Super Junior's Heechul, beloved for his humor and candor, recently shared an emotional revelation about a life-altering car accident from 2006 that left him with a disability diagnosis. The heartfelt confession came during an episode of SBS’s My Little Old Boy on January 12, where Heechul and fellow cast member Kim Jong Min visited a fortune teller, uncovering a deeply personal story he had never shared with fans before.

A Turning Point in His 20s

The fortune teller commented, “He lives a life of chance. He had a major turning point in his 20s.” Heechul then opened up, recalling the serious car accident that occurred during his early Super Junior days. “I had a serious car accident back then,” he shared, referring to the tragic incident while returning to Seoul after attending fellow member Donghae’s father’s funeral.

The fortune teller further warned Heechul about his health, saying, “Your body’s axis was damaged. You need to be cautious this July. Even in summer, be careful. If you fracture a bone or break something, you could truly become disabled.”

Revealing the Hidden Struggles

What shocked viewers most was Heechul’s calm admission: “I’ve never told anyone, but I actually have a disability rating.” He went on to explain that he had considered using a disability sticker for his car but ultimately decided against it. “I thought, ‘No, I should live more actively.’ So, I deliberately didn’t get the sticker and came back.”

Heechul also shared his emotional reasoning behind keeping the diagnosis from his fans. “I didn’t want to admit that my body was in pain. I thought if I overcame it, it’d be fine. I didn’t tell the fans because I thought they’d be sad hearing, ‘Your oppa got a disability rating.’”

A Mother’s Painful Memory

Heechul’s mother, who also appeared on the show, tearfully recounted the harrowing time. “He had gone to pay his respects at Donghae’s father’s funeral and was on his way back when the accident happened. Even now, thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.”

She revealed the severity of his injuries, sharing, “His bones were shattered, and his thigh bone was severely damaged. They had to insert a metal rod. The doctor said he wouldn’t be able to dance anymore, but after surgery, he was able to move—though the pain still makes it hard for him.”

Overcoming the Odds

In the accident, Heechul suffered fractures in his femur and ankle, requiring extensive surgery, including the insertion of seven metal rods. Despite a grim prognosis and months of rehabilitation, Heechul defied the odds by returning to perform on stage. However, he was diagnosed with a Grade 4 disability due to the lingering effects of the injuries.

Heechul’s bravery and resilience continue to inspire fans, as he proves that even in the face of pain, one can choose to live actively and wholeheartedly. His heartfelt revelations remind us of the strength it takes to overcome adversity and still pursue what you love.

Catch My Little Old Boy to see more touching moments and candid stories from Heechul and the cast.