Kim Hee-chul, rather than making excuses for the controversy, 'faces it head-on'

“I won’t say that I will find my original intention.”

Super Junior's Kim Hee-chul chose to 'address head-on' the recent controversy surrounding him. The problem was solved through action rather than explanations that could easily be seen as excuses. Kim Hee-chul marks his 19th year in the entertainment industry this year. Correct judgment of the situation regarding the problem is changing ‘negative public opinion.’

Kim Hee-chul expressed his thoughts on the 6th on the 18th anniversary of his debut. Kim Hee-chul said on his SNS, "It's been 18 years since I debuted. Time flies so quickly."

He continued, "I remember handing out flyers since I was in high school, working at a factory, a bar, a swimming pool, a meat restaurant... and then coming to SM in the winter when I was 20 after working many part-time jobs. I always lived happily and cheerfully, but after becoming a celebrity, I lived even happier. “I received so much love that I thought, ‘Is this okay?’” he said.

He concluded his post by saying, "I won't say, 'I'll find my original intention!'" and "Kim Hee-chul in his 20s was more sane than he is now... Anyway, I'm just going around saying that I'm really grateful and that I love him."

Kim Heechul debuted as a member of Super Junior in 2005. For nearly 20 years, I have been actively working as a singer as well as in broadcasting. There has been a lot of criticism directed at Kim Hee-chul recently. He calmly overcame it and greeted his fans in a professional manner.

Kim Hee-chul's beliefs that he revealed on an Internet broadcast became a problem. Kim Hee-chul strongly criticized the 'school violence controversy' that has currently erupted in the entertainment industry. The remarks he made, including profanity, were incongruent with his past thaw.

While denying 'school violence', he served as officiant at the wedding of a YouTuber who actually caused the school violence issue. Additionally, Kangin's comments defending the drunk driving and assault controversy also raised the level of criticism from people. This is because it was contrary to the atmosphere of the fandom that had issued a statement demanding the expulsion of Kangin Super Junior at the time.

Photos and sentences in chat apps that communicate directly with fans became a problem. He used profanity towards some overseas fans, took pictures in front of a nightclub, and openly shared his private life with fans. Some fans pointed out that Kim Hee-chul's actions were 'fan deception.'

Controversies erupted one after another, but there was no explanation. Afterwards, Kim Heechul regretted his mistakes through his actions. This is also reflected in his donation of 100 million won to eradicate school violence and his thoughts on the 18th anniversary of his debut. He expressed his apologies to his fans for his past actions when he was in his 20s.

In addition, he showed a change through action rather than the excuse of 'beginners'. Celebrities are a profession that deals with the public. This is probably wisdom that comes from Kim Hee-chul's long entertainment career. Kim Hee-chul presented his own solution to the numerous controversies surrounding him.

Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr