Former Super Junior (슈퍼주니어) member Kim Young-woon (김영운), known by his stage name Kangin (강인), was previously embroiled in multiple controversies, including drunk driving and assault, which ultimately led to his departure from the group. Years later, he still struggles to shed the negative labels from his past. Recently, while discussing his experiences, he admitted that he even worries about his friends' children searching his name, leading him to seriously consider changing it.
On November 13, the YouTube channel "Neoui Han" (너의 한) released a video titled "No! Uncle's name isn't Kangin!" In the program, Kangin spoke about his past controversies, offering a rare glimpse into his true feelings after many years.
Recalling his past troubles, Kangin confessed he was first involved in controversy after a physical altercation with a civilian, and later faced criticism for a drunk driving incident. He stated that after finally making a comeback following his military enlistment, he unexpectedly got a second DUI during his period of self-reflection. "I really made a mistake. I was crazy back then," he admitted.
Kangin also revealed that after his last mistake, he confined himself at home for several months, even blocking out sunlight and rarely leaving the house. He shared, "My family would come check on me because they were worried something might happen. I seemed to be constantly searching for darkness at home."
That period also plunged him into a deep state of depression. Fortunately, friends reached out and gradually helped him re-enter the outside world. Kangin stated, "It was the people around me who pulled me out of that state and brought me back into the world."
During the program, the discussion turned to the name "Kangin," which has become a label in his life. A fortune teller suggested that as long as he continues to use this name, he is prone to further controversy. Kangin revealed that he even worries about his friends' children searching his name.
He explained, "When my friends' children search my name, I tell them, 'No! Uncle's name isn't Kangin!' and stop them from searching further." Even so, he understands that his past mistakes are now a part of his life. "This is my lifelong label because I truly made mistakes," he said, which is why he briefly entertained the idea of changing his name.
Kangin admitted, "I briefly thought about changing my name, and it seems I really need to seriously consider it." He then fell into contemplation, revealing the helplessness he has carried for years due to his negative image.
Kangin debuted as a member of Super Junior in 2005, participating in both singing activities and variety shows. However, he subsequently became involved in a series of controversies, including assault and hit-and-run drunk driving incidents, which severely damaged his image. He ultimately announced his departure from Super Junior in 2019.
