Super Junior: A Legacy Marred by Scandals, with One Member’s 15-Year Struggle for Forgiveness

Super Junior debuted in 2005 and quickly became a top 2nd gen K-pop boy group with iconic hit songs like “U,” “Sorry, Sorry,” “Mr. Simple,” “Bonamana,” and “Mamacita.” Initially, Super Junior was a project group with members graduating annually and new members being added. However, thanks to their huge success, fans pressured the company to make Super Junior a permanent group.

Since then, Super Junior has continuously achieved impressive results throughout their career, rising to the top of K-pop 2nd generation. Although they no longer maintain the same level of popularity as they did during their peak, every Super Junior release still receives support from loyal fans.

Aside from their success, Super Junior members have faced numerous controversies over the years. Nearly 20 years since their debut, from the original 13-member lineup, Super Junior is now active with only nine members.

Kangin

In 2009, Kangin was investigated by the police for driving under the influence. He collided with two taxis and fled the scene before turning himself in. Kangin’s blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit, leading to a fine of 8 million KRW (approximately $5,880 USD). Prior to this, he had been involved in a fight at a bar.

Kangin has spent 15 years self-reflecting. Despite his bandmates asking for forgiveness on his behalf, the public can’t forgive him. On May 24, 2017, Kangin again became the focus of criticism when he was investigated for drunk driving and crashing into a streetlamp, causing significant damage. He was also accused of assaulting his girlfriend. Kangin was released after receiving a warning from the police and being separated from his girlfriend. Since the victim decided not to press charges, the incident was not further investigated.

Kangin’s last appearance with Super Junior was in the album “Sexy, Free & Single” in 2012. However, due to scandals, Kangin announced his departure from the group in 2019 after 14 years.

Recently, during Ryeowook’s wedding, leader Leeteuk asked guests to forgive Kangin for his past mistakes: “Everyone, this is Kangin, who has spent more time reflecting on his mistakes than promoting. Please forgive him; he has been remorseful for 15 years while only being active for 5 years. On a joyful and wonderful day like this, please show him more love so he can continue to live.” Despite Leeteuk’s plea, netizens are unwilling to forgive Kangin.

Currently, Kangin is working as a YouTuber and has recently set up a paid account on social media to connect with his fans.

Sungmin

Once a fan-favorite of Super Junior, Sungmin got in hot water in 2014 when he abruptly announced his marriage. His actions at that time were criticized as irresponsible since the group’s concerts and schedules were ongoing.

The boycott against Sungmin peaked when fans discovered he had disrespected them by giving gifts meant for fans to his girlfriend, leaving concert rehearsals midway, and neglecting group promotions to prepare for his wedding with Kim Sa Eun. Due to these controversies, Sungmin had to halt activities with Super Junior in 2015. 

Heechul

On February 9, 2023, Heechul participated in a live broadcast with BJ Choi. During the broadcast, Heechul, seemingly drunk, made several controversial remarks. BJ Choi had to turn off the mic at one point due to a particularly sensitive comment from Heechul.

During the livestream, Heechul displayed a questionable attitude while discussing his past charity work: “I donate a lot but keep it to myself and don’t tell anyone. It’s fine if others don’t know, but those people from the Women’s Generation forum are really ***.”

The Women’s Generation community includes many feminist supporters. In the past, posts on this community had upset Heechul, leading to his frustration. He also criticized “catmoms” in Korea, a group of women aged 20-40 who feed and rescue stray cats and dogs.

Heechul also casually admitted to skipping group schedules to hang out with friends. He revealed that he missed Super Junior’s performance at the ASIAD 2018 closing ceremony to attend a friend’s birthday party. At the time, SM announced Heechul’s absence was due to health issues. When Heechul clarified the situation himself, netizens accused him of being unprofessional and deceiving fans.

Siwon

In October 2017, Siwon was involved in a shocking scandal: his family’s dog bit the CEO of a restaurant, who died six days later from sepsis. Two years after the scandal closed, Siwon finally publicly apologized at a movie press conference.

He bowed and apologized: “I have realized that I need to be more careful when facing past incidents, everything related to them, and myself. I sincerely apologize for causing so many people to worry.”

When the scandal broke out, Siwon personally visited the victim’s family to apologize. The CEO’s sister confirmed that her family had forgiven Siwon and his family. Nevertheless, the incident continued to cause controversy for a long time, leading Siwon to halt many activities for two years.

Source: k14