Song Min-ho

Song Min-ho, professionally known as Mino, is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, music producer, and actor who rose to fame as a member of the boy band Winner. Born on March 30, 1993, in Yongin, he has established himself as one of K-pop's most versatile solo artists, blending hip-hop skills with visual artistry. His official solo debut album XX in 2018 produced the chart-topping hit "Fiancé," which became his first number-one single in South Korea.

Beyond his musical achievements, Mino is a recognized figure in television entertainment, appearing regularly on popular variety shows like New Journey to the West and Kang's Kitchen. He also served as a judge on the singing competition Sing Again, showcasing his expertise in vocal performance. In 2026, he gained significant media attention for legal proceedings related to his mandatory military service, resulting in a suspended prison sentence. [edit]

Song Min-ho was born in Yongin, South Korea, where he developed an early interest in both music and visual arts. Before entering the competitive world of K-pop, he attended high school with a focus on visual arts, laying the groundwork for his future dual career as a musician and painter. He later enrolled in Chung-Ang University's Department of Visual Design, though he eventually took a leave of absence to dedicate himself fully to his entertainment career.

In 2011, after passing YG Entertainment's rigorous audition process, Min-ho began his training as a trainee at the agency. During this period, he debuted briefly in a short-lived ballad group called BoM, releasing one album before the group disbanded in 2013. This experience provided him with initial stage time but did not define his long-term trajectory. The pivotal moment came when he participated in the Mnet survival program WIN: Who Is Next in 2013, competing against other talented trainees to secure a spot in a new group. His performances caught the eye of producers, leading to his selection as a member of the final lineup that would become Winner. [edit]

Mino's breakthrough as a solo artist occurred during the fourth season of the rap competition Show Me the Money in 2015. Although he finished as the runner-up, his performance of the track "Fear" resonated so strongly with audiences that it became the best-selling song in the show's history, earning him the unofficial title of "Best Rapper" among contestants. This exposure launched his reputation beyond the idol sphere into the broader hip-hop community.

Following his success on the show, Mino formed the hip-hop duo MOBB with fellow Winner member Bobby in 2016, releasing their debut mixtape later that year. His official solo debut arrived in November 2018 with the studio album XX. The lead single "Fiancé" achieved massive commercial success, reaching number one on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart and selling over 2.5 million copies, eventually receiving platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association.

He continued to expand his portfolio by acting in the hit drama Prison Playbook in 2017 and starring in the blockbuster film Seoul Vibe in 2022. Throughout 2019 and 2021, he released further solo albums including The Great Mino and Mino 2, while maintaining a steady presence as a regular cast member on variety shows. In October 2026, his career faced a significant disruption when he received a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for violating the Military Service Act due to unauthorized absences totaling 102 days. [edit]

Mino projects an image of artistic integrity and versatility, balancing his roles as a rapper, singer, and visual artist. He is often praised for his sharp wit and comedic timing on variety shows, where he displays a self-deprecating humor that endears him to viewers. His fashion sense leans towards streetwear mixed with high-end designer pieces, reflecting his status as a trendsetter in the youth culture scene.

Media coverage often highlights his dedication to his craft, noting how he takes time to create his own lyrics and produce tracks rather than relying solely on external writers. This hands-on approach has earned him respect within the industry as a serious musician rather than just a pop idol. However, his recent legal issues have shifted some public perception, with many fans expressing disappointment over the military service violation while still supporting his return to the spotlight. [edit]

iFANN has evaluated Song Min-ho's global influence, but he does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). As of the October 2026 evaluation, his fame ranking is considered evaluated but unranked in the current engine output. He was not featured in the August 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.

His fanbase, often referred to informally as "Minoholic" or simply "Mino's," is known for its organized support and deep appreciation for his multi-faceted talents. Fans frequently trend hashtags related to his activities and organize birthday billboards and charity drives in his name. While there is no formal fandom organization officially documented by iFANN, the community demonstrates strong cohesion through social media campaigns and streaming efforts. Mino engages with his fans through his Instagram account, where he shares updates on his art and music, fostering a direct connection with his audience. [edit]

Mino holds a unique distinction in K-pop history as the only idol to hold a solo exhibition of his own paintings, blending his musical identity with visual art in a way rarely seen in the industry. His painting style often reflects the emotional tone of his music, creating a cohesive artistic persona. Fans frequently reference his "Fear" performance as the turning point that proved idols could compete seriously in the underground rap scene without relying solely on their group's popularity.

Another notable fact is his ability to sing and rap simultaneously with complex flows, a skill that made him a standout contestant on Show Me the Money. Despite his fame, he remains relatively private about his romantic life, never confirming any relationships despite frequent fan speculation. His friendship with fellow entertainer Lee Seung-gi, formed through their shared appearances on variety shows, is one of the longest-lasting bonds in the Korean entertainment industry. [edit]

Song Min-ho maintains a close relationship with his family, though he keeps their identities largely out of the public eye. He has mentioned in interviews that his parents supported his artistic pursuits from a young age, encouraging his studies in visual design even as he pursued music. There are no publicly known siblings or extended family members who have entered the entertainment industry alongside him.

While he does not share details about his personal household, Mino is known to value his privacy regarding his living arrangements. He often speaks fondly of his bond with his fellow Winner members, describing them as more than just colleagues but as a second family. His close friendships with the cast of New Journey to the West also form a significant part of his social circle, providing a support system outside of his professional obligations. [edit]

Winner, MOBB, Lee Seung-gi, Bobby, Kang Ho-dong, Park Ji-yoon. [edit]

Song Min-ho maintains a notably private stance regarding his romantic life, and there are no confirmed reports of marriages, engagements, or long-term publicized dating relationships. While occasional rumors and fan speculation arise regarding potential partners, none have been substantiated by credible sources or confirmed by Mino himself. He has never publicly disclosed any children or serious relationships that lasted beyond brief periods.

As of late 2026, he is widely reported to be single. His closest personal connections appear to be platonic friendships with fellow entertainers, particularly his bandmates in Winner and the cast of New Journey to the West. These relationships are well-documented through their interactions on variety shows, but they remain strictly professional and friendly in nature. Mino has not indicated any intention to disclose personal details about his dating life in the near future. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research places Song Min-ho's net worth at approximately $4.2 million as of 2026. This estimate reflects his earnings from music royalties, concert tours, endorsement deals, acting roles, and variety show appearances. His wealth grew significantly following the success of his solo debut album XX and the massive sales of "Fiancé," which generated substantial digital revenue.

Before the 2026 legal controversy, Min-ho had secured several lucrative partnerships with fashion and beauty brands, contributing to his financial stability. The recent conviction involving his military service may have led to temporary pauses in some endorsement contracts, potentially affecting short-term income streams. Despite these challenges, his catalog of work from Winner, MOBB, and his solo projects continues to generate passive income through streaming and licensing. The estate management of his assets remains under his control, with ongoing efforts to resume active projects once the suspension period concludes. [edit]

Mino has received numerous accolades for his individual contributions to the music industry, including the Best Rapper Award at Show Me the Money 4 and multiple awards for his solo work. His single "Fiancé" earned him recognition at the Golden Disc Awards and Seoul Music Awards, solidifying his status as a successful solo artist. He also won the Solo Artist of the Year award at the Hanteo Music Awards in 2020. [edit]