‘Military Duty Controversy' YG Speaks Out on WINNER’s Mino, Announces Difficult Decision [Full Statement]

K-pop group WINNER is set to reunite with fans this July through their first solo concert in approximately three years and three months. However, member Mino (Song Min-ho) will not be participating due to ongoing controversy surrounding his military service.

On May 7, YG Entertainment released an official statement confirming, “WINNER will hold a solo concert this coming July.” This long-awaited performance marks the group’s return to the stage after a lengthy hiatus and is expected to be a meaningful event for both fans and the remaining members.

According to YG, preparations have been underway for quite some time, with the concert venue secured well in advance. “We have been working hard to deliver a high-quality show,” the agency stated. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but out of respect for the fans who have been waiting patiently and the strong will of the members, we decided to proceed as planned.”

The performance will feature three members: Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon. Specific dates, location, and ticketing details will be announced at a later time.

Meanwhile, Mino will not take part in the concert amid allegations of neglecting his duties as a public service worker during mandatory military service. On April 31, Korean National Police acknowledged that Mino had admitted to leaving his post during service, and an official investigation is currently underway.

Some voices online have drawn comparisons to previous celebrity military controversies, such as those involving Psy and Chun Myung-hoon, calling for a reassessment of Mino’s status.

Since their 2014 debut, WINNER has made a name for themselves with numerous chart-topping hits including “Empty,” “BABY BABY,” “REALLY REALLY,” “ISLAND,” and “LOVE ME LOVE ME.” Their return to the stage—albeit as a trio—is seen as both a celebration and a challenge.

📝 Full Statement from YG Entertainment:

Hello, this is YG Entertainment.

First of all, we sincerely thank all the fans who have continued to support WINNER with unwavering love and patience over the years.

YG Entertainment is planning to hold WINNER’s solo concert in July 2025, marking the group’s first solo performance in approximately three years and three months. As this concert celebrates WINNER’s return and is the first in a long time to meet fans in person, we have secured the venue well in advance and have been making thorough preparations to ensure a high-quality show.

That said, it is true that we faced considerable internal discussion about whether to move forward with the concert. However, in consideration of the fans who have waited so long and the firm desire of the members to reconnect with their audience, we decided to proceed as originally planned.

This concert will feature three members: Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon. As this was not an easy decision, we kindly ask for your warm encouragement and support.

Details regarding the date, venue, and ticketing will be announced separately at a later time.

Thank you.