On December 17, Dispatch unveiled surprising details regarding Mino (Song Minho) of WINNER, revealing that he had been assigned to the Mapo Resident Welfare Facility starting March of this year. Reports indicate that he has hardly been present for his duties, often signing in before reportedly leaving shortly thereafter. Dispatch claimed they monitored the facility over ten occasions from November to early December but never encountered Mino during this period.
In response to the allegations, YG Entertainment addressed the situation through MyDaily, stating, “It is difficult to confirm specific details regarding the artist’s service. However, we can confirm that his medical leave was an extension of treatment he had been receiving prior to his service, and all other leave and absences were taken in accordance with regulations.”
This isn’t the first time Mino has faced scrutiny regarding his military obligations. Last year, he was involved in several controversies surrounding his military service. Debates erupted online in April, particularly when images surfaced depicting him with long hair and a mustache. Further fueling the conversations, in May, he was seen attending his sister’s wedding in San Francisco, leading to questions about whether he had completed the necessary basic military training.
Other celebrities have similarly encountered backlash due to military service controversies. A notable instance occurred last year when Ravi, a former member of VIXX, faced criticism after it was revealed he faked a diagnosis of epilepsy to evade his military responsibilities. In a subsequent apology posted to his social media, Ravi admitted to having made “a foolish decision” out of desperation to postpone his service. The fallout from this incident led to his exit from VIXX and a prison sentence of one year, suspended for two years.
Additionally, rapper Nafla, who is associated with Ravi’s label GROOVL1N, came under fire for allegedly neglecting his duties as a social service worker in Seocho District, Seoul. Similar to Ravi, Nafla attempted to avoid military service by citing depression and was ultimately sentenced to one year and two months in prison, suspended for two years. Following his trial, Nalfa announced via his YouTube channel that he had resumed his interrupted military service.
The harsh public reaction to these incidents can be attributed to the profound significance of military service in South Korean culture, often regarded as one of the “four fundamental obligations” of citizens. As a result, celebrities who falter during their service commitments face intense scrutiny. For instance, in August, BTS member Suga was caught riding an electric scooter after consuming alcohol in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District. Although he was not penalized by the Military Manpower Administration, he still experienced a considerable backlash from the public. Likewise, in 2016, BIGBANG’s T.O.P faced legal issues after being caught smoking marijuana during his service as a conscripted police officer, leading to continued public criticism even as he prepares to return to acting in “Squid Game 2.”
Consequently, despite YG Entertainment’s efforts to clarify Mino’s situation, the likelihood of escaping public scrutiny remains uncertain.
Related Articles:
Billboard Chooses This Artist as the Sole Korean Representative, Excluding Lim Young Woong, BTS, and NewJeans
4:33
NewJeans Covers Vogue Korea in Hanbok, Directed by Min Hee-jin, Showcasing Members’ Names Instead of Group Name
4:26
Remembering SHINee’s Jonghyun: Honoring His Legacy on the 7th Anniversary of His Passing
3:57
Leave a Reply