The idol boy group Winner will hold a concert excluding member Song Min-ho. Song Min-ho is facing allegations of inadequate service during his time as a social service worker.
Winner's agency YG Entertainment (hereafter referred to as YG) announced on the 7th, "Winner will hold a concert in July, approximately 3 years and 3 months after their last performance," adding, "As it will be a meeting with fans for the first time in 3 years and a performance to celebrate Winner's comeback, we have been preparing meticulously after securing the venue long ago for a high-quality stage."
According to YG, this concert will be held in a three-member format with Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon, excluding Song Min-ho. Detailed concert information will be announced later.
This will be the first concert Winner has held since April 2022. Winner entered a period of inactivity starting in 2023 as Song Min-ho and Kang Seung-yoon began their military service as a social service worker and a regular army personnel, respectively. Later, although the two members were set to make a comeback after completing their service in December last year, Song Min-ho's eligibility for a comeback became uncertain as he is under police investigation for military law violations.
YG noted, "To meet the fans who have waited a long time for Winner's stage and to reflect the members' strong desire to meet the fans, we decided to proceed with the concert as planned," and added, "It was not an easy decision, so we ask for the warm support and encouragement from the fans."
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Song Min-ho is suspected of not fulfilling his duties as a social service worker. At that time, YG stated, "It is difficult to confirm the details regarding the artist's service," but added, "The reason for the sick leave was an extension of treatment received before service, and all other leaves were used according to regulations," denying allegations of inadequate service.
In this situation, as reports from fellow employees regarding Song Min-ho's inadequate service continued, the 'allegations of inadequate service' controversy intensified. According to the reports, Song Min-ho did not adhere to his commuting hours and spent personal time without conducting normal duties.
The Military Manpower Administration has referred the allegations of Song Min-ho's inadequate service to the police for investigation. The Military Manpower Administration's stance is that if it is confirmed during the police investigation that there were issues with Song Min-ho's service attitude, he must re-serve for the period of issues, even if his discharge has been completed.
The police conducted a search of the Seoul Mapo community benefit facility where Song Min-ho worked, securing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and records from Song Min-ho's personal mobile phone for investigation. Song Min-ho is reported to have attended police questioning three times. During a regular press briefing in March, the police stated, "Song Min-ho generally acknowledged his departure from the workplace during work hours." However, the final results of the investigation have not yet been released.