The Famous Kpop Idol Who Was Given A Disability Rating Due To A Car Accident Reveals Why He Hid It From Fans
Super Junior’s Kim Heechul revealed that he has been classified with a disability rating and explained why he did it.
On the January 12 episode of SBS’s My Little Old Boy, Kim Heechul and Kim Jongmin visited a shaman for a fortune reading.
During the session, the shaman said to Heechul, “You’re living a life on borrowed time. You faced a major life-threatening event in your 20s, which left your body significantly impacted.” This referenced Kim Heechul’s 2006 car accident in his 20s, which resulted in a severe femur fracture.
The shaman further warned Heechul to be cautious about physical activities this summer, saying, “If you suffer another injury, it could lead to a permanent disability. You need to be careful. Even lying down now would require three weeks of recovery.”
Kim Heechul cautiously opened up, sharing, “This hasn’t been publicly mentioned, but I’ve actually been classified with a disability rating.” He explained that he received this classification following the 2006 accident but chose not to discuss it on broadcasts.
He elaborated, “I was issued a disability rating and was eligible for a disabled parking sticker. I once went to get the sticker with my manager but decided against it, thinking, ‘I need to live more actively.’ I didn’t want to acknowledge my physical limitations. That was almost ten years ago.”
His mother, who was watching the segment, became emotional as she recalled the incident. “At the time, he had a busy schedule. He was traveling alone after a shoot and got into an accident. It was terrifying. Thinking about it even now brings tears to my eyes,” she said.
She added, “He’s okay now, but after performing on stage, his legs would hurt so much. During the accident, his ankle was completely crushed, and his femur was severely damaged, requiring metal implants. The doctor had said he might never dance again, but thanks to immediate surgery, he recovered. Still, the pain has been a constant struggle.”
The revelation moved viewers, shedding light on Kim Heechul’s resilience and determination despite enduring significant challenges.
Source: (A)
