Lee Sung-min (singer)
A versatile Super Junior vocalist whose sweet tenor and theatrical flair defined the group's early popera hits and sub-unit experiments.
Born 1986 (age 40)·South Korean singer and actor·Birthday: January 1·Millennials
Biography
Lee Sung-min joined SM Entertainment as a teenager, stepping into the massive spotlight as part of Super Junior's original lineup in 2005. While the group was known for its large, rotating cast and high-energy performances, Sungmin carved out a distinct niche with his clear, expressive tenor. He became a vocal anchor for the group's dramatic, almost operatic pop singles like 'Sorry, Sorry' and 'Mr. Simple'. His versatility shone in Super Junior's inventive sub-units: he brought a playful charm to the trot-pop of Super Junior-T and showcased smoother vocals in the ballad-focused Super Junior-H. Beyond singing, he displayed a knack for musical theater, taking leading roles in Korean productions of 'Catch Me If You Can' and 'The Days', which earned him praise for his acting and stage presence. His active promotions with the group paused after his 2014 marriage, a period that sparked debate among fans, but his voice remains an integral part of Super Junior's legacy as pioneers of the K-pop idol system.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Lee was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lee Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Lee's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- As a core vocalist of Super Junior, contributed to multiple chart-topping albums like 'Sorry, Sorry' and 'Mr. Simple' that defined second-generation K-pop.
- Starred in lead roles in Korean musical theater productions, including 'Catch Me If You Can' and 'The Days'.
- Actively promoted in multiple Super Junior sub-units, including the trot-inspired Super Junior-T and the ballad group Super Junior-H.
Did You Know?
He is a licensed bartender and has showcased his skills on variety shows.
He was the first Super Junior member to release a solo single in Japan, with 'She' in 2011.
He is known for his close friendship with fellow Super Junior member Kyuhyun.
He married musical actress Kim Sa-eun in 2014.
“I give my all to every performance, for our fans.”
