Super Junior’s beloved “Universe Star” Heechul recently opened up about the emotional decision behind his departure from the long-running variety show ‘Knowing Bros’ after an incredible 11 years. His candid revelation, shared in a recent YouTube video, sheds light on the dedication and professionalism deeply ingrained in the K-Pop and broadcast industries, offering fans a rare glimpse into the tough choices idols face.
Heechul’s ‘Knowing Bros’ Exit: The Real Story
The insights came during a recent video uploaded to the YouTube channel ‘Egennam Swings,’ titled “The universe star Kim Heechul, who almost became the first idol to participate in a control diss battle.” During the discussion, Heechul was directly asked about his reasons for stepping down from the iconic show.
Heechul explained the challenging schedule conflicts he faced. “‘Knowing Bros’ records every Thursday,” he began. “Last year, while Super Junior was holding their 20th anniversary tour, our concerts were usually held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Because of that, there were times when I hadt to miss ‘Knowing Bros’ recordings on Thursdays, or the team had to record twice because of me.” This commitment to Super Junior’s milestone tour, a significant event for E.L.F.s worldwide, clearly took precedence, highlighting his unwavering dedication to his group and its fans.
The Kang Ho Dong Influence
Delving deeper into the core reason, Heechul attributed much of his decision-making process to the profound influence of his co-star and veteran entertainer, Kang Ho Dong. He elaborated, “Ho Dong hyung’s mindset has always been that viewers come first. He is someone who believes that whether I’m tired, have a broken leg, or have a cold, the most important thing is maintaining trust with the viewers.” This powerful principle, emphasized by Ho Dong, resonated deeply with Heechul, shaping his own approach to broadcasting.
Showing his immense respect for the senior entertainer, Heechul added, “After meeting Ho Dong hyung, my own mindset about broadcasting changed a lot.” This statement underscores the profound impact experienced entertainers can have on their juniors, instilling a strong sense of responsibility.
Heechul then shared one of Kang Ho Dong’s most memorable and frequently mentioned sayings, a testament to his unwavering professionalism. He recalled, “When it’s 4 AM, everyone starts getting sleepy, but Ho Dong hyung says, ‘No. It’s 4 AM for us, but for the viewers, it’s 6 PM.'” This saying encapsulates the dedication required in the entertainment world, reminding everyone that while the crew might be exhausted, the audience is just starting their viewing experience.
He continued, “After hearing that, I realized he was absolutely right.” This realization cemented Heechul’s resolve to prioritize the show’s integrity and his fellow cast members, ultimately leading to his departure to avoid inconveniencing the production.
Early Super Junior Earnings Revealed
In other news from the same candid discussion, Heechul also spoke about the financial realities of Super Junior’s early activities, a topic often of interest to long-time K-Pop fans curious about the industry’s inner workings. When Jang Ji Soo asked, “Was it divided into 13 parts? That must have been really difficult,” Heechul responded with refreshing honesty, “Back then, honestly, every time we appeared on broadcasts, we were actually losing money. We didn’t earn more than other groups, but we did make enough to live on.” This provides a captivating glimpse into the challenging beginnings even for a legendary group like Super Junior, highlighting the passion over profit mentality that often drives idols in their early careers.
