Leeteuk, the leader of Super Junior, recently shared a surprising story about his early career, revealing that he once confessed his feelings to fellow SM Entertainment artist Dana and nearly faced expulsion from the company as a result. The incident, which even longtime bandmate Kim Heechul didn’t know about, sheds light on the strict dating policies and personal struggles idols faced during their trainee and early debut days.
Leeteuk, whose real name is Park Jeong-su, debuted with Super Junior in 2005 and has since become one of K-pop’s most recognizable figures. However, his journey wasn’t without its challenges. During a candid discussion, he recalled the time he developed feelings for Dana, a member of the girl group The Grace, and how his actions almost cost him his career.
“I was young and impulsive. I liked Dana sunbaenim, and I thought expressing it was the right thing to do. But SM had strict rules, and I was almost removed from the group,” Leeteuk admitted.
Dana, who debuted as a solo artist in 2001 before joining The Grace in 2005, was one of SM’s senior artists at the time. Leeteuk’s confession reportedly caused tension within the company, as trainee and artist relationships were heavily discouraged. The situation escalated to the point where SM’s management considered removing him from Super Junior’s lineup before their official debut.
Interestingly, even Kim Heechul, known for his close friendship with Leeteuk and his outspoken nature, was unaware of this incident until recently.
“I’ve known Teukie for years, but he never told me this story. It’s funny because we usually share everything, but I guess some things stay hidden,” Heechul commented during a variety show appearance.
This revelation adds to the long list of behind-the-scenes stories about the pressures and personal sacrifices idols make in their careers. SM Entertainment, like many K-pop agencies, has historically enforced strict no-dating clauses, especially for rookie idols, to maintain their public image and focus on their careers.
Leeteuk’s near-expulsion highlights how seriously these rules were taken. Fortunately, he was given a second chance and went on to lead Super Junior to global success. The group has since become one of the most influential acts in K-pop, with hits like “Sorry, Sorry” and “Mr. Simple.”
Dana, meanwhile, continued her career as a singer and actress before leaving SM Entertainment in 2020. She has remained relatively private about her personal life, and it’s unclear how she reacted to Leeteuk’s confession at the time.
This story also ties into broader discussions about the dating bans and personal freedoms of K-pop idols. While some agencies have relaxed these policies in recent years, many idols still face scrutiny and backlash for dating publicly. Leeteuk’s experience serves as a reminder of the industry’s past rigidity and how much has changed—or hasn’t—since then.
Fans have reacted with a mix of surprise and sympathy, with many expressing admiration for Leeteuk’s honesty.
“It’s crazy to think how different Super Junior could have been if SM had actually kicked him out,” one fan tweeted.
Others pointed out how common it was for trainees and young idols to develop crushes but rarely act on them due to company restrictions.
Leeteuk’s openness about his past struggles has also sparked conversations about mental health in the K-pop industry. He has previously spoken about his battles with depression and the pressures of being a leader in one of the most demanding entertainment sectors.
Credits: Wikipedia, SM Town Wiki, Daum
