WINNER's Song Min Ho is facing criticism after photos of him partying and traveling surfaced during his military social service period, where he cited social anxiety, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder as reasons for medical leave.

According to officials from the Mapo Resident Welfare Facility, Song Min Ho was assigned to a role limiting public interaction due to his conditions. A supervisor shared with Dispatch, "Song Min Ho has a fear of crowded places, so we placed him in a low-visibility area."

However, Dispatch revealed photos suggesting otherwise. The rapper was seen enjoying camping trips and parties in Gangwon-do, including a DJ party at a popular café in Goseong in August 2023. At the time, Song Min Ho was reportedly working for the Mapo Facility Management Corporation.

In the photos, Song Min Ho sported long hair, wore shorts, and appeared shirtless, showing off his tattoos. Notable ink included "Proper Posture" on his left shoulder blade, "Clear Mind" on his right, and "PLAY BOY" across his waist.

A partygoer told Dispatch, "He was drinking and smoking, fully enjoying the party. There were no signs of anxiety or discomfort."

This isn't the first time questions have been raised about Song Min Ho's social anxiety. Reports revealed he joined a running crew during his service and even completed a 20km marathon.

A member of the crew emailed Dispatch, saying, "We run together regularly. He’s been working hard on his fitness and lost a lot of weight."

An official from the welfare facility added, "He’s preparing for his return by losing weight and building his physique through personal training."

Despite these efforts, Song Min Ho is now under investigation for alleged incomplete service. On December 23, the Military Manpower Administration referred the case to the Mapo Police Station.

Authorities plan to review evidence, including CCTV footage, entry logs, game data, and testimonies, to determine whether he neglected his duties.

As fans and the public weigh in, Song Min Ho’s medical leave and his social activities continue to spark heated debate.

Source: [1]

Squid Game 2 has sparked intense reactions from viewers all around the world, with opinions swinging from high praise to harsh criticism. In the midst of all the buzz, director Hwang Dong Hyuk is confidently looking ahead to Season 3, even promising that it will be better than the second season.

In an interview with AP News on November 26, ahead of Squid Game 2’s release, Hwang Dong Hyuk shared his thoughts on the series’ future. The director admitted to feeling some pressure about discussing the third season but gave a sneak peek of what’s to come.

"It’s set in the future, 10 to 20 years from now", he revealed. "Season 3 will have a darker atmosphere, very brutal and sad, but also quite bizarre and humorous." Hwang boldly added, "Season 3 will be better than Season 2," fueling even more anticipation from fans.

While the director remains optimistic, Squid Game 2 has received mixed reviews from both domestic and international media. Major foreign outlets have voiced disappointment with the season.

The New York Times published an article titled "Squid Game Turns on the Red Light," criticizing the second season for being too similar to the first, claiming that it repeats the same elements without offering anything new.

Similarly, Hollywood Reporter slammed the season, saying, "The second season of Squid Game was a complete disappointment. It lacked the fun and ingenuity of the first season and didn't provide new details or insights into the essence of the game."

However, not all reviews were negative. Some international outlets gave praise to Squid Game 2. IGN highlighted the script’s exploration of economic and political systems, adding a layer of democracy that increases the tension of the game.

Meanwhile, Independence UK appreciated how the season expanded beyond the first, skillfully twisting key moments of the story and shining a light on humanity's worst traits.

Despite the criticism, Squid Game 2 continues to dominate the global scene. It quickly reached the top of the viewership charts in 92 countries, including the United States, France, and Mexico, just a day after its release. Fans are already buzzing about the upcoming third season, which is expected to drop in the first half of next year.

As for Squid Game 2 itself, the story picks up where the first season left off, with Gihun (played by Lee Jung Jae) returning to the game for revenge. His fierce confrontation with the Front Man (Lee Byung Hun) and the reintroduction of the deadly game itself create intense drama and suspense.

However, some viewers found the season lacking in momentum, particularly in the second half. Criticism has also been aimed at former BIGBANG member T.O.P., who plays the role of Thanos, a drug-dealer rapper. Many fans expressed their disappointment with his acting, with some even saying they stopped watching because of it.

Others criticized the show for its repetitive costume designs and character concepts, claiming that the female characters felt too similar to those from Season 1.

Despite these mixed reactions, Squid Game 2 remains a major cultural phenomenon, setting the stage for an even bigger Season 3. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see if Hwang Dong Hyuk’s promises come to life.

Source: [1]