SOURCE: 송민호, 재복무 의지에…현직 변호사 "양형 노린 판단일 것" [RE:뷰]
WINNER's Song Mino, who faces a prison sentence for allegedly being absent without leave for 102 days while serving as a public service worker, has expressed his intention to re-enlist. This prompted a cold analysis from the legal community.
On the 28th, lawyer Lee Seungjae appeared on the Youtube channel 'Enterainment President Lee Jinho' and analyzed Song Mino's strategy for trial and his possible next steps. Regarding Song Mino quickly admitting to the charges, the lawyer said, "Since the facts, including KakaoTalk messages and witness statements, are very clear, he likely judged that denying them could've been disadvantageous for his sentencing."
In particular, regarding Song Mino's widely discussed statement about his willingness to re-enlist, he explained, "Re-serving for the period of absence is a standard procedure by the Military Service Act," and pointed out that it's 'less a personal choice and more a legal obligation.' Under current law, if someone is absent from duty for more than eight days and becomes subject to criminal punishment, their discharge is canceled and they must re-serve the unfulfilled period. He added, "The only way to avoid this is to serve a prison sentence of at least 1 year and 6 months," suggesting that the statement Song Mino made may be a strategic move to show remorse and seek leniency.
Song Mino began his alternative service in March 2023 but was indicted for leaving his workplace without valid reason for a total of 102 days between May and December of that year. At the first hearing held on the 21st, the prosecution requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison. In his final statement, Song Mino said, "If given the opportunity, I want to complete my service faithfully."
Legal experts believe that if Song Mino is found guilty and required to re-enlist, he is highly likely to be reassigned to an institution with a much stricter environment due to public scrutiny. Attention is now focused on the court's final sentencing and whether he can restore his damaged image by re-enlisting.
