Is SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu in Spain? Idol’s alleged whereabouts while serving mandatory military service in South Korea incites backlash

SEVENTEEN's Mingyu began his alternative military service on September 10, with the idol expected to spend this period fulfilling his national duty in South Korea. Yet, barely a month later, the conversation surrounding him online has taken a surprising turn, with speculation about his whereabouts threatening to overshadow his service.

On October 11, there were rumors that circulated on social media that Mingyu was in Spain. This led fans and netizens to question his status as a serving soldier and whether he was allowed to travel outside of South Korea. The rumors have caused controversy and have divided fans and netizens, as they question his location and actions.

Photos of Mingyu allegedly in Spain were posted online on X (formerly Twitter). The post gained enough traction that many started asking where the idol was. This post rasied questions as the singer had just started his alternative military service on September 10.

The alleged sighting on October 11 raised questions about whether Mingyu had received permission to travel overseas barely a month into his military service.

The discussion soon took a broader turn, with some netizens questioning whether celebrities completing mandatory military service receive special treatment compared to ordinary citizens. However, the circumstances surrounding Mingyu's alleged whereabouts remain unclear.

Mingyu is reportedly serving as a social service worker, a form of alternative military service in South Korea. Social service workers are not subject to a blanket ban on overseas travel, but international trips may require official authorisation and compliance with applicable regulations.

As a result, an alleged sighting abroad does not automatically establish a breach of military rules. Whether the reported trip was permitted depends on the circumstances and whether the necessary approval was obtained.

The circulating photos alone do not confirm Mingyu's whereabouts or establish any wrongdoing, leaving the claims surrounding the idol unverified.

As the posts gained more attention, fans espeically on X began asking how just one month into his enlisment he is already on a holiday. Other however, stood up for Mingyu, pointing out that even if the reports of seeing him abroad were true, that didn't necessarily mean he had done anything wrong.

Some argued that the idol shouldn't be criticised before the truth came out, questioning why he was being accused when the circumstances surrounding the photos were still unknown.

At the same time, the controversy highlights how those serving in the military can become subject to speculation, despite there being no proof in this case that Mingyu went to Spain or broke any rules.