The idol commented that he would prefer to promote outside of Korea.
The dark side of K-Pop culture has arrived Super Junior‘S Leeteuk? Based on his raw and honest comments about Korea and Koreans in his latest live broadcast, that appears to be the case.
On November 26, 2024 (KST), the veteran idol got his YouTube channel and held a 90-minute live broadcast, chatting with his fans on the platform. About halfway through, as we speak Super Junior-LSS (a subunit composed of Leeteuk himself, ShindongAND Siwon), Leeteuk mentioned the possibility of promoting outside of Korea.
He then explained that his being attracted to Japan and other non-Korean countries has a lot to do with what he thinks of the Korean market and Korean audiences.
Leeteuk: I want to organize solo fanmeeting, and I keep looking at Japan and abroad, I feel more comfortable there, the Korean market is scary, I’m more afraid of Korean, it’s just that kind of feeling where you want to go where the people applaud. pic.twitter.com/CmLzi0XDSg
— M. (@itsxelf_) November 25, 2024
After the 20th anniversary of Super Junior, there will probably be some LSS stuff too. But I also want to try organizing solo fan meetups or events again. I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do after the 20th anniversary. But since these concern the future, I cannot yet give you specific details or commitments.
The point, however, is this. The reason why I am led to do more activities abroad, like in Japan, is that I have this certain fear of the Korean market. It’s not recent. Even in the past I’ve always found it a little intimidating. For example, what if I were to release a solo song and go to music shows alone…? Just the thought of doing it gives me this feeling of rejection.
If people could just accept and appreciate me for who I am, I would feel more comfortable. But I worry, like, “What if I go out there and Koreans criticize me?” Personally, I find Koreans to be the scariest. That’s why I feel more comfortable focusing on concerts and performances, especially in places like Japan or other Asian countries. Performing in a group or even as a soloist abroad seems less stressful to me.
— Leeteuk
Leeteuk made it clear that he holds no ill will towards Korea, but that, because of what he experienced, he feels it “uncomfortable” promote in Korea.
It’s not that I hate Korea: after all, I’m Korean too. But maybe because I’m Korean, I find Korea a little uncomfortable. As a singer with 20 years of experience, I feel uncomfortable appearing solo in music shows in Korea. I don’t want to hear things like, “Does he still do musical shows?” or whatever. This type of perception makes me uncomfortable.
It’s different when people recognize my efforts, like, “Wow, even after all these years, he has kept himself in great shape and is doing so well.” Of course there are people who view me positively in this way. But there’s also a part of me that worries that some of them think, “He’s so old, why is he still like this?” So I guess it’s natural for me, as a person, to want to go to a place where I feel more appreciated, regardless of my nationality.
— Leeteuk
The idol also said that fear also led him to isolate himself and keep his distance. According to the live broadcast, his current wish is to keep his life on the down low and live in peace and quiet, which is what he has been doing as of late.
Honestly, the thought of trying something new on my own in Korea now seems really scary and daunting. I just want to stick with what I’ve done well, things like hosting variety shows, broadcasts or concerts, keeping it stable and safe. I’ve been hurt too many times in the past to laugh about it like I used to. Now I really want to live a peaceful life. I just want people to look at me and say: “Oh, he’s fine,” OR, “Oh, he’s still alive” and let’s leave it alone. I really want to live peacefully. It’s so scary.
Even today, while I was doing my makeup, I talked to my makeup artist and said: ‘I feel so scared lately. I feel like I shouldn’t do anything. I shouldn’t meet anyone. I should just go play golf and come straight home.’ And they replied: “Well, you don’t drink, so at least you avoided a risky activity.” I said, “It is true” but then they mentioned, ‘But people often play golf, have lunch together, drink and socialise. Don’t you?’ I said, «No, I don’t know. I either leave right after playing or go straight to my next show.’
They told me “It seems like you’re keeping yourself too isolated. It is why are you too afraid of what hasn’t happened yet?’ Maybe they are. Honestly, I’m terrified. The world is not an easy place to navigate, and as I get older, the fear continues to grow. I just want to live more peacefully. I don’t want to do anything else. I don’t want to meet anyone new. I guess getting older turns me into a coward? Yes.
— Leeteuk
Even though he tried to make light of his message, it came full of emotion. As the message circulated online, fans of Super Junior and Leeteuk expressed support for the idol, calling out the “Korean Toxicity” this made the idol feel this way.
Watch the full live broadcast here:
