Super Junior's Kangin makes first public appearance in 7 years amid comeback speculation

Kangin, a former member of K-pop group Super Junior who stepped away from the spotlight following a series of controversies including drunk-driving hit-and-run incidents and assault, is set to make his first official public appearance in about seven years, drawing speculation about a potential comeback.

Kangin is scheduled to attend the Greedilous show at the 2027 S/S Seoul Fashion Week, held Friday at World Park in Lotte World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul. He is also expected to appear at the photo wall event ahead of the show, stepping in front of press cameras.

The appearance marks the first time Kangin has shown up at an official domestic public event since leaving Super Junior in 2019.

Kangin debuted with Super Junior in 2005 and built a following not only as a singer but also as a witty personality on variety programs.

His troubles began in 2009, when he became embroiled in an assault incident after a confrontation with a drunk patron at a bar.

A month later, in October 2009, he caused a drunk-driving hit-and-run accident, for which he was fined. He then suspended his activities as a gesture of contrition and entered mandatory military service.

After completing his service, Kangin resumed his career but drew criticism again in 2015 for skipping reserve military training. In 2016, he was fined again after causing another drunk-driving hit-and-run accident.

In 2017, he sparked further outrage after assaulting his girlfriend late at night at a bar, causing fans to turn against him.

Kangin ultimately left Super Junior in 2019. After departing the group, he halted domestic broadcast activities and has maintained a prolonged absence from public life.

Kangin briefly resurfaced in the public eye last April under unexpected circumstances. He was reported to be the first person to call emergency services after comedian Lee Jin-ho collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage. Kangin had been on the phone with Lee when he realized Lee was in critical condition and immediately called 119. Paramedics rushed to the scene and transported Lee to a hospital, with Kangin's quick response credited with enabling the timely transfer.

Lee has since been tried on charges of illegal gambling totaling 900 million won ($662,000) and drunk driving, and was recently handed a suspended prison sentence.