YG Entertainment has confirmed that WINNER will hold a solo concert in 2025, featuring Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon. However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions from fans, as Song Min-ho will be absent due to ongoing controversy, leaving fans questioning the group’s future direction.

WINNER’s Return to the Stage

The announcement was officially made on May 7, with YG Entertainment confirming that the three members will perform together for the first time since the group’s formation in 2014. The WINNER solo concert 2025 marks the trio’s return to full activity after a long hiatus due to military service and recent controversy surrounding Song Min-ho.

YG Entertainment explained that despite the challenges, they decided to proceed with the concert, largely due to the members’ strong desire to meet their fans:

“There were many concerns about the concert, but after careful consideration, we decided to proceed with the performance as scheduled. The unwavering commitment of the members to meet their fans, who have been waiting for WINNER’s stage, played a significant role in this decision.”

Song Min-ho’s Controversy and Absence

Song Min-ho’s absence from the WINNER solo concert 2025 is directly linked to the controversy surrounding his military service. Earlier this year, Song Min-ho was under investigation for allegedly violating the Military Service Act, with accusations of absenteeism and lateness during his service. Following multiple police investigations, Song Min-ho was dismissed from his service in December 2022, leading to uncertainty about his future role in group activities.

His absence has raised concerns among fans about how the trio—Kang Seung-yoon, Kim Jin-woo, and Lee Seung-hoon—will manage without Song Min-ho, especially considering his key role as the group’s rapper.

A Pivotal Moment for WINNER

For WINNER, this solo concert 2025 is a critical milestone, marking their first major activity since the military hiatus that began when Kim Jin-woo enlisted in 2020. With Kang Seung-yoon and Song Min-ho discharged from the military in December 2022, this concert is a significant opportunity for the remaining members to reconnect with their fans and maintain the group’s active reputation.

YG Entertainment emphasized the importance of honoring their commitment to fans, despite the challenges:

“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. Now that WINNER is back in full swing, it’s important that we honor our commitment to the fans while keeping the group’s momentum alive.”

The Impact of Song Min-ho’s Absence

While the WINNER solo concert 2025 will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated event, Song Min-ho’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. As the group’s primary rapper, his dynamic presence in WINNER’s performances is central to the group’s identity. Fans are curious about how the trio will adjust to his absence, especially in terms of the group’s energy and chemistry.

WINNER’s Future and What’s Next

This concert also marks an important point for WINNER’s future trajectory. With Kim Jin-woo’s discharge and further military enlistments potentially affecting the group’s lineup, the decision to proceed with the solo concert 2025 helps maintain WINNER’s presence in the industry. Postponing the event indefinitely could have delayed the group’s plans further, risking a loss of momentum.

As WINNER prepares for their solo concert 2025, the remaining members are signaling their readiness to continue as a trio, reassuring their fans that the group’s bond remains strong and their journey is far from over. This concert marks the next step in WINNER’s evolution and demonstrates their determination to keep moving forward, regardless of the hurdles.