Dispatch reporters win 'Journalist of the Month' award for exposing Song Min Ho's negligence during public service

Dispatch reporters Kim Ji Ho and Kim So Jeong from the Social Entertainment Department have been awarded the '412th Journalist of the Month' award in the "Investigative Reporting, Category 2" section.

The Korean Journalists Association (headed by Park Jong Hyun) held the awards ceremony on January 23 at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. A total of nine works were recognized during the event.

The awards for 'Investigative Reporting, Category 1' went to JTBC for their exposé titled “Sexual Harassment Victim Takes Action… Lotte World Plotting Insurrection.” Category 2 was awarded to Dispatch, while KBS Chuncheon won in the 'Planned Reporting, Broadcast Division' for their piece “Secrets of the Red Pine.”

Dispatch earned recognition for their in-depth coverage, “Tracking K-pop Idols’ Negligence in Public Service,” which highlighted Song Min Ho’s inadequate attendance during his mandatory service as a social service worker. The report revealed gaps in the attendance tracking system for public service workers, including Song Min Ho’s frequent absences, and called for the implementation of an electronic card-based record system to strengthen oversight.

Following Dispatch’s investigative report, the Military Manpower Administration promptly launched an investigation into issues of negligence among social service workers. Additionally, the police are investigating Song Min Ho for potential violations of the Military Service Act. 

On January 6, a proposed amendment nicknamed the “Song Min Ho Prevention Law” was introduced, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon also ordered an urgent review of public service worker attendance.

Kim So Jeong shared her perspective on the case, saying, “Other public service workers were fulfilling their duties properly, but Song Mino failed to show up for over a month. If someone exploits the system, it must be changed.”

The award-winning investigation brought to light the critical need for reform in the oversight of public service workers and demonstrated the impact of thorough journalism in initiating systemic change.