SOURCE: “재복무 기회 달라” 송민호, 병역법 위반 인정…검찰 1년 6개월 구형
While Song Mino admitted to the charges during the first trial for violating the Military Service Act, the prosecution has requested a sentence of one year and six months in prison.
On the 21st, the Seoul Western District Court held the first hearing for Song Mino, who was indicted on charges of violating the Military Service Act. The prosecution asked the court to sentence him to one year and six months in prison.
Song Mino is accused of repeatedly being absent without leave while serving as a public service worker at community facilities, including the Mapo-gu Facilities Management Corporation in Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024. The prosecution reportedly stated in the indictment that the total number of days he was absent from duty was 102. Public service workers are required to report for duty about 430 days, which means he allegedly failed to show up for about a quarter of his service period.
During the hearing, Song Mino's legal team admitted to all charges brought by the prosecution. In his final statement, he bowed his head and said, "I would like to offer my apologies." He added, "I suffer from bipolar disorder and panic disorder, but I know these conditions should never be used as an excuse or justification. If I am given the opportunity to serve again after recovering my health, I will faithfully complete my service to the end."
Meanwhile, an official identified as Lee, who was responsible for supervising Song Mino's service, was also put on trial on charges of falsifying attendance records and overlooking Song Mino's negligence. The prosecution believes Lee effectively aided Song Mino's unauthorized absences. However, Lee reportedly denied any collusion with Song Mino.
Under the Military Service Act, if a public service worker leaves their post without a valid reason for a total of eight days or more, they can be sentenced to up to three years in prison.
