[Dispatch=Yuha News] Mino, from WINNER, has been sentenced to suspended imprisonment for violating the Military Service Act in the first trial. He avoided being taken into custody in court.
The Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 10 (Judge Junkyu Sung) sentenced Mino to one year imprisonment with a suspended sentence of two years on the morning of the 1st. Mino faces charges of violating the Military Service Act.
The court stated, "The obligation of military service is a fundamental duty of citizens and must be fulfilled faithfully," and added, "Social service workers are no exception. There is also considerable social interest in the fulfillment of military service obligations among those in the broadcasting industry."
However, the court noted, "He acknowledges all charges and is reflecting on them. Poor health also appears to have affected his service," and explained the sentencing as follows: "He is pledging to fulfill his obligations for the remaining service period."
Before the sentencing, Mino expressed an apology. He stated, "I have reflected deeply. There is no room for excuse," and added, "I apologize once again to those who have loved me." He did not answer when asked about his plans to resume service.
Mino served as a social service worker from March 24, 2023, to December 23, 2024. The actual number of days he was required to report was approximately 430 days. According to prosecutors, Mino was absent without leave for 102 of those days.
The case came to light through Dispatch's reporting. According to our investigation, Mino repeatedly used sick leave. He also failed to report on time. He was also spotted enjoying parties in Goseong and Yangyang.
Mino acknowledged the charges at the first hearing held in April. Prosecutors sought a sentence of one year and six months imprisonment for Mino. Mino's side acknowledged all allegations of fact.
In a final statement at that time, he expressed his intention to resume service. Mino said, "If I recover my health as soon as possible and given an opportunity to resume service, I want to faithfully complete it to the end."
Meanwhile, a fellow officer A, who was indicted on the same charges, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment with a suspended sentence of two years. Mino's side has consistently denied the allegation that they conspired with A to be absent without leave.
<Photo=Dispatch DB>
