Park Jeong-su

Park Jeong-su is a South Korean singer, songwriter, TV presenter, radio DJ, and variety star, globally known by his stage name Leeteuk. He is best known as the leader of the K-pop group Super Junior, one of the most influential boy bands in Asian music history. Since his debut, Leeteuk has become a household name in South Korea, recognized for his role as the group's spokesperson and frontman, as well as for his extensive work as a host and entertainer across television and radio. He has led Super Junior through multiple sub-units, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Beyond music, he has built a parallel career as a sought-after MC and radio personality, hosting numerous shows and events. As of 2026, Leeteuk remains active in the entertainment industry, continuing to promote with Super Junior while taking on new hosting and variety roles. His longevity and adaptability have made him a respected figure in Korean pop culture, admired for his leadership, wit, and dedication to his craft.[edit]

Park Jeong-su was born on July 1, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, specifically in the Eunpyeong District. He grew up in his hometown of Seoul alongside his older sister, Park In-young, who would later pursue a career as a musical theater actress, establishing her own presence in the entertainment world. While specific details are primarily derived from anecdotes he has shared on various variety shows, rather than formal biographies, Park Jeong-su has openly discussed a challenging family environment during his upbringing, marked by instances of parental conflict and an eventual divorce.

As a teenager, Park Jeong-su developed a keen interest in music and entertainment, a passion that led him to audition for SM Entertainment in the late 1990s or early 2000s. Upon being accepted, he embarked on an intensive and rigorous training regimen that spanned several years, focusing on developing his skills in singing, dancing, and stage presence. Although specific school or university education is not extensively documented in English-language sources, his journey mirrored the typical, demanding path for K-pop idols: a period of intense, rigorous training, numerous auditions, and the eventual debut as part of a carefully curated group. During this time, he was part of a larger pool of male trainees being prepared for what was envisioned as Super Junior 05, a rotational project group.

It was during his extensive training period that Park Jeong-su's innate leadership qualities began to shine through and were recognized by his agency. Consequently, he was appointed as the leader of the nascent group even before their official debut. It was also around this time that he adopted his now globally recognized stage name, Leeteuk, marking his final steps toward becoming a prominent figure in the K-pop industry.[edit]

Leeteuk debuted as the leader of Super Junior 05 in November 2005 with the album 'Super Junior 05 (Twins).' The group's breakthrough came in 2006 with the digital single 'U,' which became a massive hit and established them as a top boy band in Korea. The 2009 single 'Sorry, Sorry' catapulted Super Junior to international fame, making them a leading force in the Hallyu Wave across Asia and beyond.

Throughout his career, Leeteuk has been the group's primary spokesperson, handling award speeches, variety show appearances, and media interactions. He also participated in sub-units: Super Junior-T (trot), Super Junior-Happy (variety-focused), and Super Junior-L.S.S. (formed in 2023 with Shindong and Siwon). Beyond group activities, he built a successful solo career as a TV host and radio DJ, becoming one of the most recognizable idol MCs of his generation. He hosted shows like 'Star King' and 'Strong Heart' and has been a regular on various music programs.

His military service from 2012 to 2014 temporarily paused his activities, but he returned to lead Super Junior through subsequent albums and tours. As of 2026, he continues to perform with the group and take on new broadcasting projects, maintaining his status as a veteran entertainer. [edit]

Leeteuk is widely regarded as the quintessential 'eternal leader' of Super Junior, a role that defines his public image. He is known for his calm, professional demeanor as an MC and his quick wit on variety shows, balancing humor with emotional sincerity. His signature style often includes tailored suits for hosting gigs and casual yet polished looks for fan events. Media and fans perceive him as reliable, intelligent, and deeply dedicated to his group and fans. The official fandom name for Super Junior, ELF (Ever Lasting Friends), extends to Leeteuk, with fan culture characterized by enthusiastic cheers of 'Leeteuk-ah!' during concerts and collective emotional support during his birthday and anniversary lives. On social media, his voice is upbeat, grateful, and occasionally sentimental, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and personal reflections. He is known for his tearful speeches at concerts, often referencing the group's official fan color, pearl sapphire blue, symbolizing his deep connection with fans.[edit]

Park Jeong-su commands a global audience that spans decades of K-pop history, yet his specific standing in the current global hierarchy reflects a unique plateau rather than a surge. According to iFANN's latest evaluation, Park Jeong-su is currently unranked within the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list as of August 2026. This status does not diminish his influence; it simply indicates that while his cultural footprint remains massive, he does not hold a numbered placement in the published rankings at this moment. His enduring presence is anchored by a dedicated fanbase known as E.L.F., an acronym for Ever Lasting Friends, which has supported him through nearly two decades of industry shifts. The organization mobilizes for chart pushes and streaming campaigns, treating the leader's longevity as a collective victory. While no distinct solo fandom name exists for Leeteuk alone, the unified power of E.L.F. ensures his activities remain central to their engagement strategies.[edit]

Leeteuk's stage name translates to 'special' in Korean, a fitting title for his role as the group's leader. He frequently references the group's fan color, pearl sapphire blue, during emotional concert speeches to honor their bond. Despite his public persona, he keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight, rarely discussing romantic relationships. A defining moment in his legend involves a family tragedy in January 2014 when relatives were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide. This event sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting fans worldwide to rally around him with unprecedented support. Another key chapter in his lore is his mandatory military service, which concluded in July 2014. Fans eagerly awaited his discharge as it signaled the potential for a full-scale reunion of Super Junior after years of staggered enlistments. His resilience through these personal and professional challenges has cemented his status as the steady hand guiding the group through multiple eras of K-pop history.[edit]

Leeteuk has an older sister, Park In-young, who works as a musical theater actress. He has spoken about his parents' divorce and financial struggles during his childhood, though these details come from variety show appearances. He is not married and has no children, and he keeps his family life private. [edit]

Leeteuk is most closely associated with his Super Junior bandmates, especially Heechul, Siwon, Shindong, and Eunhyuk, with whom he has shared the stage for over two decades. He has also worked extensively with SM Entertainment artists and has hosted alongside many Korean variety stars. His frequent collaborations with fellow idols and comedians have made him a central figure in K-pop's variety scene. [edit]

Leeteuk has kept his romantic life extremely private, and no public, confirmed relationships are documented in reliable English-language sources. Like many K-pop idols, he has faced dating rumors over the years, often linking him to fellow entertainers, but none have been confirmed by his agency or himself. As of 2026, he is not publicly known to be in a relationship, and his current romantic status is undisclosed. This privacy is typical for Korean idols, who often keep personal matters out of the public eye to maintain their image and fan relationships. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Park Jeong-su (Leeteuk) holds an estimated net worth of $25 Million as of 2026. His financial foundation rests on Super Junior's album sales, world tours across Asia, North America, and Europe, and merchandise revenue. The group consistently ranks among the top-earning K-pop acts globally, driving significant income streams. Leeteuk supplements these earnings with individual work as a TV host, radio DJ, and variety star, securing brand endorsements that add to his portfolio. Real estate investments and other business ventures contribute to his wealth, though specific asset details remain private. His net worth has grown steadily since the group's peak in the late 2000s and early 2010s, reflecting his continued activity in ongoing projects.[edit]

Leeteuk has won numerous awards with Super Junior, including multiple Golden Disc Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. Individually, he has received recognition for his hosting work, such as the Best MC Award at the MBC Entertainment Awards. His group's achievements include being named Best New Artist at the 2005 Mnet KM Music Festival and winning Artist of the Year at the 2011 Golden Disc Awards. [edit]