After nearly a decade away from the spotlight, Super Junior’s Sungmin has finally spoken out about his absence. In a recent episode of KBS2’s The Return of Superman, he revealed the emotional turmoil he went through and why he still feels he “lost his place” in the group.
His honesty gives fans a rare, intimate look at the struggles behind K-pop fame and the weight of expectations.
Sungmin’s Hiatus: The Marriage That Changed Everything
Sungmin first caused a stir in 2014 when he confirmed his relationship with actress Kim Sa-eun, and later tied the knot in December of that year.
That decision triggered intense backlash from some fans. In the show, he admitted that he feared how fans would react, and once rumors began to swirl, he didn’t know how to respond. Overwhelmed by negative comments, he gradually withdrew from the conversation. “I was scared because singing was the only thing I knew how to do,” he confessed.
His wife shared that she felt deep guilt, knowing he had suffered much more in silence.
Feeling Like He Had No Place
One of Sungmin’s most poignant lines on the show was, “I thought I was losing my place.”
During the hiatus, he said he often felt like he had no footing in the entertainment world. When criticism mounted, he described staying home, unable to face fans or the public.
His explanation landed differently among fans. Some praised his vulnerability and courage. Others criticized him, saying he was “victimizing” himself and deflecting responsibility.
New Chapter: Trot and Fatherhood
Despite the darkness, Sungmin found a light. He and his wife welcomed their first child, Lee Do-yoon, in September 2024 — a moment he called transformative.
That shift in perspective gave him the motivation to return to music, this time as a trot singer. Over the course of four years, he trained under veteran trot composer Lee Ho-seop, rebuilding his voice from the ground up.
On the show, we saw scenes of him balancing rehearsal with childcare. His performance on the National Singing Contest in the rain — for a small but devoted crowd — was filled with raw emotion and gratitude.
He said, “I’ve been a singer for 20 years, but I’m starting again from zero. Please don’t hate me. See me as a new artist and give me your support.”
A Fresh Break from SM Entertainment
In April 2025, Sungmin’s contract with SM Entertainment ended after 20 years.
The company issued a statement expressing gratitude for his time there and said they would continue to support his music path forward.
This separation marks a new beginning. Now he is free to shape his career on his terms.
What His Return Means
Sungmin’s return is not just about music. It’s about healing, owning his narrative, and balancing life as an artist and father. His story resonates beyond K-pop. Many idols and artists face scrutiny when their personal life intersects with their public images. Seeing him confront that head-on offers hope to others who’ve felt lost.
He doesn’t promise an instant comeback to Super Junior’s main stage. But his honesty builds bridges. Whether fans accept him or not, he’s moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Sungmin’s decade-long silence was not empty. It was filled with fear, self-doubt, and moments of retreat. But it also held growth, fatherhood, and rediscovery. Now, he stands before us again — not as the same idol, but as someone with deeper scars and a renewed spirit.
Stay updated on this evolving journey and more stories from the K-pop and K-drama world. Check out Saranghero for the latest news and features.