102 unauthorized absences … sentenced to 1 year in prison, suspended for 2 years

Supervisor who failed to report also receives suspended sentence

Singer Song Minho, who faces charges of violating the Military Service Act, answers reporters' questions as he arrives for his sentencing hearing at Seoul Western District Court on Thursday. [Yonhap]
Singer Song Minho, who faces charges of violating the Military Service Act, answers reporters' questions as he arrives for his sentencing hearing at Seoul Western District Court on Thursday. [Yonhap]

Rapper Song Minho, 33, received a suspended prison sentence Thursday after being tried on charges of dereliction of duty during his alternative military service, including more than 100 unauthorized absences.

Judge Seong Jun-gyu of Seoul Western District Court sentenced Song to one year in prison, suspended for two years, on charges of violating the Military Service Act.

"The defendant was absent from his social service duty for 102 days," the court said in explaining the sentence. "Military service obligations are a civic duty tied to the very existence of the state and must be faithfully fulfilled — social service personnel are no exception."

The court cited several mitigating factors in Song's favor: he acknowledged the charges and expressed remorse, his long-term psychiatric treatment appeared to have contributed to his conduct, and he stated his intention to complete his remaining service.

According to the indictment, Song was assigned as a social service worker at the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation in Seoul and other postings from March 2023 to December 2024, during which he was absent without authorization on 102 of approximately 430 scheduled workdays.

A supervisor identified only by the surname Lee, who was tried alongside Song on charges of failing to properly oversee Song despite knowing of his absences, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Song appeared in court Thursday in a white dress shirt and suit, with his hair swept down over his forehead. Speaking to reporters, he said, "There is no excuse. I want to once again offer my apologies," adding, "I can only feel sorry toward those who have shown me so much love."

Song acknowledged all charges at his first hearing in April. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of one year and six months.

In his final statement, Song said, "If I am given the chance to resume my service, I want to complete it faithfully to the end."


kido@heraldcorp.com