Seoul mayor orders full investigation into social service workers' misconduct...controversy widens over Song Min-ho allegations

Seoul has launched a full investigation into the alleged misbehavior of WINNER member Song Min-ho as a social service worker.

"Recently, a controversy arose over the negligence of a celebrity who served as a social service worker," Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said on social media on Thursday, adding, "It should never happen that some people's negligence leads to a sense of social deprivation and increases antipathy towards military service."

He added, "We have ordered the Seoul Metropolitan Government and its affiliated organizations to conduct an urgent full-scale survey of the service status of social service personnel." "We will take strict measures based on the results of the survey and, if necessary, actively recommend system improvements for fair military service to the Military Service Administration," he said.

Song Min-ho began his military service in March last year, and after undergoing basic military training, he served as a social service worker instead. He worked at the Mapo Facility Management Corporation and was transferred to the Mapo Residents' Convenience Facility in March this year, and was demobilized on March 23.

But before his service ended, allegations of misbehavior surfaced. It was alleged that Song failed to report to work on time, and that he received preferential treatment in his attitude and work assignments.

Seoul's Mapo Police Station has launched an internal investigation following a complaint from the Kookmin Shinmun to investigate Song's alleged manipulation of his attendance. The Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention Administration is also investigating his attendance.

Song Min Ho reportedly took sick leave and did not show up for work on the day he was de-called up. His agency, YG Entertainment, denied the allegations, saying, "It is difficult to confirm details related to his military service," but added, "The reason for his sick leave was an extension of the treatment he was receiving before his military service, and he used all of his vacation days in accordance with the regulations."

The incident has raised controversy over military service and the fairness of social service workers. Mayor Oh plans to conduct a full investigation to thoroughly check the cases of negligence and actively seek ways to improve the system.