WINNER member Song Mino has become a hot topic online after making a rare public appearance in court, with many netizens expressing surprise over his dramatically changed appearance.
The rapper appeared at the Seoul Western District Court on July 14 to testify as a witness in the ongoing trial involving a public service supervisor accused of violating South Korea’s Military Service Act. However, it wasn’t just the legal proceedings that caught people’s attention it was Mino’s appearance that quickly dominated social media discussions.
Song Mino attended the hearing as a witness in the trial of Mr. A, the supervisor responsible for managing his public service duties. Prosecutors allege that the supervisor tolerated Song Mino’s alleged poor attendance and conspired with him to violate military service regulations. Mino has denied any collusion, maintaining that he did not conspire with the supervisor.
Separately, the WINNER member also faces allegations of repeatedly neglecting his public service obligations. Prosecutors claim that while serving as a public service worker at a facility in Seoul’s Mapo District between March 2023 and December 2024, he was absent from work for more than 100 days without authorization.
For the hearing, Song Mino wore a black suit, white dress shirt, and black tie, presenting a formal appearance appropriate for the court setting. With his longer hair slicked back and a serious expression, he quietly entered the courthouse without addressing reporters.
Photos from the hearing quickly spread across online communities and social media, where many users focused on how different the rapper looked compared to his previous public appearances.
His appearance soon became one of the most-discussed topics online, with many fans saying they barely recognized him. Some of the reactions included:
- Is this AI-generated?
- He looks so different.
- He must be under a lot of stress.
- It’s a shame. He used to have such a great image.
- I loved his music.
- That doesn’t even look like Song Mino.
While opinions varied, many comments reflected concern over his noticeably thinner and more worn appearance rather than criticism alone.
Song Mino debuted with WINNER in 2014 and rose to fame through hit songs including “Really Really,” “Empty,” and “Millions.” Beyond music, he became one of South Korea’s most recognizable variety stars through appearances on programs such as Show Me the Money and New Journey to the West, earning praise for his humor and creativity.
However, the ongoing military service investigation has overshadowed his career in recent months, with public attention now focused on the outcome of the legal proceedings.
For now, his latest court appearance has once again placed him at the center of online discussion not only because of the case itself, but also because of the dramatic change in his appearance that left many fans stunned.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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