Shocking split in momentum: As Song Mino appears in court over alleged lax alternative service and ongoing military service law violations, Lee Seung-hoon is going viral with nonstop business moves and short-form content. Fans are divided while the group pushes on without Mino.
On the 14th, Song Mino appeared as a witness at the Seoul Western District Court for the third hearing in the case against A, the official in charge of managing his alternative service, who is accused of violating the Military Service Act. Dressed in a black suit, Song faced reporters with a stern expression and, bowing his head amid rapid-fire questions, said briefly, "I’m sorry."
From March 2023 to December 2024, Song served as a social service worker at a facility in Seoul’s Mapo District. He is on trial for allegedly leaving his post without a valid reason and failing to properly fulfill his duties. Prosecutors say he missed 102 out of roughly 430 scheduled workdays without authorization. At the first hearing in April, Song admitted all charges and apologized, saying, "I’m sorry for not faithfully completing my duty of national defense to the end."
Prosecutors have requested a one-year-and-six-month prison sentence. In his final statement, Song said, "If I am given a chance to serve again, I want to finish it faithfully."
This trial also centers on whether A, the then supervisory official, bears responsibility. A is accused of failing to manage Song’s attendance but denies any prior collusion to fabricate records. Prosecutors argue A knowingly condoned Song’s negligence and was involved in creating some false attendance records. Attention is on how Song’s testimony could impact the verdict.
Meanwhile, fellow member Lee Seung-hoon is in full entrepreneur mode. Recently, he has flooded his social media with short-form videos showcasing collaborations between a shopping platform and multiple brands. He personally promoted products at a department store, delivered items to customers, and even visited towel and gim (dried seaweed) factories to experience the manufacturing process on camera.
Lee also charmed viewers by starring in everyday-life content, from a myeongran-gim (seaweed with pollack roe) ASMR mukbang to hands-on comparisons of umbrellas and handheld fans. Some speculate he’s prioritizing business over music and that Song’s controversy could be affecting group activities. Fans counter that Lee has long shown interest in business and are cheering on his new ventures.
WINNER is currently carrying out select official schedules and performances centered on Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon, excluding Song Mino. In June, the trio attended the appointment ceremony as promotional ambassadors for the ‘2026 Hanoi Hallyu Expo.’
As Song navigates the courts on Military Service Act charges, Lee continues engaging the public through business and content. All eyes are on how these opposite paths could shape WINNER’s future as a full lineup.