Ryeowook took to Instagram on October 7, stating, "I wanted to explain to ELF (Super Junior's fandom) about what happened."
He recalled, "As soon as the accident happened, I felt a lot of guilt towards the injured fans. I wondered if it was because I got too close to them or if I could have done something to prevent it."
Ryeowook admitted, "I'm not someone who thinks quickly. I felt foolish for freezing in shock. If my reaction seemed inadequate, I apologize."
It was reported that Ryeowook accompanied the injured fans to the hospital. He expressed gratitude, saying, "I talked a lot with the injured fans at the hospital. Despite their pain, they worried about me and apologized, which I won't forget."
Reflecting on the accident during their 20th-anniversary concert, Ryeowook shared, "In over 20 years of performing, this was the first time such an accident happened right in front of me. I'm grateful that the injuries weren't severe."
He added, "We need to keep meeting our ELF safely, so Super Junior will prioritize safety. Let's meet safely without anyone getting hurt."
The incident occurred on October 5 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul during the latter part of Super Junior's 20th-anniversary tour. As Ryeowook approached the audience, fans surged towards the fence, which collapsed when he reached out to them, causing some fans to fall from the stands.
Ryeowook, visibly shocked, held his head in his hands and turned away, momentarily frozen.
SM Entertainment stated, "A safety fence installed by us collapsed, causing three fans to fall and sustain injuries." The agency added, "The injured were immediately taken to the hospital for necessary examinations and treatment, requiring two weeks of rest and care for sprains and bruises."
SM plans to support the injured fans, stating, "We deeply apologize to the affected fans and their families. We will support their recovery and do our utmost until they are fully healed." They also acknowledged their responsibility as the concert organizer and committed to preventing similar incidents by enhancing safety checks and audience management.
By Dayeon Jeong, Ten Asia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr