WINNER’s leader Kang Seung Yoon has publicly expressed his support for fellow member Song Min Ho (Mino), who is currently embroiled in allegations of poor alternative military service. Kang shared his thoughts in a heartfelt letter to fans on the fan communication platform Weverse on October 19, the day he completed his military service.
"To. Our Beloved Inner Circles
That summer day, when I left your side, carrying a bittersweet mix of relief and longing from Act 1 of my life and a vague fear of the unknown, still feels vivid. I imagine it was just as difficult for you as it was for me. It was my first time being away from you all for such an extended period, and I couldn’t help but worry whether the distance might grow too vast.
Yet, even during my military service, I never missed the heartfelt messages you sent regularly. Your unwavering support through Weverse, letters, social media, and more gave me immense comfort and helped me focus on my duties. Without your steady encouragement, I wouldn’t have endured those moments with as much strength and positivity as I managed to show.
Though I never openly expressed it, there were many moments when I felt pushed to my limits. Every time I confronted my boundaries, the only light guiding me through was you. The struggles WINNER and Inner Circles have overcome together have given me the strength to surpass my own limits. Thanks to you, I was a happy soldier. Because of you, I became a soldier loved by my comrades.
I, too, am excited about the new stories I’ll be writing as a more refined and stronger person, shaped by these experiences. After enjoying a little bit of everyday life, I plan to focus on completing around 10 songs as part of our 2024 goals and crafting even better music for a swift comeback. But rest assured, I’ll make every effort to meet you whenever a good opportunity arises.
Thank you for waiting, missing me, and, most importantly, for loving me. Words can’t express how grateful I am—so much so that I wish I could offer you all the gratitude this world holds.
Though I wanted to show my face even briefly, please understand my heart—that I didn’t want to celebrate without my fellow members. I promise to return soon, hand in hand with Jin Woo, Seung Hoon, and Min Ho. I’ll make sure to bring you joy like a blossoming flower.
Eat well, sleep well, and rest well! I love you all so much.
From. Your forever teammate, Kang Seung Yoon"
In the letter, Kang thanked fans for waiting for him throughout his enlistment. "The struggles WINNER and our fans have overcome together have pushed me beyond my limits," he wrote. "The experiences I’ve gained have made me stronger, and I’m excited about the new stories I’ll create with you all."
Regarding WINNER's future plans, Kang revealed his eagerness to return with new music. "After enjoying a bit of everyday life, I plan to focus on completing around 10 songs for our 2024 goals and work on even better music for a swift comeback," he shared. "I'll also make every effort to meet you through any good opportunities that arise. I’ll be back soon, hand in hand with Jin Woo, Seung Hoon, and Min Ho. I love you, Inner Circle."
Despite Kang’s optimism, Song Min Ho is currently facing scrutiny over allegations of absenteeism during his alternative service. Song, who began his alternative military duty at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation in March 2022, transferred to the Mapo Community Welfare Center a year later. During this transition, questions were raised about Song's relationship with the center’s director, identified as 'L.'
Dispatch reported that it received multiple tips regarding Song's alleged poor attendance and visited the site several times, only to find no trace of him at work. The outlet also noted that Song took a six-day trip to Hawaii in late October and failed to appear at his workplace from November 11 to 15. The welfare center defended Song, stating, "He used sick leave, annual leave, and was hospitalized during this period."
YG Entertainment, Song’s agency, responded to the allegations with a brief statement: "We cannot confirm specific details regarding the artist’s service. However, the sick leave was an extension of treatment he had been receiving before his duty, and all other leave was used following regulations."
Meanwhile, Kang Seung Yoon, the only WINNER member to serve as an active-duty soldier, officially completed his military service on October 19. Fans eagerly await the group’s return, as Kang promises to deliver new music and reunite with his fellow members soon.
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