In a development that has cast a dark cloud over the future of the iconic group WINNER , member Song Mino (Song Min-ho) has found himself at the center of a severe legal and military controversy.
On December 31, 2025, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office officially indicted the 32-year-old rapper without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act.
The indictment follows a year-long investigation into allegations that Mino neglected his duties as a social service worker, leading to public outcry and significant uncertainty regarding his potential jail time.
Allegations of Persistent Duty Evasion
The case against Mino involves a series of alleged violations that took place during his alternative military service, which he served from March 2023 to December 2024.
According to the prosecution and the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), Mino was found to have been absent from his assigned post for at least eight days without authorization.
Beyond these eight days, investigators used mobile phone tracking and GPS data to uncover a pattern of “lax attendance.”
Reports indicate that on the days Mino did report for duty, he often stayed for only brief periods, allegedly spending much of his work time playing games before leaving early.
The severity of the situation is compounded by the indictment of “Mr. A,” the head of the Mapo Community Convenience Facility, who is accused of knowingly allowing Mino’s irregular attendance and failing to report the misconduct.
The Legal Stakes: Potential Jail Time and Re-enlistment
Under Article 89 of the South Korean Military Service Act, a conscript who leaves their post for eight or more days without a justifiable reason can face a prison sentence of up to three years.
While Mino has been indicted without physical detention, the prosecution’s findings suggest that the legal consequences could be severe given the duration and nature of the negligence.
In addition to criminal penalties, the MMA has indicated that if the allegations are fully substantiated, Mino’s original discharge status could be canceled.
This would lead to a re-enlistment order, forcing him to serve his entire term again from the beginning—a scenario famously experienced by soloist Psy in the early 2000s.
During the police investigation, Mino reportedly admitted to the majority of the allegations, which may impact the finality of the court’s ruling.
Impact on WINNER’s 2026 Comeback
The legal battle has dealt a devastating blow to the plans for WINNER’s full-group activities. Fans had been eagerly anticipating a four-member comeback in 2026, marking the group’s first complete return since all members completed their service.
However, following the indictment, YG Entertainment has signaled that the group will likely move forward without Mino.
The other three members—Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon—already held their first standalone concert in July 2025 as a trio while the investigation was ongoing.
With Mino now facing a trial and potential re-enlistment, industry experts believe that any upcoming albums or world tours will proceed as a three-member unit to distance the group’s brand from the military scandal.
Public Backlash and the Misogyny Debate
The scandal has reignited a fierce national debate in South Korea over “celebrity privilege” in the military.
Netizens have expressed feelings of betrayal, noting that Mino was assigned to a relatively comfortable social service role due to his documented mental health struggles (including Bipolar Disorder and panic disorder), only to allegedly abuse that flexibility.
The public’s harsh reaction to Mino has also been compared to recent controversies involving female idols, sparking discussions on how the public handles male versus female scandals.
While some argue that military evasion is a unique “national sin” in Korea, others point out that the fallout from this case could permanently tarnish the legacy of one of the industry’s most respected rappers.
As the trial proceeds in early 2026, the K-pop world remains focused on whether Mino will face imprisonment or the grueling path of starting his service anew.
The global music community is in mourning following the heartbreaking news of the passing of soloist Jin Denim (born Kim Jin-woo).
The artist, known for his soul-stirring vocals and introspective songwriting, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the young age of 29.
The news was first reported by his agency, Blue Wave Entertainment, and has since sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry and his international fanbase.
A Life-Long Battle with Mental Health
In an unusually transparent and somber statement, his agency revealed that Jin Denim had been engaged in a “long-standing and courageous battle with mental health.”
While he was often seen as a source of strength and comfort for his fans through his music, the agency shared that he had been struggling privately with severe depression and anxiety for several years.
Jin Denim had previously touched upon these themes in his lyrics, most notably in his 2024 hit “Grey Skies,” which many now view as a poignant reflection of his inner turmoil.
His family and agency expressed their deep sorrow, stating that despite intensive treatment and the unwavering support of those around him, the weight of his struggles ultimately became too much to bear.
They have requested privacy during this incredibly difficult time to grieve their profound loss.
The Legacy of a Unique Voice
Jin Denim debuted in 2021 with the single “Indigo,” immediately setting himself apart from the traditional idol mold.
Eschewing flashy choreography for raw, acoustic-driven performances, he earned the nickname “The Poet of Seoul.”
His discography, though relatively brief, was marked by a maturity and emotional depth that resonated with listeners across generations.
His 2025 album, UNFOLD, was a critical and commercial success, peaking at #1 on several domestic charts.
The album’s lead single, “Last Letter,” is now trending globally as fans revisit his work to find solace.
Critics often praised Jin Denim for his ability to articulate the complexities of modern loneliness, making him a representative voice for youth struggling with similar pressures in an increasingly digital world.
Tributes Pour in from the Industry
Following the announcement, a wave of tributes has flooded social media. Fellow artists, including members of BTS, NMIXX, and YOUNG POSSE, have shared messages of condolence, remembering Jin Denim not just as a talented colleague but as a kind-hearted and supportive friend.
Many highlighted his willingness to mentor younger trainees and his advocacy for better mental health support systems within the entertainment industry.
Jin Denim (Credit: YouTube)
Memorial altars have been set up by fans (known as “Denimites”) in Seoul and several major cities worldwide.
The hashtag #RestInPeaceJinDenim has remained a top trend, with fans sharing clips of his live performances and handwritten letters he had sent to fan cafes.
The collective grief underscores the deep impact his art had on those who felt seen and heard through his songs.
A Call for Change
The passing of Jin Denim at such a young age has reignited the urgent conversation regarding the mental health of artists in the high-pressure K-pop industry.
Advocacy groups have pointed to his death as a tragic reminder that professional success does not equate to personal well-being.
There are growing calls for agencies to implement more robust psychological support and for the public to show greater empathy toward the human beings behind the stage personas.
As the industry pauses to honor his memory, Jin Denim’s music remains a lasting testament to his talent and his heart.
While his journey has come to a premature end, his “Indigo” spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire and comfort those he left behind.
His agency has announced that a private funeral will be held for close family, with a public memorial event to be scheduled at a later date.
