On Thursday, Kang Seung Yoon, the leader of the K-pop group WINNER, will officially complete his mandatory military service in South Korea after approximately 18 months of active duty. This marks his discharge and return to civilian life.
This milestone comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding fellow WINNER member Song Min Ho, who is facing allegations regarding his military service.
Kang Seung Yoon enlisted as an active-duty soldier in June 2023, temporarily stepping away from his career and his fans. He is the only member of WINNER to serve in active duty.
During his military service, Kang Seung Yoon received praise for his outstanding performance. He was recognized as an excellent trainee and won writing awards, including honors for his essays in reading and writing competitions and the prestigious Excellent Soldier Award.
Thanks to his hard work and achievements, Kang Seung Yoon earned an early promotion to corporal and received accolades from his unit for being a role model to his fellow soldiers. Fans and the public have widely praised his exemplary conduct.
In contrast, Song Min Ho, a social service worker, has been accused of failing to meet military service standards. He has been criticized for allegedly not properly reporting to his assigned Mapo Community Welfare Center duties.
YG Entertainment, the agency representing Song Min Ho, clarified that his sick leave was due to ongoing treatment for a condition he had before his service. The company also stated that all his other leaves, including vacation time, were taken under military regulations. The Mapo Community Welfare Center has also confirmed no issues with his service.
Despite these explanations, the Military Manpower Administration has launched an investigation to verify the facts. A petition has also been filed with the police, requesting an investigation into potential violations of the Military Service Act. The case has been assigned to the Mapo Police Station for further inquiry.
Meanwhile, Kang Seung Yoon first gained national recognition in 2010 when he appeared on the South Korean talent show Superstar K2, where his musical talent quickly won over audiences.
In 2013, Kang Seung Yoon joined WINNER through the survival program WIN: Who Is Next, produced by YG Entertainment. Since then, he has expanded his career, becoming a popular singer and a respected actor.
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