Shocking reveal: Super Junior member Donghae said he almost debuted as a member of BIGBANG, dropping a bombshell pre-debut story that’s already stirring major buzz.
On BIGBANG’s Daesung’s YouTube channel, Donghae and fellow Super Junior member Eunhyuk guested and shared unfiltered stories. Donghae recalled first meeting G-Dragon and Taeyang through singer Se7en, who had invited him out back in the day.
“When I was young, Se7en hyung called me out, and G-Dragon and Taeyang were at a PC bang,” Donghae said. “We played games together, and their energy was sky-high.” He added that they hung out from a restaurant to the Han River, but because he was shy, he barely talked. “That’s when I really felt how different YG and SM vibes were,” he said of the experience.
The conversation with Daesung led to an even more jaw-dropping moment. When asked, “If you had gotten close back then, could you have been in BIGBANG?” Donghae replied, “I nearly did,” shocking everyone. Even Eunhyuk, who has known Donghae for years, blurted, “This is the first time I’m hearing this,” unable to hide his surprise.
Donghae explained, “Before debuting with Super Junior, SM was preparing a five-member group with me. Then the 2002 World Cup fever exploded. We missed the timing, the debut kept getting delayed, and the team was basically on the verge of being scrapped. During that time, YG approached me about a new five-member group,” adding, “I seriously considered switching agencies and even told my manager what I wanted.”
His manager ultimately talked him out of it, the move fell through, and after waiting about two more years, Donghae finally debuted with Super Junior. “After debuting, I realized the five-member group YG was building back then turned out to be BIGBANG,” he revealed, leaving everyone stunned. Daesung joked, “If Donghae had debuted in BIGBANG, one of us might never have debuted,” drawing laughter.
Donghae’s confession from the crossroads before debut — a path that could have changed K-pop history — has fans revisiting the ultimate ‘what if’ in idol lore and pouring on the attention.