YG Singer Casually Out Party Despite Facing Trial and Imprisonment Risks?

Many viewers believe the 90s-born singer’s career is over, beyond repair after the most serious scandal of his career.

According to MyDaily, idol Song Mino (WINNER) attended the VIP premiere of the film Method Acting at Megabox COEX in Seoul on March 13th. The YG Entertainment singer reportedly received an invitation from his close friend, actor Lee Dong Hwi, who plays the lead role in the film.

While it’s common for close friends to attend film premieres, considering Mino’s current situation, some may question whether this appearance was necessary. The WINNER member is facing trial and potential imprisonment for evading military service.

Image: X

Mino spotted attending a movie premiere…

…of his close friend Lee Dong Hwi. Image: Yonhap

According to legal sources, the Seoul Western District Court will hold its first hearing on April 21st for Mino and his superior Lee on charges of violating the Military Service Act. The first hearing was originally scheduled for March 24th, but the court granted a postponement request from Mino’s legal team.

Mino is currently accused of failing to show up for work on time and neglecting important duties – including handling citizen complaints – while working as a public service employee at a residential welfare facility in Mapo District, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024. According to prosecutors, the YG singer was absent without permission for 102 days out of a total of 430 working days.

Singer with national hit song faces risk of 3 years in jail
On social media, netizens relentlessly criticized Mino, even extending the criticism to his invitee, Lee Dong Hwi: “Truly a true best friend, haha,” “Both Lee Dong Hwi for inviting and Mino for actually coming, that proves they are truly like-minded,” “People usually build business relationships in places like this, right? Lee Dong Hwi is basically building a bridge for Mino,” “Birds of a feather flock together… Oh, I’m fed up with the film industry,” “I can’t believe both the inviter and the attendee, haha. Now I see Lee Dong Hwi completely differently. And why is Mino so confident? Does he have someone backing him?”, “This is the pinnacle of close friendship culture in the entertainment industry, really,” “I’m a WINNER fan, and honestly, I’ve lost all my goodwill towards him, but the fact that he came to the event.” A film premiere after a month-long postponement of the trial is completely illogical. And the worst part is he still hasn’t cut his hair,” “All these Korean ‘brotherhood’ themed movies are crazy”…

Netizens heavily criticize Mino. Photo: X

Since the end of 2024, Dispatch has exposed Mino’s neglect of military service, infrequent attendance, protection from superiors, and falsification of attendance records. Many colleagues at the Mapo Residence Convenience Facility also spoke out against Mino’s actions. Superior Lee stated that Song Mino took sick leave as per regulations, due to symptoms of social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and bipolar disorder.

However, Dispatch released further “fatal” evidence: photos of Song Mino partying in Gangwon Province in August 2023. At this party, the WINNER member was shirtless, had long hair, and freely drank alcohol and smoked. Drifting along to the DJ’s music. Dispatch claims he showed no symptoms of social anxiety or panic disorder. Song Mino also wore his hair long, violating military regulations, and spent a lot of time on personal hobbies such as going to the gym and joining a running group.

Image: Dispatch

Dispatch exposes Mino’s neglect of military service. Image: Dispatch

After being exposed by Dispatch, Song Mino was investigated by the Korean Military Manpower Administration. The 1993-born idol temporarily suspended his activities with the group, and all of WINNER’s activities in 2025 will take place with a three-member lineup. On December 31, 2025, Song Mino was officially indicted. The indictment of Song Mino is another “shock”. This was a fatal blow to his career. In South Korea, evading or neglecting military service is an unforgivable “grave crime.” Many stars have suffered ruin and even imprisonment for failing to fulfill their military obligations, such as Steve Yoo, MC Mong, and Ravi (VIXX)…

According to the Military Service Act

In South Korea, individuals who leave their workplace without a valid reason for 8 days or more can face up to 3 years in prison. Since the male singer has taken a total of 102 days of unauthorized absence out of 430 working days, the risk of him going to jail is very high. Many viewers believe that the 90s-born singer’s career is over and beyond repair after this most serious scandal of his career.

Mino is facing the risk of going to jail. Image: X