Super Junior member Kim Hee-chul gripped the steering wheel for the first time in 20 years, only to face a minor traffic mishap that left him clenching his fists in frustration.
Intense Driving Lesson on Popular TV Show
In an upcoming episode of SBS’s ‘Miwoosae,’ veteran idol Kim Hee-chul undergoes a driving lesson under the guidance of entertainers Tak Jae-hoon and Heo Kyung-hwan, who step in as instructors for the day. The segment captures Hee-chul’s tense return to the road, highlighting his struggles with modern vehicle features despite his confident demeanor.
During the recording, Hee-chul admits he sold his car years ago and avoided driving entirely. The studio erupts in surprise as he reveals this marks his first attempt behind the wheel in two decades. Instructors express unease, probing whether lingering resentment from past experiences fuels his caution.
Reason for Breaking the 20-Year Drought
Hee-chul opens up about a severe accident that prompted his long hiatus, explaining how built-up frustration from years away from driving motivated him to try again. His mother, watching from the studio, reacts with shock, unable to hide her astonishment at the unexpected decision.
Tak Jae-hoon and Heo Kyung-hwan tailor a special training course, but Hee-chul falters with contemporary car systems, much like he did 20 years prior. They tighten their seatbelts tightly amid growing anxiety over his shaky skills and limited knowledge, even threatening to end the session early.
Studio Laughs and Safety Warnings
Fellow celebrity Shin Dong lightens the mood, stating, “It would be best not to ride with Hee-chul if he starts driving regularly.” The comment draws laughter from the set, underscoring the high-stakes hilarity of the lesson. Viewers will see Hee-chul’s full driving performance when the episode airs.
Anxiety at the Gas Station
The group later heads to a self-service gas station, where Hee-chul sweats profusely navigating the dim entrance. Confronted with updated payment systems and procedures, he panics, mirroring past mishaps. His hesitation leads to an error that visibly frustrates Tak Jae-hoon.
Hee-chul describes his hyper-vigilant approach: extreme tension during even short trips, channeling anger to handle surprises swiftly. This stems from a 2006 incident en route from Busan to Seoul after consoling Super Junior’s Donghae over his father’s passing. The crash caused severe ankle fractures, nearly fatal injuries, and a fourth-degree physical disability classification.
