WINNER Mino’s “Gaunt” Appearance Gets Harshly Mocked

“He looks 50…”

WINNER‘s Mino is drawing intense attention online—this time over his appearance.

The controversy began when Korean media outlets published photos of Mino during his first trial appearance, tied to his ongoing military service-related controversy. In reporting on the images, one outlet described the idol’s look as “gaunt,” a term that quickly caught the attention of netizens.

A headline from Star Today that reads “Song Mino Looking Gaunt.”

In the photos, Mino appeared fuller, though fatigued, with a look that was less polished than the sharp, styled visuals fans knew him for. The contrast was enough to spark immediate reactions across online communities.

WINNER’s Mino on his trial day. | Star Today

Posts on forums such as theqoo quickly gained traction, where some netizens didn’t hold back. Many users latched onto the “gaunt” label, with some echoing the description while others openly mocked his appearance. Comments ranged from disbelief to sarcasm, with some saying they wouldn’t have recognized him at all, while others questioned whether the media’s portrayal was exaggerated or intentionally provocative.

| theqoo

• Did the meaning of “gaunt” change or something?
• He looks 50…
• Wow… Is the reporter seriously setting him up for backlash?
• He couldn’t endure the time that others push through with patience, so he ruined his celebrity career.
• He has certainly been eating well.
• What’s going on with his hair?
• They’re dragging him, huh?
• This feels like it was written to get him dragged LOL.
• He gained weight.
• Damn it. Because of him, I can’t watch the new season of New Journey to the West anymore. Why couldn’t he just pull through? Now he’s dragging himself and everyone else.

The prosecution has demanded that Mino serve 18 months in prison for failing to complete his military service. On April 21, 2026 (KST), presiding judge Seong Jun Kyu of the 10th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court oversaw the first trial for Mino on charges of violating the Military Service Act.

Read more about what he had to say about his case:

WINNER’s Mino Responds To Whether He Will Re-Enlist In The Military

WINNER