In a recent appearance on Jo Hyun Ah's Thursday Night, Super Junior members Heechul and Yesung engaged in a candid discussion about their enduring careers in the K-pop industry, their evolving appearances over time, and the struggle to maintain the image of youthful idols.

With both artists now in their forties, having debuted in 2005, they reflected on the passage of time and the changes it has brought to their lives.

The Distinction Between Job and Life

Heechul reminisced about his twenties, a time when he looked at his reflection with sheer delight, and each stage performance filled him with joy and a sense of self-love.

However, as the years have passed, Heechul has noticed an evolution in his perception. He confessed that while he still finds moments of self-adoration, they are often tinged with embarrassment.

"When I was in my twenties, I wanted to kiss myself whenever I looked in the mirror. And every time we performed, I was so happy, and found myself so lovely. But now as I get older, I still do that, but I get embarrassed. It's so embarrassing,"

He went on to commend his fellow Super Junior members for their dedication to maintaining their youthful idol image as they navigate their forties.

However, Heechul disclosed that his desires diverge from theirs. While the others continue to prioritize their idol appearance, Heechul yearns for a different path.

"The members are so cool. They're in their forties now. But it's not easy for them to manage themselves [as well as they do]. It's unbelievable. This is where Yesung and I clash.

Yesung feels that even though we may be in our forties, fifties, or even sixties, since we debuted as idols, we have to maintain ourselves like idols. But I want to stray from being an idol,"

READ ALSO: Super Junior Heechul Reveals What's Stopping Him To Get Married 

For Heechul, being an idol is merely a job, not an all-encompassing way of life. This distinction is crucial, as it elucidates his perspective on the passage of time and the natural changes in his appearance.

"Being an idol is only my job. It's not my life. We talked about this a lot. And it's not easy [to maintain my looks]. Because the visuals that the fans loved would have been from when I was in my twenties, but I can't maintain that. It would be possible if I cut off alcohol and carbs, but I don't have the confidence to do that. I feel like I'd lose my happiness,"

Indeed, the life of an idol is demanding, and the challenge of preserving one's youthful appearance becomes increasingly complex as time marches on. The pressures of maintaining a specific image while battling the natural effects of aging are evident.

Nevertheless, Heechul's fans are sure to stand by him, supporting his choices and admiring his honesty as he embarks on this new phase of his career and life.

READ ALSO: Super Junior Heechul 'Dissed' Himself? Idol's Remark About Drinking, Cursing Draws Attention 

Follow and subscribe to KpopStarz for more news.
KpopStarz own this article.
Cassidy Jones wrote this.