Super Junior’s lead singer Leeteuk has come under fire after shouting “I love Trump!” during a concert in Los Angeles. The unexpected declaration, part of a string of pro-American remarks, ignited a wave of backlash from K-pop fans across the globe.
Leeteuk, born Park Jeong-su, made the comments during SM Entertainment’s “SM Town 2025” world tour stop in Los Angeles, marking the label’s 30th anniversary. As the band exited the stage, a voice identified as Leeteuk’s declared, “I love USA,” followed by praise for American fast-food chains and figures such as Elon Musk and President Donald Trump.
The statement “I love Trump” drew the sharpest criticism. Fans took to social media expressing outrage, with many condemning what they saw as an inappropriate political endorsement. Critics demanded an apology, calling the remarks offensive and inconsistent with the concert’s entertainment-focused nature.
Some fans attempted to defend Leeteuk, suggesting he may have mispronounced another word, such as “Chipotle,” though no clarification was given. SM Entertainment and Leeteuk have remained silent, offering no comment on whether the remark was meant in jest or with sincerity.
A follow-up video posted by Leeteuk showed him and other bandmates visiting In-N-Out Burger, referencing one of his other stage remarks. However, it offered no insight into the Trump comment, further fueling speculation and discontent online.
The incident places Super Junior at the center of a rare intersection of K-pop and American politics. Leeteuk’s remark stands in stark contrast to past moments involving other K-pop acts, such as BTS, who visited the White House under President Joe Biden for an official event on anti-Asian hate crimes.
Super Junior remains a major act under the SM Entertainment banner, with a long-standing fanbase and multiple sub-units. However, this incident may strain its popularity, particularly among international fans unaligned with the political views expressed.
