In K-pop, it's normal for an idol to use a stage name, or a pseudonym while promoting. Usually, a company would suggest a nickname, and they along with the idol will agree on what to choose. SM Entertainment's founder, producer, and former CEO has helped numerous idols select their stage names. While some are well-loved, there were some that were so odd that the idols chose not to use it.
Here are some of the weirdest stage names Lee Soo Man wanted to give his idols!
1. H.O.T's Tony Ahn
Tony Ahn debuted as a member of the veteran K-pop group H.O.T in 1996. He was born as Ahn Seung Ho and adopted the stage name Tony Ahn for promotions, and continues to use the name. While he was part of the group, Tony Ahn was known for his cute and sweet image, which garnered him a fanbase in the industry.
Prior to selecting Tony Ahn, Lee Soo Man actually wanted the idol to use "Pickle" as his stage name to match his fresh image.
2. Super Junior's Shindong
Shindong was born Shin Dong Hee and uses Shindong for his entertainment career. He debuted as a member of Super Junior in 2005 and went on to debut in the sub-units Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H.
While selecting his stage name, Lee Soo Man wanted to include "Dong" from his birth name. He first suggested "Woodong", which is udon in Korean, as it suited his chubby round image. Shindong disagreed, which led Lee Soo Man to suggest "Dongchoon", the name of a Korean circus group.
Shindong then suggested his current stage name, but Lee Soo Man thought "Shindon" would be better. However, a drama titled "Shin Don" was being aired at the time. Because of that, Shindong was able to go with the stage name he wanted.
3. Super Junior's Leeteuk
Leeteuk was born Park Jeong Su and debuted with Super Junor in 2005, subsequently debuting in the sub-units Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H.
Before selecting Leeteuk as his stage name, Lee Soo Man wanted his stage name to be "Kangsoo", which means "precipitation". With the name, Lee Soo Man wanted Leeteuk to bring rain to the music industry. Leeteuk was not happy with the name and requested for the name to be changed. Lee Soo Man then suggested "Shin Ee", which means "child sent by God".
Stil not pleased, Leeteuk chose his current stage name, which means "this special child".
ALSO READ : These K-Pop Idols Are Also Exceptional Chefs
4. Super Junior's Kyuhyun
Kyuhyun goes by his birth first name, with his whole name being Cho Kyuhyun. He debuted as Super Junior's new member in 2006 and has since debuted with Super Junior-K.R.Y and Super Junior-M, as well as a soloist.
When selecting a name to promote with, Lee Soo Man thought that his name, Kyuhyun, was too difficult to promote and suggested "Gwihyun", which means "precious". It was suggested to him because Kyuhyun is a "special child". Kyuhyun's manager was actually the one to tell Lee Soo Man no!
5. EXO's Baekhyun
Baekhyun debuted with his birth first name, with his whole name being Byun Baekhyun. He debuted in EXO in 2012 and would later debut in the sub-unit EXO-CBX. He debuted as a soloist in 2019 and as the leader of SuperM.
One of the stage names suggested to Baekhyun for his debut was "Gwan Woo", or "Guan Yu", which is the name of a Chinese general. He chose to go with his birth name, instead!
ALSO READ: These K-Pop Music Videos Were Actually All One Takes
6. EXO's Sehun
Sehun debuted with his birth first name, with his whole name being Oh Sehun. Sehun debuted with EXO in 2012 and would later debut in the EXO sub-unit EXO-SC. He is also active as an actor and ambassador to many luxury brands.
Sehun could have debuted with the stage name "Se Wool", which sounds similar to Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
Do you like any of the could-have-been stage names? Tell us in the comments below!
