Super Junior Leeteuk Asks People to Forgive Kangin: 'Self-Reflecting for 15 Years'
Ahead of his speculated comeback in the music scene, Super Junior's Leeteuk light-heartedly asked people to forgive Kangin during an event.
On May 26, Super Junior Ryeowook and former Tahiti Ari held their private wedding ceremony in Seoul. On the same day, several videos and photos were shared by their colleagues, friends, family, revealing that the Super Junior original lineup was present at the wedding, too, such as former members Kangin, Han Geng, Kibum, and Henry.
(Photo : Kangin (News1))
Who drew attention the most was Kangin, who, after the event, announced through Dear U Bubble that he would be joining the fan-communicating platform starting on May 28. With this, there are speculations that the idol plans to return to the entertainment scene after a lengthy hiatus.
Just then, Leeteuk's remark about Kangin during Ryeowook-Ari's wedding drew attention, as he apparently hinted at his comeback prior to the official news.
At the wedding reception, Super Junior decided to present Ari and the guests with the 2024 version of their megahit version, "Sorry, Sorry."
(Photo : Super Junior with Ari (@_kimiganaitara X))
Siwon was absent during the performance as he had to leave the wedding early due to a filming schedule, but Super Junior proceeded with the 8-member version, including Heechul.
Kangin then appeared and apologized for being late and drew laughter by going to his position in the version that he had originally included. But as the song already ended, Eunhyuk and Leeteuk teased him to go back to his seat.
Amid the cheerful atmosphere, leader Leeteuk openly talked about Kangin's hiatus from the group, which eventually led to a departure in a light-hearted manner. He said:
"You are meeting Kangin, who has spent more time self-reflecting than being active."
Leeteuk then asked people to forgive Kangin.
"I ask for your forgiveness. It was Kangin who had been active for only 5 years and was going through 15 years of self-reflection. Since it's such a happy and good day, let's embrace and love each other, so that Kangin can also make a living."
When this clip spread online, Korean ELFs reacted negatively.
- "Wasn’t he constantly causing trouble?”
- "He was even a nuisance at someone else’s wedding."
- "Isn’t he doing it because he deserved self-reflection?"
However, international ELFs were more accepting of the idol. They cheered for his future activities, with his speculated comeback in mind.
Kangin, a former member of Super Junior, was controversial for drunk driving on two occasions.
(Photo : Kangin (News1))
In 2009, he caused a triple collision involving two taxis. At the time, he got out of the car and ran away. On the same day, he was booked without detention on charges of hit-and-run while driving under the influence.
He had a temporary hiatus to self-reflect, and ELFs also decided to forgive him. He was able to return to Super Junior after his military service.
However, the fans' trust was broken once again after he was booked and fined for a second drunk driving traffic accident in 2016. His image was completely damaged after his assault incident in 2017.
He left the group in July 2019 due to suspicions of involvement in the "Burning Sun Gate" scandal, wherein his friend Jung Joon Young was arrested on charges of producing and distributing illegal video footage through a KakaoTalk group chat room.
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
