Around the turn of the millennium, Korean pop culture and entertainment started popping up everywhere in Asia. Korean Cinema saw a new renaissance with the domestic and regional popularity of movies like My Sassy Girl, Friend, and My Wife is a Gangster. The music industry ushered in a new generation of teen idols whose fame extended beyond Korea. Most significantly, Korean dramas invaded televisions across Asia, with series like Winter Sonata and Dae Jang Geum reaching an unprecedented level of Pan-Asian popularity. The fervor for Korean dramas and Korean television stars like Bae Yong Joon, Choi Ji Woo, and Lee Young Ae was so great, the phenomenon was dubbed the Korean Wave. Fast forward to 2010, Korean entertainment is still spreading its sphere of influence in Asia and beyond, but the focus is shifting away from Korean dramas. There’s a new wave sweeping out of Korea, and this wave is led by K-pop.
The K-pop wave isn’t content with just niche markets, dubbed soap operas, and Japanese fan meetings, not when domestic album sales are flagging and there’s a world out there for the taking. We’re now in a time when Rain can star in a Hollywood movie, Dong Bang Shin Ki can top the Oricon charts, Wonder Girls can tour with the Jonas Brothers, and Nobody and Sorry Sorry can be heard from every karaoke box in Asia. K-pop is more popular than ever in Asia, and thanks to the Internet and the proliferation of online social media, it’s also traveled farther outside of Asia and inspired dedicated fanbases in every region imaginable. Standing at the forefront of this K-pop wave is entertainment juggernaut SM Entertainment.
Founded in 1995 by former singer Lee Soo Man, SM Entertainment has produced some of the biggest K-pop stars of the past decade including H.O.T, S.E.S, BoA, Shinhwa, Dong Bang Shin Ki, Super Junior, and Girls’ Generation. Though K-pop’s other two giants JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment also have their own formidable lineup of stars, as a talent label SM Entertainment is clearly the biggest player in K-pop. According to year-to-date domestic sales figures reported by the Hanteo chart in mid-August, SM Entertainment artists own the top seven best-selling albums of 2010 so far. SM does everything bigger – bigger groups, bigger stars, bigger sales, bigger fandoms, bigger controversies, bigger heartbreaks – and it’s been doing it bigger and better than the rest for a while.
Super Junior, Strength in Numbers
With TVXQ splitting their time between Korea and Japan, SM introduced another group in 2005, Super Junior 05. Comprised of a whopping 12 members, the band was originally conceived as a rotating-membership unit, with plans for a different “Super Junior 06″ lineup the following year. The group’s great popularity after the release of their first album, however, prompted SM to rethink their plans. Much to the relief of fans, in 2006 Super Junior became an official group, with one more member added (the youngest, Kyu Hyun) to bring the count to 13. As K-pop’s biggest group, Super Junior vaunted to the top with the hit single U, and they’ve stayed there ever since.
Super Junior’s smorgasbord of vastly different talents and personalities opened up whole new possibilities. Like in most groups, there were some members better known for singing (Kyu Hyun, Ryeo Wook, Ye Sung), dancing (Dong Hae, Eun Hyuk, Han Geng, Shin Dong), and rapping (Ki Bum, Eun Hyuk). But Super Junior’s deep lineup also included actors (Ki Bum, Hee Chul, Si Won) and talkers who quickly emerged as new-generation emcees (Lee Teuk, Kang In, Hee Chul, Shin Dong). The group’s hosting and variety show prowess, in particular, created an image different than the typical idols. Super Junior is also the first group to debut with a foreign member, Han Geng, starting a precedent that is now quite common in K-pop.
Super Junior’s strength in numbers made them a formidable force that grew with every album. The releases of Don’t Don, Sorry Sorry, and their most recent Bonamana were all big events in K-pop. Sorry Sorry, in particularly, launched the super-sized boy band to a new level of fame in Asia. Other than group and individual activities, Super Junior have also formed sub-units targeting different musical styles. K.R.Y, the first Super Junior unit introduced, is a ballad group, while Super Junior T tackles trot and Super Junior Happy makes, er, happy music.
The most significant Super Junior unit though is its Chinese spin-off, Super Junior M. With a Chinese member in the group, Super Junior has had a foot in the Chinese market since their debut. In 2008, SM made a full-fledged foray into Chinese music with the formation of Super Junior M comprised of Han Geng, Si Won, Ryeo Wook, Dong Hae, Kyu Hyun, plus two additional new members, Chinese-Canadian Henry Lau and Mainland native Zhou Mi. The addition of two non-Super Junior members into Super Junior M created a good deal of controversy among Super Junior’s famously dedicated fanbase, but the project went ahead with the members spending significant time promoting and performing in China. Most fans were won over by the time they released their first mini-album Super Girl which garnered the group a Golden Melody nomination.
Other than Super Junior M, SM also debuted Chinese female artist Zhang Li Yin in 2006. The young R&B singer’s Korean single Timeless won her the Best New Solo Artist award at the M.net Asian Music Awards, a first for a foreign artist. After making her mark in Korea, she released her first Chinese album I Will two years later.
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Taken from: YesAsia
Shared By: danica @ TwELFs.com
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August 4, 2010. Many Korean bands debut each year, and if you analyse how each of these idol groups achieved success, you will realise that there is actually a structure (like a perfect combination): With the group leader’s blood type being A, the group would be the most charismatic and stable; In a group, the youngest must be likeable; If their fans don’t have a representive name and colour, it means that the colour is not “fashion”.
Popular Idol Group Leader’s rule: Leaders are mostly Blood Type A
With the ‘war’ between korean boybands, in order to let each member show their own talents, the ‘leader’ has to be there. FT Island’s Choi Jung Hun, CNBlue’s Jung Yong Hwa, ZE:A’s Moon Jun Yeong, Super Junior’s Lee Teuk, DBSK’s Jung YunHo (UKnow), 2PM’s ex-leader Jaebum, 2AM’s Jo Kwon, Big Bang’s G-Dragon and B2ST’s Yoon Du Jun, the common point between these 9 leaders are that they are all of Blood Type A, and are all responsible, follow rules and like to service others. WIth groups having such sweet leaders, it is like they have something to lean on, and the leaders lead the group towards a goal.
Popular Idol Group Maknae’s (youngest) rule: Maknae must be cute; increase popularity
In Korea, respecting those who are older than you is very important. In korea’s boybands, there is also a special ‘Maknae’ culture: Like SS501′s Kim Hyung Joon, FT Island’s Choi Min Hwan***, Big Bang’s Seungri etc, because they are the youngest members, they are often teased, but their image is often cute and is loved by the audience. A manager of an idol group said, “when choosing the maknae member, other than that she/he must be talented, the most important factor is their skin and their looks, we wil try to choose those with milky skin and who have baby face.” In a group, the maknae is often the one who has to help his brothers/sisters, for example 2PM’s dorm, although they have a helper to clean their dorm, the one who has to throw the rubbish and clean up the dining table after a meal is always the youngest member, Chansung. Beast’s maknae, Song Dong Woon, is the one who creates the atmosphere in their dorm, and when his hyungs are feeling down, he will cheer them up.
Since 2000, the leaders have been used to increase the group’s popularity; but now, its the youngest members. U-Kiss’s Dongho is an example. Dongho rose to fame through a KBS2 TV program, and managed to show everyone what U-Kiss was made up of. T-ara’s maknae Jiyoon also increased T-ara’s poularity through acting in KBS2′s “God of Study”. The most miraculous thing is, when creating an idol group, the youngest member is usually the last to be chosen. This was the case for 4Minute’s Kwon So Hyung and Beast’s Song Dong Woon.
4Minute’s management company said, “Staying with members, the youngest member must have a lot of patience.” and also, “Although they do not talk much usually, but when needed, a powerful sentence from them might decide the result.
“Popular Idol Group Member’s Rule: There must be one with “Princess’ illness” and “Alien”
In an idol group, there is often one funny idol who likes to admire herself/himself (“Princess Illness”)in the mirror. Like Shinhwa’s ,Shin Hye SUng and Kim Dong Wan, DBSK’s Hero Jaejoong, SS501′s Park Jung Min, Super Junior’s Kim Hee Chul. Kim Heechul calls himself ‘cinderella’ and his fans also call him “Princess”. His image is more extravagant than women, with red hair, golden hair, silver hair, long ponytail, pink jacket, rainbow shawls, Roger Rabbit’s large T pyjamas, pink school bags; his members said “he likes to show his collarbone more than women do”, “Because he is worried that it is not good for his skin, he doesn’t even drink carbonate drinks”. They also praised him –”his nickname is Cindrella, he is the little red spot in SJ, which is green.” Park Jung Min is even worse, he locked himself in the toilet once, and faced the mirror touching his face saying “this is so pretty, i really want to hang you up on the wall.”, and when he is praised for his looks, he says “i was born like that.” He also often gives himself names like “Park Charisma”, “Sexy Park” etc.As fir ‘Aliens’, there are ShinHwa’s Eric, DBSK’s Hero Jaejoong, SS501′s Kim Hyun Joong, Super Junior’s Kim Heechul, Big Bang’s T.O.P, 2PM’s Park Jaebum, 2AM’s Jo Kwon, they are called 4-dimensional, and tend to jump up with actions upon hearing certain words. Their actions often leave people wondering “Huh?” but at the same time finding it interesting, like Kim Hyun Joong’s first kiss scene, he asked the director, “Director..do i have to put my tongue in?” When asked who in “Boys over Flowers” is the most handsome, he would say “the colour of my hair is the most handsome” and weird answers like that. Idol groups with members with “princess illness” and “aliens” allow the group and members to have many things to talk about and laugh about, they are also well-loved, and are the ones in the group who lighten the atmosphere.Also, many idol groups have members who have animals as their nicknames, for example Shinhwa’s Eric is rabbit, Lee Min Woo is cat, Shin Hye Sung is fox; Click-B’s Oh Jong Hyuk is rabbit; DBSK’s Junsu is dolphin; SS501′s Heo Young Saeng is beaver, Park Jung Min is horse; Super Junior’s Kangin is racoon, Eunhyuk is monkey, Sungmin is rabbit and Lee Donghae is fish.
Popular Idol Group Fans’ rule: Each group has a representative colour
Every idol group has its representive colour, and they have special names for their fans. Super Junior’s representative colour is Pearl Sapphire Blue, and they call their fans “E.L.F” (Ever Lasting Friends) “ELF” is also used to refer to elves, so their fans are also called “elves” (more relevant for chinese fans) SS501′s representative colour is green, so when their fans hold the green balloons, they look like peas, and thus SS501 calls their fans “Pea Princesses”. Their management company also produced pea cups, pea earrings etc. FT Island’s representative colour is yellow, and their fans are called “Primadonna” (‘Female lead’ in Italian), otherwise known as “Pri”.Korea’s idol market has a very special ‘balloon culture’, as it is convenient to bring balloons around and they become big when air is blown in. This way, it is easy for singers to know where their fans are, and thus would interact with his/her fans more.
***Not sure why they say Choi Min Hwan is the maknae of FT Island, the maknae of FT Island is Song Seunghyun.
CREDITS
Original source: Sina
English Translation: fishyplankton @ Super-Legacy.com
The pride of Asian boy bands Super Junior, what is so special about idols in the resting room?
The members, who held ‘Super Show 3’ in Seoul Olympic Stadium on the 14th and 15th, revealed their photos from backstage. They, who love taking pictures, one by one posed for the camera, from seducing poses to naughty ones. So far the boy band with the most members, they gave the impression of constantly helping and caring for each other even in backstage. Members of SNSD and TRAX, also from the same company, went backstage as well. Everyone was still in the trance of Super Junior members’ charisma.
Super Junior members took pictures together before going onstage. In the photo, their hands were stacked together, encouraging each other. It is already their 3rd tour, however they were still very nervous, therefore in need of support from one another.
In addition, Heechul took a picture with two members of SNSD. Heechul performed ‘The Way To Break With An Idol’ in this concert, as well as imitating Lady Gaga as ‘Lady Hee Hee’.
‘Warm charisma’ leader Leeteuk in the changing room showed his warm smile with his fellow members in front of the camera. With Yesung, the two did not expose their nervousness at all. In the middle of performing, cameras also took pictures of them being drenched in sweat.
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Original Source: hankooki
Chinese Translation: 悦鑫@SJ公会 (sjgonghui.com)
English Translation: heart_beat327@super-legacy.com
Korean idol group Super Junior’s new album ‘Bonamana’ released 3 different versions. Just version A even sold over 120,000 copies in Korea. Along with the sales of versions B and C, it totals to around 210,000 albums sold, making SJ the ‘sales king’ of this year up until now. On the ranking, the first 7 are also albums from artists of the same company, SM Entertainment.
A site researching the sales of Korean albums ‘Hanteo’ released yesterday the sales of Korean albums from January 1 this year till the 17th of this month. Super Junior’s ‘Bonamana’ was relased in May in Korea, releasing 3 versions in only 3 months, totaling to over 210,000 copies sold. However, this album only sold around 45,000 copies in Taiwan.
Artists under SM Entertainment successfully achieved the first 7 rankings of the list. Super Junior respectively took 1st, 5th and 7th.
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Original Source: Apple Daily
English Translation: heart_beat327@super-legacy.com
Promotions of Super Junior’s new song ‘Tok Tok Tok’ has been tremendous. A lot of members used Twitter to promote their new song.
On the 17th, Kim Heechul tweeted: ” ‘Tok Tok Tok’ Give my heart a knock~ I’m willing to be a self promoting idol..”. Shindong tweeted, “Super Junior’s traditional TROT single Tok Tok Tok says ‘give my heart a knock’, while listening to the song you’ll soon get addicted to it!!!”. Eunhyuk tweeted, “~Who is it? Ever since I was young I always heard people say I was smart, but I would have never guessed that one day I would sing a song like Tok Tok Tok……Hehe? Good, now SM has decided to hand us over to the media” They all left a message through Twitter.
It seems like the three members have planned to go on Twitter to promote their new song at the same time, as Heechul has described, ‘self promoting idols’.
Also, the melody, performance, editing and vocals of Super Junior’s new song ‘Tok Tok Tok’ are all traditional TROT style and was released on different public websites on the 16th.
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Chinese Translation: 香淑_小抽@sujudian.cn
English Translation: ❝Cherylbchow☆❞@super-legacy.com
One of Asia’s most popular groups Super Junior’s 3rd tour ‘Super Show 3’ officially started. The performances held on the 14th and 15th in Seoul Olympic Stadium attracted many overseas fans to come and watch. Shindong got the audience laughing by pretending to be Chinese for a certain part; Kangin who entered the army also performed with his fellow members on stage by 3D projections, causing the fans and even Leeteuk to tear up.
Eunhyuk and Shindong took over the stage designs
The Seoul concert performed on the 15th, the family of the members also came. Leader Leeteuk jokingly said ‘Even my mother was surprised, how Super Junior became so fashionable and elegant.’ The members hung on wires, jumped out of moving lifts, rode pushcarts around the stage in order to get closer to the fans. All this came from the creativity of Shindong and Eunhyuk. Shindong said ‘The hardest part is that there is no extra money for it.’ Yesung who has a fear of heights said ‘From the pain on our hips, we can confirm that we are real men.’
Heechul and Shindong respectively disguised as ‘Lady Hee Hee’ and ‘Beyonce’*, the image with tights and high heels cracked the fans up. Shindong however said ‘My appearance was a bit dirty, hopefully in the other performances it doesn’t have to be me.’
Many little situations; Siwon accidently fell
Some small accidents also occurred at the concert. While Siwon was singing ‘A Man In Love’, he lost his balance and fell. Although he immediately climbed back up, the fall was obviously very painful, and couldn’t help but drag his leg while walking on stage. Sungmin also got his shoe stuck in the moving platforms, so he took off his shoes and socks and performed ‘U’ onstage barefoot. Eunhyuk even helped to retrieve his shoe later on. As there were many fans from overseas, in the specially prepared VCR, each of the members dressed up as if they were from other countries. Leeteuk said ‘Sometimes I’m worried our popularity in Korea would lose to overseas.’ Shindong even wore a long robe and sang a classic Chinese song live. ‘Super Show 3’ is expected to be held in Taiwan early next year in the Taipei Arena. However, the vocal group KRY made up by Kyuhyun, Ryeowook and Yesung might be coming to Taiwan by the end of the year for a performance.
* Originally it was a word play of Shindong’s Chinese name with Beyonce’s
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Original Source: Unknown
English Translation: heart_beat327@super-legacy.com
On this month of 14th and 15th, Kim Heechul has completely become as Lady Gaga, and he revealed the photo in his twitter. During midnight of 15th, Kim Heechul updated his twitter by saying “together with the fans…. Lady Heehee”, with a photo of himself dressing up as Lady Gaga.
According to the international entertainment news, SJ Kim Heechul was seen dressing up as Lady Gaga during one of the segments for their concert, and even post up the photo on his twitter.
In the photo, Kim Heechul was seen imitating Lady Gaga and her famous main focuses, like the blonde hair, and even wearing a big sunglasses on his head. He also had red lipstick on, wearing long black dress, stockings, and wearing red heels. which look totally the same as Lady Gaga. SJ members, Cho Kyuhyun and Choi Siwon was seen standing near him, seems like a fan of Kim Heechul as they took a photo together.
After 2 hours, Kim Heechul twitter was updated again with a photo and he says “if I think I will not do well for it I will not do it. I’m like that, its either I do it like a mad man or I don’t. Anyway, if there’s determination in it, you will do it well!”.
This attracted many fans attention. They even replied his twitter saying “Lady Heehee is much more prettier than the original one!” “This is going to be a hit!”, “This sexy person is who!”, “You are prettier than female!”, “I’m wondering if you are in pain when you are wearing those red heels”, “Siwon & Kyuhyun do look like fans here!”.
On the same day, SBS variety show PD Park Sanghyuk state in his cyworld “Today’s SJ concert seems interesting. It will be difficult to forget Lady Heehee” Which also attracted many attention. Heechul saw and he replied “If I have the feel again, I can show how Lady Heehee look like on TV” and Park PD immediately replied him saying “ will be the first program to invite Lady Heehee”.
In addition, SJ held their 3rd Asia Tour Super Show 3 at Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Stadium on 14th & 15th of August. Other than Lady Heehee on stage, there are also Donghae, Shindong, Eunhyuk and other members who sang which made audiences surprised and shocked.
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Original Source: 中国日报 China Daily
English Translation: Xiaosi@super-legacy.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.