“Is this the kind of journalism South Korea honors?”- Internet outraged over Dispatch award amid controversial report on Song Min-o’s military duties

On January 23, Dispatch journalists Kim Ji-ho and Kim So-jung received the 412th Reporter of the Month award from the Korea Journalist Association at a ceremony in Seoul.

They were honored for their investigative article "K-pop Idol's Military Service Failure," which exposed alleged shortcomings in WINNER's Song Min-ho's service as a social service agent and highlighted flaws in the commuting record system.

Following this article's release, the police are currently investigating Song Min-o for violating the Military Service Act. This led to the proposition of the Song Min-o Prevention Law, and the Seoul Mayo Oh Se-hoon also ordered an urgent comprehensive survey of the service status of social service agents.

Here's what the Dispatch journalist, Kim So-jung, stated about the idol's service:

"Other (social service) agents were serving properly. Song Mino had not shown up for work for over a month. I thought that if someone was abusing the system, it should be changed."

However, when this news landed on the internet, fans and netizens were not happy about the same. Several people criticised the Dispatch journalists for allegedly stalking and invading the privacy of the WINNER member during his service. They also called them out for exposing parts of the idol's life without consent. Therefore, many were angered by the journalists being awarded for the same.

Here are a few fan reactions where people criticized the Korea Journalist Association for the kind of journalism it promotes and honors:

"Is this the kind of journalism South Korea honors? This is embarrassing & disgusting."

"“Unveiled” what?? Mino’s supervisors/co-workers already said he DID NOT violate or break any rules/policies. They also exposed DISPATCH for stalking Mino to his workplace. THEY INVADED MINO’S PRIVACY when they followed him and took pics of him at his friend’s party ON HIS DAY OFF." said a fan.

"These are the actual stalkers…beware everyone" stated another fan.

"Lied, stalked and invaded personal spaces = get's an award, reporters risking their life, covering serious important matters and speak their truth = get's hate,That's the sad reality and I think that's just wrong af" commented a netizen.

More fans and netizens expressed thier anger over the issue.

"Imagine being proud getting an achievement for someone's misfortune. Only devil can be happy about it." added another fan.

"a 1st world country glorifying stalking and bullying doesn't sit right with me" stated an X user.

"so now they are giving rewards for stalking someone in their job and invade one's privacy?" commented a netizen.

"Giving awards to those people who stalk people and who spread news that rumors and was build cause of their "ideas". Ideas without proof. I can't with them." said another X user.

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All you need to know about Dispatch's report on Song Min-o's alleged inadequate military service

On December 16, Dispatch released an article exposing WINNER Song Min-o's alleged inadequate military service. On October 30, the idol went for a five nights and six nights days vacation in Hawaii. However, on November 11, when Dispatch visited Mapo Community Service Facility, where Min-o works as a social worker, they couldn't find him.

They stated that they also revisited the base on all days between November 12 to November 15 but never found him in the base, thereby raising allegations of his absence from work. Dispatch explained that Song Min-o was transferred to the Mapo Community Service Facility in March 2024, and he was brought to the base by Manager L following the transfer order.

However, after the transfer, Dispatch stated that the idol had not been showing up to work regularly. They also claimed that he occasionally comes to work, signs autographs, smokes a cigarette, and leaves. They also provided alleged proof regarding the timelines and conversations to back up their report. However, YG Entertainment soon released a statement refuting these allegations.

Here's what the statement read:

“It is difficult for us to confirm specific details regarding Song Mino’s service. However, the medical leave was an extension of the treatment he had been receiving prior to his service. All other leaves, including annual leaves, were used in accordance with regulations. He has served in accordance with regulations.”

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Regardless, police investigations regarding the case are currently ongoing, and so far, no confirmation regarding these allegations has been revealed.