ELFs (as Super Junior’s fans are lovingly known), we have some sad news for you.
Lee Sungmin (이성민) has announced that he will not be taking part in Super Junior’s (슈퍼주니어) upcoming album. In a statement posted on Instagram, the idol member apologised to fans and asked them to support the group’s comeback.
His full letter reads (translated by All Kpop):
“Hello, this is Sungmin. I’m writing to you all for the first time in a while because of various situations. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for causing worry to so many fans. There has been a lot of negative talk about me recently, but it was a situation I couldn’t act alone on. I’m sorry for the late response.
When I look back on when I was preparing for marriage, I don’t think I was considerate or truthful to the fans who’ve loved me for over 10 years now. I think I should’ve communicated more with my fans, who were hurt due to rumours and misunderstandings.
When I was in serving in the army, I always looked forward to promoting with Super Junior once again. However, I really want the next album to do well, so I decided to withdraw from their promotions. As a Super Junior member, I want my group to receive love for a long time. In light of ongoing controversies, I feel my decision to step away for this album is the best for the group.
I feel very sorry to the fans who’ve loved and supported me, but I think I need to work harder and have more time to reflect on myself. I ask ELF to support Super Junior’s comeback.”
31-year-old Sungmin made his debut as a member of Super Junior in 2005 and although they quickly became one of the most popular boy groups in the industry, he was thrown into a negative light when he suddenly got married with actress Kim Sa Eun in 2014. The singer joined the army shortly after that. Due to his married status, many ELFs want him to be withdrawn from Super Junior’s long-awaited comeback.
In a statement, Label SJ said that the agency will respect Sungmin’s decision and support him in all other ways. They shared, “Super Junior are a group created with member flexibility in mind, and they’ve received a lot of love due to their new and different units of groups. Currently, Super Junior are preparing with the goal to release their comeback album this October, and the company is doing its best for Super Junior to have more developed promotions than previously.”
In other news, it was reported that Sungmin and Kangin, who was charged with DUI last year, will join the upcoming “SMTOWN Live World Tour VI” concerts in Korea and Japan.
Super Junior’s comeback will include 7 members: Lee Teuk, Kim Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Lee Dong Hae, and Choi Siwon.
What do you think of Sungmin’s withdrawal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
