EXO leader Suho mentioned “regret” as a leader while watching SEVENTEEN in their 12th year since debut.
On September 21st, the YouTube channel Channel Bandal released a video featuring leaders from various groups, including EXO’s Suho, SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups, BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Jaehyun, and Sechs Kies‘ Jiwon, who discussed life as idol group leaders and the challenges they face.
The conversation began with the question, “Would you rather be the youngest in another group or the youngest in your own group?” Members shared the pros and cons of being the youngest, which naturally led to the hardships experienced by leaders who have guided many members for a long time.
SEVENTEEN’s leader S.Coups spoke about the group’s youngest member, Dino, saying, “Even if the 12 older members are nice, it must still be tough.” He then shared his leadership philosophy, saying “If the oldest and youngest play their roles well, the team seems to run smoothly.”
The participants admired S.Coups’ leadership in managing a large group of 13 members over a long period. One even compared it to “running a whole class in elementary school,” and they applauded him for leading SEVENTEEN to this point.
Notably, Jaehyun praised SEVENTEEN, telling S.Coups, “For younger idols, SEVENTEEN is like a textbook group,” highlighting their long-lasting team unity. Jiwon added, “There’s no one right way, but looking at what you’ve done so far, your method was the right one,” emphasizing that “having 13 members together for more than 10 years is not easy. You’ve done really well.”
SEVENTEEN debuted in 2015 and is now in their 12th year. They are especially recognized as a model of longevity, maintaining all 13 members without any departures.
At this point, Suho reflected on his own leadership journey. He said, “I sometimes feel regret. I wonder if I should have led like S.Coups.” Senior Jiwon comforted him, saying, “You’ve led EXO in your own way all this time.”
Suho’s remarks drew attention as they recalled EXO’s history. EXO debuted as a 12-member group in 2012 but later restructured into nine members after Kris, Luhan, and Tao left. Since then, military service and individual activities caused multiple breaks in full-group promotions.
This makes SEVENTEEN’s continuous activity with all 13 members for over a decade especially meaningful to leader Suho. His comment, “I wonder if I should have led like S.Coups,” shows how he reflects on his own past while admiring the teamwork and leadership style of the younger generation.