Shocking Allegations Against WINNER's Mino: Is He Manipulating His Military Service?

In a stunning revelation, Dispatch has brought to light serious allegations against Song Mino, a member of the popular K-pop group WINNER, regarding his attendance as a military social service worker. The situation escalated when Dispatch reported that Mino, who transferred to the Mapo Community Service Facility in March 2023, has been largely absent from his duties, despite the obligations that come with military service.

On October 30, 2024, Mino took a notable trip to Hawaii for five nights, sparking doubts about his commitment to his service. After returning from his vacation, Dispatch attempted to verify his attendance at the facility but found that Mino had not been present at work several times between November 11 and December 4. Despite numerous visits, Mino was not seen even once, raising eyebrows about the legitimacy of his military service.

Key Findings

1. Frequent Absences - Though Mino occasionally appeared at work, it was reported that he mainly signed autographs and left, neglecting his responsibilities.

2. Allegations of Attendance Manipulation - The investigation revealed that attendance was recorded by hand, leaving room for potential manipulation. Manager L, responsible for overseeing Mino, confirmed that attendance records were maintained informally, casting doubt on their accuracy.

3. Manager’s Evasive Responses - Dispatch confronted Manager L about Mino's attendance status, but he often provided vague answers, suggesting that Mino had used sick leave while also denying any discrepancies.

The Sordid Situation Unravels

As Dispatch delved deeper, it became apparent that there were irregularities in Mino's reported medical leave. On December 3, Manager L claimed that Mino had taken approved leave for his overseas trip, but repeated inquiries by Dispatch revealed a stark contrast with the absence of any attendance records indicating Mino’s presence at work. Alarmingly, Manager L suggested that Mino had been hospitalized, citing panic disorders and other ailments, but did not provide substantial evidence to back these claims.

Upon questioning the authenticity of Mino’s work habits, Manager L stated, “He sometimes slept in between tasks,” indicating a lack of productivity during his shifts. This raises critical concerns about the degree to which celebrities might exploit their status to evade duties.

Broader Implications

These allegations come amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the performance of military service workers in South Korea. A 2013 report from the National Human Rights Commission highlighted pervasive issues with the performance of public service workers, suggesting that a third exhibited poor service. Despite recommendations to modernize attendance tracking, complaints persist, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.

The public is left to wonder whether Mino's celebrity status has granted him undue leniency, as one anonymous source lamented, “Is it considered fair to be discharged without going to work for nearly a year just because he’s famous?”

What Lies Ahead

As Mino is set to be officially discharged from the military on December 23, speculation mounts about the future of his career and reputation. Concerns are circulating about a possible "discharge party" planned for the following days, amplifying the perception that Mino may continue to prioritize celebrity engagements over his military commitments.

In a rapidly evolving landscape where celebrity and accountability collide, we will continue to monitor this developing story. Stay tuned as more information emerges regarding this shocking scandal that could reshape public perceptions of the military enlistment system in South Korea.