Seoul’s Mapo Police Station has confirmed the receipt of a formal request to investigate allegations that Song Min Ho, a member of the K-pop group WINNER, received preferential treatment during his military service through document manipulation by his supervisor, Mr. L. This development follows a series of accusations regarding Song Min Ho’s service as a social service agent at the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility.
Preliminary Investigation and New Allegations
The police had previously begun a preliminary investigation triggered by a citizen complaint lodged via the National Sinmungo system, which claimed that Song Min Ho’s attendance records were falsified. In response, the authorities have now requested the preservation of CCTV footage from the facility to further the investigation.
The latest investigation request specifically targets Mr. L, the director at the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility, raising questions about a possible special relationship between him and Song Min Ho. According to the ‘2024 Social Service Agent Duty Management Manual’, there should be exemptions from reassignment requests for those in facilities capable of internal reassignments. However, the complaint suggests that Mr. L might have manipulated this process for Song Min Ho’s benefit.
Claims of Preferential Treatment
Whistleblowers have accused Mr. L of providing Song Min Ho with special privileges. Notably, Song was transferred to the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility shortly after Mr. L, suggesting an orchestrated move to favor Song Min Ho. There are also concerns that this could involve premeditated actions to alter Song Min Ho’s service conditions.
The formal request for investigation includes a demand for an in-depth look into Mr. L’s conduct, including communication records, financial dealings, and Song Min Ho’s attendance records. It also seeks a search and seizure to collect more evidence on these matters.
Public and Media Scrutiny
Song Min Ho completed his service on December 23, yet his last days have come under scrutiny. Reports indicate he was absent from work after an overseas trip in October and did not appear for duty on his final service day. Additional claims from fellow social service agents suggest a broader issue of celebrities receiving special treatment, neglecting duties, and flouting regulations like dress codes.
YG Entertainment, Song Min Ho’s agency, responded to these allegations, stating:
“The medical reasons for his assignment stem from the continuation of treatment he had been receiving prior to his service, and all leaves and absences were used in accordance with regulations.”
The ongoing investigation by the police and the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) focuses on these claims of inadequate performance. Both Song Min Ho and YG Entertainment have committed to observing the investigation’s progress and outcomes.
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