SEOUL, Oct 16 — WINNER star Mino faces another 102 days of mandatory social service — nearly two years after completing his original stint — despite avoiding jail over a scandal involving repeated unauthorised absences.

The 33-year-old K-pop rapper, whose real name is Song Min-ho, could be called back to duty after his suspended prison sentence for violating South Korea’s Military Service Act became final.

South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration (MMA) is now reviewing the procedures for his return, according to Sports Chosun, citing a report by Star News today.

An MMA official told Star News that the relevant department was reviewing the process following the finalisation of the court ruling.

The agency had previously made clear that Mino would have to make up the 102 days he was found to have missed without a legitimate reason.

Mino was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, by the Seoul Western District Court on October 1 after being found guilty of repeatedly failing to report for duty.

He did not appeal within the seven-day deadline, leaving the ruling against him final.

However, an official who supervised his service and was convicted in connection with the case has appealed.

Mino served as a social service worker at facilities in Seoul’s Mapo district between March 2023 and December 2024, before being discharged on December 23, 2024.

The court heard that he had been absent without permission for 102 days during that period, amounting to nearly a quarter of the approximately 430 working days he was required to complete.

In one particularly striking example, Mino attended work for just four of the 23 required days in July 2024, missing the other 19.

The revelations sparked controversy in South Korea, where military service is compulsory for most able-bodied men and allegations of special treatment for celebrities frequently attract public scrutiny.

Mino had been assigned to alternative service rather than active military duty, working at the Mapo District Facilities Management Corporation and a community welfare facility.

Questions about his attendance first emerged towards the end of his service in December 2024, prompting an investigation by the authorities.

Prosecutors subsequently brought charges against Mino, alleging that he had repeatedly neglected his duties without justification.

During sentencing, the court stressed that military service was a fundamental obligation and that celebrities were no exception.

However, the judge took into account Mino’s admission of guilt, expressions of remorse and health circumstances in deciding to suspend his prison sentence.

Mino apologised in court, telling the judge: “As a South Korean youth, I failed to faithfully fulfil the national defence duty I must perform.”

He also expressed his desire to recover his health and complete his outstanding obligations if given another opportunity to serve.

On October 9, the rapper issued a handwritten apology on social media, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over the controversy.

“Every day was filled with regret. My irresponsible past choices were shameful and hateful,” he wrote.

“I will not avoid my foolish mistakes and will reflect on them.”

He also pledged: “I will faithfully carry out the remaining procedures and obligations.”

Mino made his debut with YG Entertainment’s boy band WINNER in 2014, alongside Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, Lee Seung-hoon and former member Nam Tae-hyun.

The group went on to become one of K-pop’s most recognisable acts, with hits including Empty, Really Really and Love Me Love Me.

Beyond his work with WINNER, Mino has established a solo music career and built a following through appearances on popular South Korean variety programmes, including New Journey to the West.

His military service controversy has since overshadowed his entertainment career, with the latest development raising fresh questions about when he will be able to put the case behind him.

Although authorities are reviewing the procedures for his return to service, no official date or placement has been announced.