Super Junior’s Leeteuk has publicly spoken out about the recent dating rumors involving himself and professional golfer Jang So Hee, who is reportedly 18 years younger than the veteran idol.
The rumors emerged following the circulation of photos that claimed to show the two on a “date” at a golf course, fueling widespread speculation and online chatter.
However, Leeteuk has since gone on record to directly address the allegations, expressing his frustration and setting the record straight.
The Rumors Begin: A Photo and a Cardigan
The initial spark came from photos shared online, reportedly taken at a country club, showing Leeteuk and Jang So Hee together.
An anonymous online account claimed the two were in a relationship and presented what it said was “evidence,” including:
- A photo of Leeteuk and Jang at the golf club, framed to appear as though they were alone together.
- Jang wearing a cardigan alleged to belong to Leeteuk, suggesting a deeper personal connection.
This triggered netizens to question whether the former idol was dating someone nearly two decades younger than him.
Leeteuk Breaks His Silence in a Live Stream
In response to the growing speculation, Leeteuk hosted a live broadcast to address the situation directly, appearing both candid and visibly upset.
He began by stating that he was just as surprised as fans to see the photos online. He revealed that during the outing in question, Super Junior member Shindong was seated right beside him, along with Shindong’s friend.
The gathering was not a one-on-one meeting, but rather part of a larger group of celebrity acquaintances who often golf together.
“I saw the photos and was speechless myself because Shindong was sitting beside me at that time, and on his other side, his friend was there, too.”- Leeteuk
He emphasized that golf is rarely played by just two people, especially at that level, and clarified that the image had been taken at a rest area before completing the final nine holes.
Malicious Editing and Privacy Concerns
What frustrated Leeteuk most was how the photo was framed to appear misleadingly intimate, leading the public to assume a private rendezvous.
“I don’t know who snapped the photos and maliciously made it look like I went out with someone alone.”- Leeteuk
He stated that the image had been modified to seem like the two were isolated, and his face wasn’t masked—adding to the narrative that it was an intentional, discreet meeting.
Leeteuk revealed his plans to file a formal complaint against the golf club, calling into question how private photos were leaked from a supposed members-only venue.
The Cardigan Controversy
Addressing one of the so-called “smoking guns” of the rumors—the cardigan Jang So Hee wore, allegedly belonging to Leeteuk—he explained this was misinterpreted.
He shared that he often returns home to shower after a game and sometimes gets asked to bring clothing items for others in the group if the weather turns cold.
That was the case here—he had brought a cardigan for someone who felt chilly, not as a romantic gesture.
“The pro player was cold. [They asked,] ‘Please bring a cardigan or something.’”- Leeteuk
Longstanding Harassment From One Fan?
In a more revealing part of his stream, Leeteuk shared that he believes a specific individual has been stalking him online and spreading misinformation for months.
He claims that this person changes usernames frequently and appears in all his live broadcasts, whether he’s alone or with other members.
“It’s been that one person. One. I know who they are.”- Leeteuk
He expressed deep confusion and frustration over this individual’s motives, asking whether they were truly a fan or someone hoping to cause scandal.
“What do they want me to do by saying these things? They’re throwing threats here and there. Why? For what?”
Closer, Not Romantic: Leeteuk and Jang So Hee’s Current Relationship
Interestingly, Leeteuk admitted that because of the controversy, he and Jang So Hee had grown closer, not romantically, but through mutual understanding.
“We got even closer because of [that]. Why? Because [she] gets cursed at every day and, of course, I can’t help but feel sorry.”- Leeteuk
He expressed regret that she was facing daily online abuse over unfounded rumors and said he constantly finds himself apologizing to her.
The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Privacy vs. Public Scrutiny
This incident has once again highlighted the blurry line between public interest and personal privacy in the K-pop industry.
Despite being a veteran with nearly two decades in the spotlight, Leeteuk is not immune to invasive speculation, even over innocent gatherings.
The way a casual outing among friends was reframed into a scandal reveals how easily narratives can be manipulated, especially when celebrities are constantly under a microscope.
