K-pop boy group WINNER is set to make a long-awaited return to the stage this July, marking their first major group performance in over three years. YG Entertainment officially announced the upcoming concert on May 7, revealing that the event is scheduled with careful planning and a deep sense of gratitude toward fans.
This reunion concert, the group’s first in three years and three months, will hold special significance for both WINNER and their dedicated fanbase, Inner Circle. The performance not only celebrates their comeback but also serves as a heartfelt gesture to thank fans who stood by them throughout their hiatus—a period marked by individual pursuits and mandatory military service.
However, not all members will be part of this milestone event. YG Entertainment confirmed that Song Mino will not be joining his bandmates on stage due to an ongoing legal investigation. Mino is currently under scrutiny for allegedly breaching South Korea’s Military Service Act, having admitted to being absent without leave while serving as a public service worker. Though the investigation continues, no verdict has been issued yet.
YG explained that the decision to exclude Mino was made after serious internal discussions, balancing the legal complexities with fans’ long-standing anticipation. “We had many concerns about whether to proceed with the concert,” YG shared in a statement quoted by Soompi. “Ultimately, we chose to move forward out of respect for our fans and the strong desire of the members to reconnect with them.”
As a result, the concert will feature WINNER members Kang Seung Yoon, Kim Jin Woo, and Lee Seung Hoon performing as a trio. According to the agency, preparations have been underway for quite some time, with the concert venue already secured and plans for a high-quality production well in motion.
“This was not an easy choice,” the agency added. “We ask for your continued support and encouragement during this time.” YG also mentioned that further details regarding the concert—such as ticketing, performance schedules, and venue specifics—will be announced soon.
In the meantime, the public’s reaction to Mino’s case has been mixed. While some have called for his re-enlistment as an active-duty soldier, legal authorities and the Military Manpower Administration clarified that re-enlistment is not legally viable under Article 32 of the Military Service Act. Although disciplinary actions may still follow, a second enlistment has been ruled out.
WINNER’s July concert promises a poignant chapter in the group’s journey—one of resilience, loyalty, and reconnection—with fans eagerly anticipating the trio’s return to the spotlight.
