Kang Seung-yoon Preps Solo Comeback Amid Winner Group Uncertainty

K-pop sensation Kang Seung-yoon, leader of the boy group Winner, is gearing up for a highly anticipated solo comeback in the first half of 2024. Following his military discharge last December, Kang is set to give fans a fresh solo album, marking his return as an artist after nearly two years.

The singer’s last solo release was the single Born to Love You, which dropped on March 14, 2022. After enlisting for mandatory military service in June 2023, Kang has focused on reconnecting with fans and reestablishing his musical presence. His upcoming solo project is his first since his return to civilian life.

Expectations for Winner’s group comeback heightened when Kang mentioned his bandmates on fan platforms post-discharge. However, the group’s plans were disrupted due to growing controversy surrounding member Song Min-ho (Mino). Song had been serving as a public service worker since March 2023, following a level-4 exemption from active duty based on health evaluations. Allegations of misconduct such as excessive sick leave and work negligence have led to an ongoing investigation.

Despite the setback, Kang Seung-yoon, along with Kim Jin-woo and Lee Seung-hoon (Hoony), will continue with Winner’s scheduled concert in July – the group’s first in three years since their 2022 performance at The Circle in Olympic Hall, Seoul Olympic Park. YG Entertainment confirmed that the show will proceed without Song Min-ho, citing the group’s strong will to perform and fans’ enduring support as decisive factors.

In addition to preparing for his solo comeback, Kang has remained active in media appearances. He was recently featured in the teaser of The King of Mask Singer as part of the celebrity judging panel and made a guest appearance in the premiere episode of the Channel S variety show We Are Now Dating, which aired on February 1.

Fans eagerly await not only Kang’s return to the stage as a soloist but also to see Winner perform as a trio, adapting amid challenging circumstances. With anticipation running high for both projects, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year in Kang Seung-yoon’s career.