Shindong Spills Super Junior Secrets on ‘Radio Star’
On MBC’s ‘Radio Star’, Super Junior’s Shindong had fans laughing, gasping, and nodding in solidarity as he delivered a whirlwind recap of life as a veteran K-pop idol. Celebrating 20 years with the group, the multi-talented performer opened up about everything from unexpected overseas fan encounters to hard truths about idol health. The episode was part of the show’s tongue-in-cheek ‘All Chunky Project’ special, which also featured Seo Jang-hoon, Shin Giru, and Na Sun-wook.
“They Recognized My Body, Not My Face”
Kicking things off on a hilarious note, Shindong recalled a fan encounter while traveling abroad. With a surgical mask and sunglasses on, he thought he’d successfully gone incognito. Nope. “They saw my silhouette and knew immediately — ‘That’s Super Junior!’” he laughed. “They didn’t even clock my face — just my build.”
It was a classic Shindong anecdote: self-deprecating, honest, and painfully relatable for any long-time idol trying to navigate fame and the loss of anonymity. The studio burst into laughter, cementing his reputation as an elite variety show guest.
Behind the Scenes of LSS: Leeteuk, Shindong, and Siwon
Shindong also pulled back the curtain on LSS, a special unit made up of Leeteuk, Shindong, and Siwon. The trio, known for their stage chemistry and hilarious offscreen antics, surprised fans with their laid-back mini-projects. Shindong teased the unit’s dynamics, revealing quirks about his bandmates and even shared that he once felt slighted by Na Sun-wook during their time filming together.
It wasn’t all jokes: “We’re still learning how to balance being idols and being ourselves on-camera,” he said, speaking to the nuanced professionalism it takes to thrive in both music and variety entertainment.
Surgeries and Setbacks: Idol Life Isn’t Always Glamorous
In a more serious moment, Shindong reflected on the physical toll of K-pop stardom, candidly revealing that he’s undergone surgery due to medical issues exacerbated by intense schedules. “I’ve had to go under the knife,” he shared. Although he didn’t dive into specifics, the revelation stunned both the Radio Star hosts and fellow guests.
MCs like Seo Jang-hoon responded supportively, calling Shindong a powerhouse of strength with “the build of a natural-born wrestler.” It was a sobering reminder behind the high-octane life of K-pop idols—offstage, many are quietly battling through pain and pressure.
The Secret Behind That Missing Jawline Pose
Ever wonder how K-pop idols manage to create that impossibly snatched photo angle? Shindong’s got you. Demonstrating one of his go-to poses for photo shoots, he quipped, “If the face looks slimmer, people think you’ve lost weight—even if you haven’t.”
But there was a catch, of course: “It’s not so flattering from the side,” he warned, sending the studio into another round of giggles. It’s peak Shindong—self-aware, clever, and not afraid to pull back the curtain on the tricks of the idol trade.
Why Shindong’s Honesty Hit Home for Fans
From lighthearted laughs to heartfelt confessions, Shindong’s appearance embodied the spirit of a seasoned performer who’s grown up in—and with—the K-pop industry. With Super Junior now marking two decades in the business, episodes like this feel like nostalgic homecomings for fans around the globe.
Fans took to social media to praise Shindong’s candor:
- “This is why he’s the variety king. Always real, always hilarious.”
- “20 years and still one of the most entertaining idols in the game.”
- “Shindong talking about the toll on idols’ health hits different now.”
With the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, idols like Shindong—funny, fearless, and unfiltered—continue to be touchstones of authenticity. Here’s to 20 years of Super Junior, and hopefully many more stories left to tell.
FAQs
What is LSS in Super Junior?
LSS is a sub-unit of Super Junior consisting of Leeteuk, Shindong, and Siwon. Known for their charm and synergy, the trio has taken on both musical and variety-based projects together.
Why was Shindong on ‘Radio Star’?
Shindong appeared on MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ to celebrate Super Junior’s 20th anniversary and take part in the “All Chunky Project” special, alongside other celebrities known for their larger-than-life personalities.
Did Shindong talk about health issues?
Yes, Shindong revealed he’d undergone surgery previously due to health concerns, highlighting the physical pressures idols often face behind the scenes.
