K-pop legends Super Junior to come back as 8-member group

By Lorraine Chavez

SUPER Junior is coming back as a full unit group ready to set records, sweep charts and steal hearts just like they did 14 years ago.

Marked as the original Korean wave group that paved the way for K-Pop to be known globally, Super Junior (SJ) or SuJu has been around for more than a decade. The group celebrates their 14th year debut anniversary today.

Super Junior debuted on Nov. 6, 2005 as Super Junior 05 with 12-members in its roster. After some time in 2006, they dropped the “05” and came back as a 13-member unit.

After rising to prominence in 2009 with their massive hit “Sorry Sorry,” the group enhanced their style over the years and explored different genres, yet maintaining SJ’s own musical sound.

The members are recognized as multi-talented entertainers – doing well in various entertainment fields. Teamwork and each member’s unique charm and skills made them “super.”  Currently promoting as an eight-member unit members – Leeteuk, Yesung, Shindong, Donghae, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun – once again prove their influence in worldwide music trends and charts.

It surely wasn’t an easy road for the “Hallyu (Korean wave) Kings” throughout the years. They have achieved worldwide successes, established influence, broken records, and completed their individual mandatory military services, all in a span of ten years to finally have a powerful comeback for their fans. Along with fame and success are the fervent love and passion of Super Junior’s dedicated fans called Everlasting Friends or ELFs who have welcomed growth and changes alongside SJ.

Indeed ELFs have been with SJ through thick and thin for the past 14 years and their growth as idols and as a fandom allowed a lot of possibilities. ELFs have been engaging in constant efforts for charity works and projects to show how their love for Super Junior extended towards their respective communities. For an instance, ELFs in Iloilo have constantly worked with various non-government organizations (NGOs) and groups to conduct community works such as the Haengbok (Happiness) Day for Children – a children’s day and feeding program held in partnership with a local children’s care institution and the recently held Teddy Bear Donation Drive for Pediatric Patients wherein the group was able to give stuffed toys to pediatric patients in a hospital in Cabatuan.

All these works were inspired by how much Super Junior loves to lead causes and give back to the community as well. Member Choi Siwon is an advocate for children’s rights and is a prominent figure of UNICEF Korea.

The group is set to have another concert in the Philippines on Dec. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena for the 8th installment of their Super Show World Tour. SJ hopes to meet their Filipino fans and feel their warmth once again./PN