Super Junior member Kim Heechul opened up about the long-term effects of his 2006 car accident, revealing that his height had decreased significantly due to severe leg injuries.
During the October 31 broadcast of KBS Joy’s “20th Century Hit-Song” (Episode 287), themed “Singers Who Overcame Pain,” the show revisited inspiring stories of artists who returned to the stage after facing serious challenges.
When the segment featured rock singer Kim Kyung Ho, who endured avascular necrosis in his femoral head yet continued performing, Heechul shared his own experience in empathy:
“I can relate because my femur was also completely damaged. My height actually decreased I used to be about 185 cm,” he confessed.
Kim Heechul’s current height is known to be 176 cm.
In 2006, Kim Heechul was involved in a serious car accident while returning from a Super Junior schedule. The crash left him with multiple fractures, including his left ankle, femur, and hip bone, requiring a major operation to insert seven metal pins.
Following extensive treatment and rehabilitation, he was officially classified as having a level-4 physical disability in Korea’s medical grading system.
Heechul previously shared his emotional struggles on his YouTube channel.
“It must’ve been about 10 years ago. The doctors said I might not walk again, and that long flights would be impossible. I even got an exemption from reserve military training because of it,” he said.
“When I went to get my disability certificate, I felt so confused and ashamed that I ended up just walking away and going home.”
His honesty struck a chord with viewers, many of whom praised his resilience and vulnerability in discussing both his physical and mental recovery.
After the broadcast, fans flooded online communities with words of support:
- He’s always been open about his scars, and that’s why people love him.
- Can’t believe he went through all that and still performs with a smile.
- He’s living proof that strength isn’t about perfection.
Kim Heechul continues to appear on variety shows and maintains a strong presence as both a performer and entertainer, often using humor to mask pain — a testament to his enduring spirit.
Sources: Daum