Marriage and military service loom, but won’t break up the band
Super Junior, the Korean super group founded in 2005, had some major changes to its lineup last year, but its fifth anniversary year looks like it will be another successful one for the group, which is one of the largest boy bands in the world.
Last month, when Super Junior released its fourth full-length album, it sold 100,000 copies in the first week after its release on April 13. Industry experts expect the album, titled “Bonamana,” will surpass the group’s previous sales record, achieved with its third album “Sorry Sorry.” That album sold 250,000 copies and topped the album sales chart when it was released in March last year.
At a time when other groups such as Girls’ Generation are eschewing the regular full-length CD format in favor of mini albums, digital albums and other kinds of special albums, that’s quite a feat.
Despite their success, the up-and-coming idol group has struggled this year. Three of the band’s members – Han Geng, Kang-in and Kibum – left the group during the recording period. In the coming year, the band is facing new challenges, with marriage and military service looming on the horizon.
In a recent interview with 10 of the band’s 13 members, however, the boys seemed committed to staying together for years to come, no matter what life may throw their way.
Here are some excerpts from the interview.
Q. What has made you such a strong group over the past five years?
A. Heechul: We really talk a lot. If there are problems, we talk until they are resolved. Lack of communication always creates problems.
It must have been difficult for you to make the new album without the three other members of the band.
Sungmin: We felt pressure taking their places, but it has also given us an opportunity to think about how important each member of the band is.
What do the three other members think about the new song “Bonamana”?
Leeteuk: Kang-in said the group’s dance moves are awesome and Kibum said he was sorry that I have to fill the space he left.
The choreography for the song is pretty impressive.
Eunhyuk: The dance moves were created by American choreographer Nick Bass, who was inspired by figure skating and short track skating.
Many people have said the title song for the current album is very similar to the group’s previous hit song “Sorry Sorry.”
Leeteuk: Maybe that’s because the new song is so characteristic of what we do and that’s what makes people think that Sorry Sorry and the new song are alike.
I think that criticism like that is better than nothing because it shows that Bonamana has made an impression on the public.
Heechul: For me, the criticism is flattering because it is a sign that we’ve found our signature sound. In fact, Leeteuk and I didn’t like the idea of [Bonamana] as the title song because we didn’t think the electronic sound represented us.
But after recording it and practicing the dance moves, I’ve changed my mind. I think the song suits us.
Shindong proposed to his girlfriend [in a numerical code] in the liner notes and his actions have since become the talk of the town. What’s happening with that?
Shindong: I was thinking about decoding it for the public after the album was released but my fans have already decoded it.
I haven’t heard from my girlfriend since I popped the question, but if she says yes, I want to get married as soon as possible.
Do you think you will still perform as Super Junior even if some of you get married?
Heechul: It’s our goal to keep singing and dancing as Super Junior when we are 30 and 40, even after marriage and our military service.
Do you have any secrets for keeping fit?
Yesung: Siwon always inspires us. Now we’re in a kind of competition [to build muscles.]
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CREDITS
By Lee Dong-hyun, Sung So-young [so@joongang.co.kr] joongangdaily
Super Junior’s 4jib repackage album is getting attention for self-written songs by the members. The album will be released on upcoming 28th.
This repackage album has original 4jib’s 11 songs and has the follow up song “No Other,” which will be released on 25th through music sites. The album also has more powerful “Shake It Up” remix, the member’s self-written song “All My Heart” and “A Short Journey,” total of 15 songs with 4 new songs.
A ballad song composed by leader Leeteuk and Super Junior-M’s member Henry “All My Heart” excluded all sharp sounds as much as possible to deliver feeling of warm heart just like the title itself. It’s mainly by acoustic guitar to express pop feel. Since it’s Leeteuk’s first ever self-composed song, he has shown passion while making of the song even in his hectic schedule.
Also, there will be a welcoming for fans as Kangin, who is going in to army, has participated in another self-composed song by member Donghae, and lyrics by member Eunhyuk. The song, titled “A Short Journey” is a simple song with repetitive chorus and fresh melody.
This song was the last song Kangin participated before going into the army, so the money collected from digital side will be used to help people in need.
Super Junior will be on KBS “Music Bank” – Looking back on first half of the year on 25th, performing goodbye performance of 4jib title song “BONAMANA.”
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CREDITS
Source: Daum
English Translation: Chrissy @ TwELFs.com
Korean boy band Super Junior have returned to the local music scene with just ten of its 13 original members, namely Lee Teuk, Heechul, Shindong, Sungmin, Ryuwook, Yesung, Siwon, Eunhyuk, Donghae and Kyuhyun. Kang-in plans to enter the army to fulfill his mandatory two-year military service, Kibum is focusing on his acting career and Hangeng is currently embroiled in a legal battle with SM.
Yet once again, they are proving their reputation as one of Asia’s hottest idol groups was not falsely gained — their fourth full-length album received 200,000 preorders compared to their previous top-selling album “Sorry Sorry” which had secured 150,000 orders ahead of going on sale.
The group sat down with reporters on May 20 to talk about pursuing their singing career with three less members and the struggles they overcame to make a bigger and stronger comeback.
Q: There are a few members missing this time. How does it feel?
Heechul: Of course we’re sad. I also suffered from a bit of depression because of such incidents and I had a very hard time.
Q: A lot has happened within the team. Shindong, you confessed your love through your new album. How did your agency respond?
Heechul: I think they only let it out because they didn’t know what it means. (laugh) Shindong: If I had written it in Korean, I think they would’ve asked me to do it next time. (laugh) Heechul: I had talked about this earlier with Lee Teuk but if a fan had bought an album, saw that Shindong had written a code so cracks it to see he had asked someone to marry him… We’re lucky if the fan doesn’t rip up the album. (laugh) Shindong actually kept apologizing to us before we gave our comeback performance for “BONAMANA.” Lee Teuk: There could’ve been mixed responses to what he did but we’re grateful that there have been a lot of good articles on it. Shindong: I’ve become a romantic guy thanks to them. I’m thankful.
Whenever the idol group Super Junior is mentioned, the modifier “Yeneung-dol” (idol group members who are showing superior talent on entertainment programs) always follows. Every member of Super Junior is actively participating in various entertainment programs, TV dramas, and musicals, but, at the same time, they have been failing to push their image as singers.
But, surprisingly, their third album entitled “Sorry, Sorry” sold more than 250,000 copies last year, and they ranked atop the album sales. In addition, their fourth album entitled “Bonamana,” which was released recently, also sold 200,000 copies for the first order, and the total number of sales for only one week exceeded 100,000 copies.
Super Junior is differentiated from other idol groups who release mini album and are earning profits from the digital music market. In a recent interview with members of Super Junior, nine members out of thirteen members came out for the interview held in Apgujeong-dong.
One member, Kang In, had been caught in a crackdown on drunk drivers last year, and now he is planning to join the army, and Chinese member Han Kyung is now involved in a lawsuit with his agency SM Entertainment regarding his exclusive contract. Another member, Ki Bum, could not participate in the fourth album due to his busy acting activities. Also, Choi Si Won could not come to the interview as he had to receive medical surgery to remove an infection on his salivary gland.
As there are so many members in Super Junior, they could not have peaceful days last year, and had to go through hard times due to many unfavorable factors and rumors. During the interview, they talked about their feelings for what happened so far and they also said their ambition is to continue their activities until they reach their forties or fifties and host the “Super Junior Show” someday.
Followings are questions and answers with members of Super Junior.
Interviewer: You must have gone through significant distress due to some members’ personal problems.
▲ Lee Teuk: It was hard for me when I had to smile even in a difficult situation when showing up for entertainment programs. In particular, I was shocked when I found out that Han Kyung has gone through a lawsuit. But, since we left his seat empty, I want him back all the time. Kang In is burning to participate in our activities these days, and he always gives us advice after monitoring our performances. I will do my best to keep “Super Junior” together until every member can join again.
▲ Hee Chul: I was in a state of panic when my best friend Han Kyung left for China. I almost thought of withdrawing from the group because I was so depressed. I started getting more famous when I started acting, not as a member of Super Junior, and I was not as good at singing like some other members such as Ye Sung, Kyu Hyun, and Ryeo Wook, and not as good at dancing like other members such as Dong Hae and Eun Hyuk. But, members with whom I used to fight have stood by me and helped me in many ways. Only the fact that they are together with me suddenly became a great help and source of appreciation for me. In particular, Eun Hyuk helped me to change my mind. Thanks to him, I was tempted to do activities for our new album for the first time. I want to go back to the time when we released our first album and want to put forth my best efforts for activities.
Interviewer: Despite many unfavorable factors, your album sales, especially the sales of your third and fourth albums, are outstanding. Does it mean that the number of your fans has increased?
▲ Lee Teuk: I was surprised that people are buying our fourth album as well. There are good things and bad things when we appear on entertainment programs. We may lose our image as singers, but at the same, I think that we can advertise ourselves to the public. Also, besides us, many other entertainers have sung “Sorry, Sorry” on many programs.
▲ Hee Chul: When idol members show up on entertainment programs, it is easier for them to target teenage fans, but usually older viewers seem to like them. I think that appearing on an entertainment program is like a double-edged sword.Interviewer: The title song of the fourth album, “Bonamama” sounds very similar to your previous hit song “Sorry, Sorry.” Do you think that a certain style of the music has emerged for Super Junior?
▲ Lee Teuk: When we listened to the song for the first time, we also thought that the song is very similar to “Sorry, Sorry.” It is natural that people begin to compare those two songs. We put the name of “SJ (Super Junior) Funky” for songs which combine dance and electronic sounds, and reminds people of Super Junior. I also gave it a five star evaluation on the music website.
Interviewer: But, except the title song, I could find many simple melody songs which require outstanding singing ability.
▲ Lee Teuk: In 2007, when the Super Junior unit “Super Junior K.R.Y.” planned to release an album, Kyu Hyun had a car accident, so many good songs could not be included in the album at that time. And actually those good songs have come together with this new album. So, the portion of songs that require singing ability has been increased. For example, when I listened to the youngest member Ryeo Wook’s solo song entitled “Spring Day” repeatedly while I was driving, I almost felt like crying.
Interviewer: Do you think that you have more interest in music compared to the past, as you have already released four albums?
▲ Lee Teuk: In debut, we just focused on recording songs. But, these days, we tend to present our opinions, saying, “What if we try this part this way?” when we arrange songs. In our previous album, Ryeo Wook’s own song was included, and for the repackaged album of the fourth album, which will be released soon, more songs that were made by other members will be included. I think it is time for our members to show off our talent in music.
Interviewer: Usually, the life expectancy of an idol group is regarded to range from three to five years. As Super Junior debuted in 2005, does it mean that Super Junior has already reached its lifespan?
▲ Lee Teuk: You are totally right. I can imagine that people might look at us with the same viewpoint with which I looked at senior star singers such as H.O.T. and Shin Hwa, who already released their fourth and fifth albums when I was an aspiring singer. Sometimes, I think, “Do we have to stop performing as Super Junior?” But, these days, we perform not only in Korea, but also in other Asian countries, so only four or five years are not enough. We became popular after significant time had passed, so I think that it means that we can last longer.
▲ Hee Chul: I and Lee Teuk are 28 years old now. I know there are many cute and fresh junior singers. But, I want to stress our longevity as we appear on various broadcasting, and at the same, I want to hold many performances whenever we release a new album. I like to perform on the stage because it is very exciting.
Interviewer: How do you think people regard idol groups?
▲ Lee Teuk: I think that it is somewhat exaggerated. People say that the industries of advertisement, drama, and music have been conquered by idols, but actually there are not many programs with more than ten percent viewer ratings among programs in which idols appear. “Idol” means a target of admiration. Actually, many senior doyenne singers such as Cho Yong Phil, Na Hoon A, the group Fire Truck, Park Nam Jeong, and Seo Taiji and Boys used to be idols in their times. As time goes by, people just tend to remember that they were not idols. During any time, there were idols that people admire. The word “idol” is just much more focused and stands out more than before these days. As a member of an idol group, I feel sorry that people do not have an interest in the music, but rather in other additional factors, of idols.
▲ Hee Chul: We wanted to break away from the image of idol groups in entertainment programs. When Shin Dong attaches a fake mustache and dresses himself up comically, he does not look like an idol group member, and moreover I am proud of him. Whenever Lee Teuk, Eun Hyuk, and Shin Dong come on SBS TV’s “Strong Heart,” they brainstorm for ideas like comedians do. But, sometimes I feel bad when I find out that people regard us as washed-up entertainers and criticize us rather than cheering for our efforts on the stage as singers and on the entertainment programs.
Interviewer: At this moment, when you released your fourth album, is it the time that you are trying to free yourself from idol groups?
▲ Lee Teuk: When we debuted, we wanted to abandon the title of idol group. But, we have come this far as the idol group Super Junior, so I do not want to lose the idol title. Rather, I want to keep this title until we reach our forties and fifties and become senior star singers for a long time. As we have thirteen members, if only one member stands out per year, we can last for thirteen years. But, only less than half the members have become popular and have stood out until now. As we were recorded as having the largest number of members when we debuted, we want to break new records in the Korean music industry.
▲ Yea Sung: There are also cultural differences. In the case of Japan, star groups such as SMAP and Arashi, who debuted a long time ago, are still gaining huge popularity. We want to be loved by people like those groups for such a long time for the first time in Korea. Even after we reach our thirties, we want to continue to release albums and have performances. As we see that our members become more acknowledged in various fields and our album sales are increasing, we might already have passed the limit as an idol group little by little as we approach our future goal.
▲ Hee Chul: We want to make the “Super Junior Show,” which enables us to communicate with people, like the program “SMAPxSMAP,” which SMAP has been hosting in Japan.
Interviewer: Shin Dong has become a hot topic, as he proposed to his girlfriend using codes on the album jacket of the fourth album.
▲ Shin Dong: I was surprised to see that fans had broken the codes so fast. I was wrong because I should not have put my personal messages on the album which was originally made for our fans. I am really sorry to the other members and our fans.
▲ Hee Chul: I am sorry to our fans, but I think that he was very brave as a man. But, actually it was a shocking message for me, too. I did not even know that the message was so strong like that. [Marry me. I am proposing to you.]
Interviewer: How do you evaluate Choi Si Won’s acting, who just finished the drama “Oh! My Lady?”
▲ Lee Teuk: His acting, especially his facial expressions, were much better than when he appeared in the movie “Battle of Wits.” He has shown playful looks that he used to show us. When I looked at his acting when he drunkenly kissed a girl in the drama while he left the door of the refrigerator wide open, he looked so greasy.
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CREDITS
Original Article: KBS World
Shared by danica @ TwELFs.com
In 2008, Super Junior has achieved an unprecedented hit with ‘Sorry Sorry” They became the record king and also sweeped various awards including Golden Disk Awards, becoming dignified overseas including Taiwan and Hong Kong. However, the good comes with the bad. After moments of happiness and glory pass, bad news came. Member Hankyung requested the dissolution of his contract against SM Entertainment
The wound that Kim Heechul has received was especially big. He lived in the same dorm as Hankyung and had a special relationship with him. Their special relationship can be observed with his cyworld minihompy containing full of pictures that they took together. He said, “I was in a big chaos. It was difficult for me to laugh on TV and dance on stage.”
Afterwards, he did not go on any of the stage including year end award shows. For 3 months, he lived in seclusion, locking his door. His only friends were two cats. Kim Heechul revealed, “I had some lingering emotions. Since I did not meet any people, depression got worse. I had lived with Hankyung, drinked together and was really close. It was mentally difficult.”
During his difficult time, the person who supported him was oddly Eunhyuk who he did not think was close with. There was a distance between them as Heechul who liked entertainment and Eunhyuk who’s a devout Christian were complete opposite of each other. However, Heechul came to himself when Eunhyuk said, “hyung’s not good at singing or dancing, but we can’t survive without you hyung.”
Leeteuk and Shindong also told him encouraging words and Donghae came to his house and made dinner for him. He thought, “I’ve been too attached to one friend when there are many friends who are trying to go the same direction, .”
He emptied his mind. His mind became comfortable after thinking, “when we and Hankyung do well we can meet each other.” Heechul was able to talk about difficult problems on variety shows.
“Because he’s a friend, I despise him, feel sorry, upset. Even though I have many mixed emotions, I’ve become better now.” Kim Heechul said, “I told Hankyung to come over when he gets married.”
Actually, other members were shocked when Hankyung left. It was because the members did not even know about the problem. Leeteuk knew about Hankyung leaving after reading an article. Even though, they were shocked, on the other hand, they felt sorry.
Leeteuk said, “because we were always together, I think we forgot that he was a foreigner. We should have talked a lot but because we were busy we didn’t get to communicate often. It must have been difficult for him to have made that decision. I feel sorry.”
However, after the rain, the ground gets harder. After experiencing various incidents, actually the members became more close. We were able to feel the members’ preciousness. Kim Heechul said, “what I learned after experiencing this is that we have to treat each other well when they are with us. We were able to feel the members’ preciousness.”
Leeteuk also said, “I think we are working harder to fill the empty spaces of other members. There’s always a place for them. They just have to come back. We are going to work harder so that when they feel that they want to come back, they would be able to come back without any burden. ”
Super Junior came back with SJ Funky’s complete version of ‘Miinah.’ The album’s getting hot attention with pre-order of 200,000 CDs.
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CREDITS
Source: Sports Chosun
English Translation: Minnie @ sujuism.blogspot.com
Super Junior is a South Korean boy band under SM Entertainment who has been leading the Korean music scene since 2005. Following their debut with 12 members, one additional member was introduced a year later to complete the group and have since formed 4 sub-groups. Each of the members are known for their unique talents and charms in entertaining the audiences, be it as singer, actor, MC, radio host, rapper, comedian, songwriter, model or dancer.
To date, SUJU has officially released five studio albums, with numerous singles, digital, singles, original soundtracks and live concert albums. Their third album, Sorry Sorry, released in 2009, is arguably the most critically and commercially successful album to date, selling 30,000 copies on its release day in Korea only, nabbing the #1 chart position in Korea, Taiwan, Philippines and Thailand. With only 9 active members since 2011, the group continues to defend their title as the King of Global Korean Wave.
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Type: World Tour Description: SUPER SHOW 4 - SUPER JUNIOR, THE WORLD TOUR is the group's first world tour following the first three rounds of their Asia Tour. The boys kicked off the tour in Seoul, South Korea, entertaining the audiences with spectacular performances for 2 nights. The concert is scheduled to hit various countries until the year 2012 with Osaka, Taipei and Singapore as the next stops. Purchase Tickets | News | Pictures | Videos
⇢ Nov 19, 2011 | Seoul, South Korea
⇢ Nov 20, 2011 | Seoul, South Korea
⇢ Nov 10, 2011 | Osaka, Japan
⇢ Nov 11, 2011 | Osaka, Japan
⇢ Feb 3, 2012 • Taipei, Taiwan
⇢ Feb 4, 2012 • Taipei, Taiwan
⇢ Feb 5, 2012 • Taipei, Taiwan
⇢ Feb 17, 2012 • Singapore
5th Album Repackage Member: Super Junior Type: Album Release Date: September 19, 2011 Purchase on:iTunes or YesAsia
떴다 오빠 (Oppa, Oppa) Member: Donghae and Eunhyuk Type: Single Release Date: December 16, 2011 Listen on:Mnet or Melon or Daum
2011 SMTOWN 'Winter' - The Warmest Gift Member: Super Junior ft. Henry & Zhoumi Type: SMTOWN Compilation Album Release Date: December 13, 2011 Purchase on:iTunes or YesAsia
Mr. Simple - Japan Version Member: Super Junior Type: Japanese Single Release Date: December 7, 2011 Purchase on:iTunes or YesAsia (+DVD) / YesAsia (Normal)
The 3rd Asia Tour - Super Show 3 DVD + Photobook Member: Super Junior Type: Live Concert DVD + Photobook Release Date: December 21, 2011 Purchase on:YesAsia or iTunes (songs)
SMTOWN LIVE in Tokyo DVD Member: Super Junior Type: Live Concert DVD Release Date: February 22, 2012 Purchase on:YesAsia
My Kingdom DVD (English Subtitled) - Hong Kong Version Member: Han Geng Type: Chinese Movie Role: Meng Er Kui Release Date: November 29, 2011 Purchase on:YesAsia More:Facebook • Posts
Deep Rooted Tree (2011) Member: Kibum Type: Television Series (24 episodes) Role: Park Paeng-nyeon Air time: Wed & Thurs at 21:55 on SBS More:Official • Twitter • Posts
We Got Married (2011) Member: Leeteuk Type: Variety Show Air time: Sat at PM 05:15 on MBC More:Official • Posts
Super Junior's Kiss The Radio (2006-present) Member: DJ Leeteuk and Eunhyuk Type: Radio Program Broadcast: PM 10:00 on KBS Cool FM More:Official • Twitter • Posts
ShimShim Tapa (2008-present) Member: DJ Shindong Type: Radio Program Broadcast: AM 00:00 on MBC 표준FM More:Official • Twitter • Posts
Star King (2011) Member: MC Leeteuk Type: Variety Show Air time: Sat at PM 06:30 on SBS More:Official • Posts
Radio Star (2011) Member: MC Kyuhyun Type: Variety Show Air time: Wed at PM 11:05 on MBC More:Official • Posts
The Three Musketeers - The Musical (2010-2011) Member: Kyuhyun as d'Artagnan Type: Musical Venue: Seongnam Arts Center Purchase Tickets:Interpark (English) More:Schedule • Official • Twitter • Posts
Fame - The Musical (2011-2012) Member: Eunhyuk as Tyrone Jackson Type: Musical Venue: Woori Art Hall, Olympic Park Purchase Tickets:Interpark (English) More:Schedule • Twitter • Posts
LG Optimus Glare Member: Super Junior Type: Endorsement Release Date: December 19, 2011 More:Official • Posts
2012 Official Diary Member: Super Junior Type: Merchandise Release Date: January 3, 2012 Purchase on:YesAsia
2012 Desk Calendar Member: Super Junior Type: Merchandise Release Date: December 19, 2011 Purchase on:YesAsia
2012 Wall Calendar Member: Super Junior Type: Merchandise Release Date: December 19, 2011 Purchase on:YesAsia
jjajangmyeon Age: 29 Favorite members: Donghae, Heechul, Kyuhyun, Henry Favorite songs: Sorry Sorry, It’s You, Happy Together, A Short Journey, Blue Tomorrow, Destiny
Why I love Super Junior? I wasn’t into K-Pop when Super Junior debuted, I started noticing them only after they released Sorry Sorry (in my opinion, THE song that shot them to superstardom and got them where they are right now). My first impression of them was “Why so many members?” and “What’s with the haircut?” While watching EHB, it was then when I realized that these boys began to grow on me. They have a nonchalant approach to fame and they don’t take themselves too seriously, that’s a quality I rarely find in other K-Pop groups. I realize in Korean entertainment world, idol images are shaped and they have to maintain that, but every so often, with SJ members, their real personalities appear in interviews, variety shows, radio broadcasts and especially Super Show. They way they interact with each other make me feel like I’m watching the boys-next-door, approachable, funny, dorky and humble. I guess that imperfection shows that they are real and relatable.
Why I love TwELFs and SPL? When I first started collecting information about Super Junior, I stumbled upon several fanbases, but TwELFs stood out to my attention immediately for several reasons: quality content, good English, pleasing to the eyes & easy to navigate.Like any other new converts, I joined in the fandom bandwagon and participated with gusto especially on Trending Topic projects. I was surprised to know that TwELFs founders were still in college, because they ran a tight ship with the blog and Twitter account. I was even more pleasantly surprised when I communicated via Twitter with the founders, because they were so friendly and unpretentious.
TwELFs blog has meaty content without sacrificing entertainment value. It is informational without sounding too serious and at the same time, provides all the fun tidbits for fans –newly minted or veteran.
SPL is oozing with creativity (e.g. forum members referred to as Students and Super Junior members as Professors!) and over a short period of time has gained the reputation of being one of the most acclaimed international forums for ELFs. SPL keeps making changes for the better and continues to carry out credible projects for Super Junior and ELFs. SPL is a labor of love, and I salute the people behind it, who are such dedicated hard-workers.
