EXO's Xiumin Shares How A Run-In With Former MMA Fighter Kim Dong Hyun Led To A Ban On Him Playing Soccer

Jan 15, 2022

On the January 15 episode of tvN’s “Amazing Saturday,” EXO’s Xiumin and actor Kang Hong Seok appeared as guests. The two are currently starring in the Korean version of the Broadway musical “Hadestown.”

When Xiumin appeared, SHINee’s Key commented, “That man never ages.” The other cast members also expressed their surprise at how young Xiumin looked despite having already returned from completing his mandatory military service. Park Na Rae said that Kang Hong Seok resembled Kim Dong Hyun, and Kang Hong Seok joked, “I don’t like that at all.”

Xiumin also shared a story of his past run-in with Kim Dong Hyun. He said, “We were on a sports variety show playing soccer. Kim Dong Hyun was on the opposite team. We were both playing intensely and our legs collided, and my leg was hurt.” The cast members criticized Kim Dong Hyun and said, “You should have quit social media.”

Kim Dong Hyun recollected, “There were fans in the audience, so my social media was chaos. Normally when I upload a post or video, I get about 10 comments. That day I got 5000 comments. It was chaos.” He said to Xiumin, “You should tell them that I carried you off the field on my back.”

Xiumin said, “It felt like I was in a martial arts match with him instead of playing soccer. It was like hitting an iron pipe. He is definitely a legendary fighter for a reason. After I went to the hospital, he stood there waiting for me outside the waiting room.”

Kim Dong Hyun apologized again and said, “I’m sorry. I was really shocked when I saw my social media,” and Xiumin said, “After that day, my agency banned me from playing soccer.”