Winner to hold July concert without Song Min-ho

Boy group Winner will be returning to the stage for its first concert in over three years, marking a highly anticipated comeback following the members’ discharge from military service.

YG Entertainment confirmed Wednesday that the group is planning a July concert, its first since April 2022.

However, member Song Min-ho will not be participating in the show due to an ongoing investigation into his military service record. Song, who served as a social service agent, is currently under police investigation for allegedly failing to fulfill his duties during that time, which can be interpreted as a violation of the Military Service Act.

“Despite the circumstances, we decided to move forward with the concert out of respect for the fans who have been waiting for so long. The decision also reflects the members’ strong desire to meet them,” said YG Entertainment in Wednesday’s announcement. The performance will feature three members — Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo and Lee Seung-hoon.

YG added that further details about the concert would be announced separately.

After debuting in 2014 with studio album “2014 S/S,” Winner went on to release a string of hit songs including “Really Really” and “Empty.” Notably, Song Min-ho garnered acclaim beyond group activities after finishing as runner-up in Season 4 of Mnet’s “Show Me the Money,” which aired in 2015, and continued building a solo career with multiple albums. He also became a popular television personality, appearing on shows such as tvN’s “New Journey to the West” and MBC’s “Home Alone.”

Song began his alternative military service in March 2023 at a community facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul, and was officially discharged in December 2024. However, allegations soon surfaced suggesting he had not been properly fulfilling his duties, and frequently failed to show up for work. Police then launched an investigation and have since booked Song for suspected violations of the Military Service Act.

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