Super Junior's Sungmin Opens Up About Marriage, Career Hiatus, and New Beginnings as a Trot Singer

Sungmin, a member of the popular K-pop group Super Junior, has opened up about his sudden marriage announcement in 2014.

On the special broadcast of KBS2's 'The Return of Superman' aired on the 7th, Sungmin appeared and reflected on his past. As a member of a top idol group, he chose love and marriage, which led to numerous rumors and a 10-year hiatus from his career. He became emotional as he recalled those times.

Sungmin shared, "I never opened up to anyone about my true feelings. Being the first idol to get married, I was worried about how fans would react. I was unsure how to announce it, but rumors and articles spread, and I couldn't respond." He continued, "As the rumors grew and I saw the negative comments, it felt like everyone was criticizing me. I couldn't say anything and stayed home. I was scared because I felt like I was losing my place, and I didn't know what else I could do besides being a singer."

He chose marriage to protect his wife, Kim Sa-eun, but this decision led to a long hiatus from his career. When Sungmin expressed his guilt about his wife becoming the breadwinner, Kim Sa-eun responded, "My husband must have had a harder time than I did. I felt sorry and upset for causing him trouble."

After a decade, Sungmin found new hope with the birth of his son, Doyoon(도윤), and began preparing for a new chapter as a trot singer. Despite his passion, he didn't achieve great success in competitions. Determined to improve, he spent four years learning from trot composer Lee Ho-seop.

After completing his lessons, Sungmin returned home and dedicated himself to preparing for an upcoming performance on 'Korea Sings.' He also showed his skills as a devoted father, spending time with his son and preparing meals for him.

A few days later, Sungmin performed as a rookie trot singer on 'Korea Sings,' singing his heart out despite the heavy rain to support his fans. He expressed his hopes, saying, "I hope the day comes when Doyoon grows up and tells me my performance was cool. Although I'm a 20-year veteran, I'm starting anew as a rookie trot singer. I hope people don't hate me too much and show me love and support."

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr