The Military Manpower Administration and police have launched their own investigation into allegations of inadequate work performance by WINNER's Song Min Ho as a social service worker. 

The person in charge of his workplace stated that while they are actively cooperating with the investigation, including preserving CCTV footage at the police's request, Song Min Ho's health condition made it difficult for him to perform duties on par with ordinary people.

On December 19, Mr. A, the head of the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility, where Song Minho is assigned for alternative service, spoke with Ilgan Sports via phone. He explained, "Since the media reports, officials from the Military Manpower Administration have been visiting the site to review relevant materials such as CCTV and attendance records. The police also contacted us earlier to request the preservation of CCTV footage."

The allegations of inadequate work performance surfaced on the 17th following a report from a media outlet. The report claimed that after being transferred to the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility in March, Song Minho would occasionally appear at the facility, sign in, smoke a cigarette, and then disappear.

Regarding this, Mr. A stated, "Since the investigation is still ongoing, it's difficult to confirm the details about work negligence or other specifics." However, he cautiously commented on Song Minho's condition as observed up close. He noted that Song Min Ho was reported to be suffering from panic disorder and bipolar disorder, saying, "He is not in a state to engage in normal activities. His body is practically subdued by medication. There are periods when his symptoms (like panic attacks) worsen, and March, April, as well as October, November, and December, were particularly bad."

In fact, Song Min Ho has been undergoing long-term treatment for conditions like panic disorder and bipolar disorder. During his conscription physical examination, he was assigned to the fourth-grade supplementary service due to these health issues.

Mr. A also explained the circumstances of Song Min Ho's assignment. He explained, "When he first came to the site in March following a change in his workplace, there was a three-way discussion between the Military Manpower Administration, us, and Song Min Ho. At that time, the Military Manpower Administration suggested that Song Min Ho's duties be arranged to prevent him from being conspicuous to ordinary people. Since being seen by other employees caused him anxiety, we had no choice but to provide a rest area as his designated space."

Song Min Ho is on sick leave and scheduled to be discharged from service on the 23rd. However, he now faces allegations of inadequate work performance. Mr. A remarked, "I understand that the Military Manpower Administration has requested that Song Min Ho submit evidence to clarify the allegations of his inadequate attendance and work performance. As of now, it doesn't seem that his discharge will be postponed, but if any issues are found, I don't know what kind of penalties he might face later on."

Meanwhile, YG Entertainment, Song Minho's agency, responded when the allegations first emerged. "It's difficult for us to confirm details related to the artist's service," they said. "However, his sick leave and vacation were used in accordance with regulations, and the reasons were extensions of the treatment he had been receiving prior to his service."

Korean netizens criticized Song Min Ho for his frequent absences from social service work but also expressed concern over the public disclosure of his personal health information.

They commented: 

"It’s truly cruel for all this information to be revealed in such detail."

"It makes me realize that while being a celebrity seems glamorous, it must also be incredibly lonely to have even the most detailed aspects of your health exposed like this."

"Dispatch is such trash."

"Honestly, with a condition this severe, he should have been exempt from service. The issue isn’t Song Min Ho, but rather the country forcing even people like him to serve and work."

"I’m not talking about him specifically, but having a panic disorder or anxiety disorder doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t function in society at all. However, there are times when symptoms can become suddenly severe."

"This is so cruel… Please stop exposing him like this."

"I thought he’d be okay since he was away from the entertainment industry, but I wonder what’s making it so difficult for him. I’m not sure if it’s something that can even be fully treated…"

"Still, it’s best to wait until the Military Manpower Administration completes its investigation before jumping to conclusions. The current claims are coming from the supervisor, Mr. A, so it could be a statement to protect himself. If the Military Manpower Administration was aware of the situation, the results should come out soon."

"If things are this serious, he should have been granted an exemption."

"After reading the interview, it doesn’t seem like the reports were completely false. It looks like he didn’t work properly, but the debate is whether this was favoritism or consideration for his health."

"If his health got worse while serving in public service, wouldn’t it have been possible for him to apply for discharge? It’s unfortunate, but it does seem like they went too far in accommodating him. It may have been done out of kindness, but you know how it goes — when kindness continues without limits, it becomes a problem. If his health had really deteriorated that much, he should have applied for his discharge."

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