In South Korea, mandatory military service applies to all able-bodied men, including K-pop idols and K-drama actors. Many complete it honourably before resuming careers. However, WINNER’s Mino, also known as Song Min-ho, has sparked major controversy and backlash from Korean netizens over allegations of evading the service. Read on to know more!
WINNER’s Mino, also known as Song Min-ho, had to do mandatory military service like all other men in South Korea. He was assigned to work as a public service worker in Seoul. But recent news revealed that he missed 102 days of his duty without any proper reason or permission. Prosecutors checked his records, phone information, and other proof to confirm he was absent for that many days while he was supposed to be working.
South Korea has strict rules about military service. According to the Military Service Act, if someone skips duty without a good excuse for a while, they can be sent to prison for up to three years. Since Mino missed 102 days, the punishment could be very serious. The prosecutors also said that a manager, called Mr A, was in charge of watching Mino’s attendance and managing his service time. This raised questions about why the long absences were not stopped earlier.
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Following the update, many Korean netizens felt very disappointed and angry. They think celebrities should follow the same rules as everyone else and show respect for military duty, which is a big responsibility in the country. On social media and online forums, people shared their anger. A large number of them said Mino should leave the entertainment industry completely and retire from being an idol. They believe his actions were unfair and disrespectful to all the men who complete their service properly.
This whole situation became a hot topic very quickly. Fans are divided. Some still support Mino, while others aren’t okay with it.
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