensatory leave or half-day leave cannot be combined with annual leave, nor can annual leave be split across non-consecutive days. However, the use of annual leave or attendance on the discharge date is at the discretion of the public service worker. If this is violated, the public service worker may receive a warning and be subject to extended service penalties.
Meanwhile, singer Song Mino’s side responded to allegations regarding his inadequate public service duty.
On the afternoon of December 17th, 2024, YG Entertainment stated, “It is difficult to provide details about the artist’s service. However, the sick leave was used as an extension of treatments received prior to his service, and all other leave, including vacation days, was used in accordance with regulations.”
Earlier that morning, Dispatch reported that Song Mino, serving as a public service worker at the Mapo Convenience Facility, was not showing up to work properly.
According to the report, Song Mino began his service at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation on March 24th, 2023. Then, in March 2024, a manager in charge of resident facilities and Song Mino’s superior, Mr. A, transferred him to the Mapo Convenience Facility.
The media outlet claimed that after moving to the new work location, Song Mino would occasionally show up, sign in for attendance, smoke then disappear. Dispatch further reported that between November and early December 2024, they visited the facility more than ten times but never once saw Song Mino.
In response to Dispatch’s request for attendance confirmation, Mr. A reportedly cited reasons such as “Today is annual leave”, “Today is sick leave” and “Today is hospitalization.” Regarding requests to disclose attendance records or CCTV footage, Mr. A answered, “It’s impossible due to privacy concerns.”
Song Mino completed his service on December 23rd, 2024.