By Basiran 
Song Min-ho, the prominent rapper and member of the K-pop group WINNER, appeared in court on July 14 as a key witness in the trial of his former military supervisor, a man identified only as Mr. A. The proceedings, which have captivated the South Korean public and the global music industry, center on allegations that Song received preferential treatment during his mandatory military service as a public service worker. During his testimony, Song admitted to a series of personal interactions and financial exchanges with Mr. A, though he steadfastly denied that these actions were intended to secure leniency or special privileges within the military framework.
The case against Mr. A involves charges of professional misconduct and the abuse of authority. Prosecutors allege that the supervisor facilitated a work environment for Song that deviated significantly from standard military protocols, allowing the celebrity to bypass attendance requirements and take unauthorized leaves of absence. Song’s testimony provided a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of celebrity military service, a topic that remains one of the most sensitive cultural and legal issues in South Korea.
Detailed Testimony and Admissions of Personal Favors
During the cross-examination, Song Min-ho was questioned extensively regarding the nature of his relationship with Mr. A. The rapper acknowledged that the two had moved beyond a strictly professional supervisor-subordinate dynamic, developing what he described as a close personal friendship. Song admitted to lending Mr. A money on at least one occasion, a revelation that has raised red flags regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, Song confirmed that he had provided personal advice and guidance to Mr. A’s child concerning dance activities, leveraging his expertise as a professional performer. The court also heard evidence of a two-day fishing trip the two took together while Song was still technically under Mr. A’s supervision. When asked by the prosecution if these gestures were essentially "bribes" or favors designed to curry favor and secure an easier service period, Song denied any ulterior motives.
"I never did those things expecting special treatment or anything in return," Song stated firmly during the hearing. "It was simply a friendship that developed during my service. I viewed him as a person I could rely on during a difficult time."
Evidence of Attendance Irregularities
The prosecution presented a substantial amount of digital evidence, including text messages and internal attendance logs, to support their claim of preferential treatment. Records indicated that Song had traveled to major cities, including Busan and Jeju Island, on several occasions without obtaining the necessary prior approvals from the military manpower authorities.
The court heard that in many instances, Song’s attendance records and leave requests were processed retroactively—a practice that is strictly forbidden under the Military Service Act. Perhaps the most damaging evidence presented were text messages from Mr. A to Song, in which the supervisor explicitly told the artist that he could "rest at home if he was tired," effectively granting him informal leave that was never officially documented.
Song did not dispute the validity of these messages or the fact that he was absent from his post. However, he took full responsibility for the lapses in protocol. "Not reporting to work was completely my responsibility," Song told the court. "Leaving my post was my own decision. I feel deeply sorry that Mr. A is standing trial because of me. He was trying to be considerate of my health, but the ultimate choice to be absent was mine."
Mental Health Struggles and the Decision to Serve
A significant portion of Song’s testimony focused on his mental health. The artist revealed that he has been battling severe bipolar disorder and panic disorder for several years, conditions that were exacerbated by the pressures of his career and the transition into military life. According to Song, his medical team had initially advised him against entering military service, even as a public service worker, and later recommended that he apply for a medical discharge or a suspension of service.
Despite these recommendations, Song insisted on continuing his duties. He explained to the court that he felt a sense of duty to complete his service like any other South Korean citizen. However, in a moment of visible emotional distress, Song admitted to the court, "I now regret insisting on completing my military service. I thought I could handle it, but my condition made it nearly impossible to function normally."
The defense argued that Song’s absences were not a result of "celebrity ego" but were instead manifestations of his psychiatric conditions. They contended that Mr. A’s leniency was a compassionate response to a subordinate in a mental health crisis rather than a calculated act of corruption.
Chronology of the Controversy
The legal troubles for Song Min-ho and his former supervisor began following an internal audit by the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), which flagged inconsistencies in the attendance records of several high-profile public service workers.
- March 2023: Song Min-ho begins his mandatory military service as a social service agent (public service worker) due to health reasons.
- Late 2023 – Early 2024: Internal whistleblowers within the regional office where Song served raised concerns about his frequent absences and his close relationship with Mr. A.
- May 2024: The MMA concludes its investigation and refers the case to the prosecution. Mr. A is indicted for professional negligence and abuse of authority.
- June 2024: Prosecutors announce they are seeking a sentence of one year and six months in prison for Song Min-ho in a separate but related case regarding military service violations.
- July 14, 2024: Song Min-ho appears as a witness in Mr. A’s trial, admitting to personal favors but denying the exchange for preferential treatment.
- August 20, 2024: The court is scheduled to reconvene to hear final arguments and potentially deliver a verdict for Mr. A.
The Broader Context of Military Service in South Korea
Military service is a mandatory requirement for all able-bodied South Korean men, typically lasting between 18 and 21 months. For celebrities, this period is often a critical juncture in their careers. While many serve in active-duty roles, those with documented health issues or physical injuries are permitted to serve as social service agents, working in government offices, subway stations, or community centers.
The public perception of "preferential treatment" for celebrities is a highly volatile issue. In recent years, the South Korean government has tightened regulations to ensure that idols and actors are held to the same standards as the general public. High-profile scandals, such as the 2023 investigation into celebrities faking medical records to avoid active duty (which involved figures like VIXX’s Ravi and rapper Nafla), have led to a zero-tolerance policy from the prosecution.
The case of Song Min-ho is particularly significant because it involves the supervisor-subordinate relationship. If the court finds that Mr. A granted favors in exchange for financial or personal gains, it could set a precedent for how oversight is conducted in public service departments where high-profile figures are stationed.
Implications for the Entertainment Industry
The ongoing trial has significant implications for WINNER and YG Entertainment. Song Min-ho is one of the most commercially successful rappers in Korea, known not only for his music but also for his work as a painter and a variety show star. A potential prison sentence or a tarnished reputation could lead to a prolonged hiatus or the end of his career.
Industry analysts suggest that this case will likely prompt entertainment agencies to take a more hands-on approach to monitoring their artists’ conduct during military service. Historically, agencies have stepped back once an artist enlists, but the legal risks associated with service violations are now too great to ignore.
Furthermore, the "mental health defense" used by Song’s legal team is a double-edged sword. While it provides a factual basis for his struggles, it also highlights the intense psychological toll the K-pop industry takes on its performers. There is a growing call within the industry for better mental health support systems, both during active careers and during the transition into military life.
Official Responses and Next Steps
YG Entertainment has remained largely silent on the specifics of the trial, issuing only a brief statement: "We are currently monitoring the legal proceedings and ask for your understanding as this is a private matter involving the artist’s military service."
The prosecution, however, has been vocal about the need for accountability. In their closing remarks during previous sessions, they emphasized that "the integrity of the military service system relies on the principle of equality. Any individual, regardless of their social status, who undermines this system must face the consequences of the law."
As the trial of Mr. A moves toward its conclusion on August 20, the focus will remain on whether the court views the relationship between the supervisor and the star as a genuine friendship or a transactional arrangement. Regardless of the outcome, the case has already sparked a national conversation about the intersection of celebrity, mental health, and the civic duty of military service in modern South Korea. Song Min-ho’s separate sentencing for his military service violations is expected to follow shortly after the conclusion of Mr. A’s trial, leaving the future of the WINNER star in a state of legal uncertainty.
