Winner's Song Min-ho apologizes for 102 days of unauthorized absence from military service

Song Min-ho, a member of K-pop group Winner, issued a handwritten apology after drawing public criticism for going absent without leave for 102 days during his mandatory military service.

Song posted the handwritten letter on his Instagram on Friday, writing, "I bow my head in apology for causing so much concern." He added, "I am deeply sorry for disappointing the young people faithfully fulfilling their military duty, as well as the fans who have cherished me more than anyone."

"Each day has been filled with regret," he wrote, adding that he was "ashamed and disgusted" by his past choices, which he described as lacking any sense of responsibility.

He also pledged to face his mistakes rather than avoid them. "I will reflect on my foolish wrongdoings without running away from them, and I will faithfully carry out the remaining procedures and obligations ahead of me," he said.

Song said he would carry the lesson with him going forward. "I will not forget what happened and will live with a greater sense of responsibility," he said.

Earlier, Judge Seong Jun-gyu of the Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 10 sentenced Song on Oct. 1 to one year in prison, suspended for two years, on charges of violating the Military Service Act.

Song served as a social service worker and is accused of going absent without leave for 102 of 430 working days at a facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul, between March 2023 and December 2024.