On the October 23, 2024, episode of Brain Defiler Season 2, Episode 3, Super Junior’s Kim Heechul shared a surprising and candid story: his first visit to a gay bar in Itaewon, South Korea. Encouraged by his longtime friend Hong Seok-Cheon and popular gay YouTuber Kim DDolDdol, Heechul recounted the adventure on his YouTube show, diving into the unique experience.

The idea first emerged in Episode 2 of Brain Defiler, when DDolDdol jokingly suggested, “Then you could visit a gay club for your first experience.” Heechul took the suggestion seriously, and a few days later, he decided to go for it.

Known for his outgoing personality and seasoned entertainer’s charm, Heechul expected a typical night out. However, as he shared on the show, visiting a gay bar in Itaewon turned out to be a completely fresh experience. In Episode 2, DDolDdol had explained that gay men are often drawn to "alpha" types with strong, muscular builds—qualities Heechul, with his slender frame and androgynous beauty, didn’t feel he embodied. This left him curious about how he’d be received. “I was way more popular than I expected,” he laughed. When co-host Ha Ji-Won teased him, asking, “Did people flirt with you?” Heechul replied, “Yes… a lot.” The attention, while flattering, was unexpected and left him feeling a bit overwhelmed. “DDolDdol was like, ‘Not easy, huh? Do you feel awkward?’” Heechul recalled with a smile, adding, “But I couldn’t just say, ‘Yes, I feel uncomfortable.’ I was the one who decided to go there, so I just said, ‘Oh, I’m having so much fun,’ even though my eyes were crying inside.”

Despite feeling out of his element, Heechul tried to embrace the atmosphere. “I was dancing, but my eyes were going crazy,” he admitted, laughing.

In appreciation of Seok-cheon, who has always supported him, Heechul treated him to a Dom Pérignon set. “So I ordered the set and told them, ‘I’m treating Seok-Cheon because I’m always grateful for him. Please keep it on the down-low,’” he shared. But the night took an amusing twist when the DJ, noticing Heechul’s presence, played Super Junior’s iconic hit "Sorry Sorry". “Everyone cheered, even from the farthest corner,” Heechul said, surprised by the outpouring of attention. As if to top off the surreal moment, the DJ followed up with "Rokkugo", another Super Junior classic, adding to the hilarity of the night.

Heechul’s candidness about the experience displayed his open-minded and curious nature. While stepping into a new environment felt overwhelming, he expressed genuine enjoyment and appreciation for the opportunity to see a different side of life.

Since the episode aired, fans have praised Heechul for his honesty and willingness to try something new. One fan commented, “Omg, that’s lovely. He really seems like such a great guy. Also, DDolDdol came across as very sweet. I hope this gradually makes things better for the LGBTQ community in SK.”