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Super Junior talks past, present and future

  • Published : Nov 6, 2014 - 19:32
  • Updated : Nov 6, 2014 - 19:32

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(OSEN)

It was 2005 when the 12-member boy band made its debut on the K-pop scene. Super Junior first hit the stage on the SBS music show “Inkigayo,” drawing some 1,000 fans. A small fan event was also held following their debut performance.

The boys’ debut instantly garnered attention as they were the first-ever boy band with more than 10 members.

Back then, boy bands were usually composed of five to six members. The formerly five-member group TVXQ, as well as g.o.d, Shinhwa and SS501 were enjoying immense popularity.

Many Koreans were startled by Super Junior’s stage, jam-packed with the 12 teenage idols. Some even wondered how they could possibly distinguish each member onstage.

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Nine years on, Super Junior has broadened its name as an iconic K-pop act at home and abroad. The boys, all in their 20s now, swept across music charts with their music, won numerous prizes at year-end award ceremonies and spearheaded Hallyu, or the Korean culture boom, throughout Asia.

The longstanding group had an interview with Korea’s largest portal site Naver in celebration of its nine-year mark.

Asked how they felt about completing nine years in the K-pop scene, Lee Teuk attributed the success to their fans. “Time flew. I feel like I am still a rookie singer. Our fans made it possible,” he said.

Eunhyuk hoped that he could grow old together with his fans. “I am looking forward to the days to come. Hope we and our fans, who are also growing old, make more memories together,” he said.

They also talked about the happiest and funniest moments they’d had as a part of Super Junior.

“The day I was reborn as a member of Super Junior… I remember the day we debuted on Nov. 7, 2005, the most,” said Super Junior leader Lee Teuk.

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Ryeowook gave a rather funny answer, saying, “I found it most memorable when my name became the most-searched word on a portal site.”
He also said that every moment he is with Super Junior members is funny.

About the most touching moment, Lee Teuk said that top prizes and concerts always impress him. “When our fans hold up sky-blue balloons and shake them, the concert scene is like the sea. And we are like fish. It is touching that so many people love us, focus on us when it is difficult to be loved by even one,” he said.

Super Junior also set numerous records in K-pop history. For example, the boy band held on to the No. 1 spot for 121 straight weeks on the Taiwanese music chart KKBOX with its song “Sorry Sorry,” off its third studio album. But that was not their only unforgettable achievement.

“It was so memorable when we completed 100 ‘Super Show’ world tour concerts,” Siwon said. Super Junior launched the “Super Show” world tour in 2008. They are currently touring Asian cities on “Super Show 6.” The group will hold its next concert at EXPO Arena in Hong Kong on Saturday.

After spending nine years together, they are now more like family, Kyuhyun said.

“I had a car accident and stayed at a hospital. Super Junior members were by my side. They were like family,” he said.

To each other, the boys left heartfelt messages.

“We met each other when were in middle and high school. I am so happy you haven’t really changed. Hope that you will stay as you are now and we can be together for more years to come. Love you,” Eunhyuk said.

“I hope we are always on each other’s side. Wish you good health and happiness,” Siwon said.
“Thank you, always,” Kyuhyun concluded.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)

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