Backlash Against Super Junior’s Leeteuk Following Concert Comments

The lead vocalist of Super Junior, the iconic Korean boy band, has faced intense criticism online after an incident during a concert in California involving President Donald Trump. Born Park John Sue, Leeteuk was part of a performance in the Los Angeles area, which was organized by the Korean record label SM Entertainment as part of a large-scale tour.

Reports indicate that Super Junior’s show included several comedic segments and offhand remarks. Leeteuk’s exclamation of “I Love Trump!” stirred controversy, though it remains unclear if this comment was intended as a joke or something more serious, since neither the band nor the record label has addressed it openly in the media.

As the concert concluded, footage surfaced online where a male voice, later identified in reports as Leeteuk, was heard enthusiastically proclaiming his love for various American things, including “Five Guys” and “In-N-Out.” Curiously, the context of these comments did not make it evident why Trump was mentioned, as he was not referenced elsewhere during the performance.

This concert was part of the SM Town 2025 world tour, celebrating the label’s 30th anniversary and showcasing popular K-Pop acts like Riize and Red Velvet. Super Junior, established in 2005, is among K-Pop’s longest-running groups, originally debuting with twelve members. Currently, the official lineup includes ten members and several spinoff groups.

The negative reactions were swift, with many fans feeling unsettled by Leeteuk’s comments. Some even speculated that he mistakenly stated “Trump” when he may have meant to say “Chipotle.” Reactions on social media ranged from disbelief to outrage, with one fan expressing their disappointment by saying they could no longer support the band if they endorsed such politics.

In response to the backlash, Leeteuk posted a video featuring his bandmates enjoying In-N-Out, drawing attention to his earlier remarks but failing to clarify his stance on Trump. Several commenters demanded an apology, reminding him that political discussions have no place in a space meant for enjoyment and celebration.

Super Junior remains one of the top acts under the SM label and has been involved in various online reality shows that highlight their interactions and hobbies. Over the past decade, K-Pop has significantly gained traction globally, with a dedicated fan base in the U.S. There have been instances where K-Pop intersects with American politics, notably when BTS visited the White House in May 2022 for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, and addressed anti-Asian racism.

However, BTS’s success has also led to tensions internationally, particularly with China, where state media have censored the band for their comments regarding the U.S. and the Korean War. These contradictions and the evolving landscape of K-Pop continue to highlight the complex relationship between music, celebrity, and politics.