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ihallyu · 7 years ago

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Super Junior, My First Love in All of KPOP

Not Asking to Like them, But… Recognize and Respect them

It was year 2005 when I came across from the ARIRANG channel the group called Super Junior, and from what I can remember, the only person who struck me the most was the orange-colored long haired guy with a giant fan on his hand as his prop on performing. From then on, I had never imagine that years will pass and I will come to know and love them.

Last quarter of 2010 it is, I was still studying my degree in college when one of my housemates invited us to watch some clips on her laptop. Those clips were Super Junior Music Videos, while we were watching she keeps on telling stories about them. She already knew enought about them by the time she had let us watch the videos. I was just into Korean Dramas that time, not really into korean idol groups. I only listen to their music because of the OST’s. I already knew the group when she showed them to us because they did become viral because of their song “Sorry, Sorry”, but I was late in realizing that it was the same group I came across year 2005, and the orange-colored long haired guy with a giant fan was Kim Heechul. Around that time, I just finished watching the drama “Oh! My Lady” starring Choi Siwon. He was playing the role of a top star who is so bad at acting, then she met an older lady to whom he will fall in love with. He sings and also dances in the drama. After watching my housemate’s videos, there I realized Siwon is one of the members of Super Junior. From that point, my life unfolded from every aspect - introduce me to the world of KPOP and absolutely everything about Korea.

How did I start loving Super Junior and be an ELF? It is definitely a different story, it’s not an instant thing, especially it was my first encounter with a korean group. I do have a separate story for this. (Coming Soon!)

Super Junior (SJ, SUJU) is one of the second generation idols of KPOP, and now year 2017, we all knew that the of 4th generation groups is starting to build in numbers. Currently, the 3rd generation groups are the ones dominating the wold of KPOP. But what I wanted to convey to a various range of kpop fans is not really to persuade them to like Super Junior, but at least recognize what they have accomplished and contributed to the KPOP industry and respect them because they really do deserve it. As a KDrama fan since 2004, and a KPOP fan since 2010, it might not be too long for those who started earlier than me, but it is longer than most of the fans now. KPOP has really grown now to be known all over the world, when I started I only knew one or two people who are into it also. And to go beyond just KPOP, almost everything Korean - drama, music, entertainment, food, culture, etc, many are just loving them now.

What I have here are some of Super Junior’s accomplishments and contribution to Korean industry in general, the reasons why I wanted them to be at least recognized and respected. These are just “some” because it is literally impossible for me to list all of them. I was a fan when they were already in their 5th year from debut, and even if I already dug into their history and it felt like I’ve been with them since debut, I might still miss some events which did happen when I was not yet a fan. They debuted 2005, thus five years is a lot to take in. I may only have the highlights from that 5-year period.

Super Junior was named as SuperJunior’05 when debuted since they were a project group. The original intention of SM Entertainment was to make changes every year for the group, mostly with regards with group composition. Only from this, you would know how hard they’ve fought and how far they’ve come. Survival shows are so in these days, and Super Junior has to go through those before and after debut. Most of the members were trained together (with 5 TVXQ members too), despite being a team they had intense competition within since they individually have to fight for their position in the team.

Super Junior was a project group and the FIRST group with that large number of members. They debuted as a 12-member group, and in 2006, they became a 13-member group with the addition of Cho Kyuhyun. Since they are the first group who had this setup and succeeds, they paved the way for the following groups who had several members than usual to follow through and also be successful.

Variety idols. If sense of humor and wit can be trained, Super Junior members will surely be mentors for it. They had their own show called “Explorers of the Human Body” way back 2007-2008. They started the trend that idols must or idol group shall somehow have member/s whose good in varieties. Each member of Super Junior has their own charm when it comes to variety. You can actually find all those kinds of variety sense in all of the members. This is why, until today, members never ran out of shows to host or be a fixed member of. They are always acknowledged by those who worked with them. The group wherein you would expect that the word “boring” is not in their dictionary once you spot them on shows or even on music shows.

The FIRST KPOP group who had a foreign member (please correct me if I’m wrong about this, but at the very least they made it popular) , Hangeng or Hankyung is the very first Chinese to debut in Korea. Not everybody is aware, but when they debuted Hangeng had to put on a mask for months while performing, he looked like a backup dancer and his lines were lipsynced by other members. He’s not invited on shows where the group was guested on. He had a problem with his Visa (not his fault anyways, SM had to be aware of the laws). There was also a law that foreigners can only perform on three TV channels. It was hard already for him because of the language but also it was unfair for him when it comes to exposure. If not for the extraordinary Heechul who blatantly removed his mask on one of their performances, the Korean entertainment might not be open about a foreign act appearing on TV screens. Hangeng may ended the relationship with SME and continued on his career in his home country, and is hugely successful by the way, his friendship with Super Junior members stayed the same. They can still talked about each other in media (magazine interviews, talk shows) and never talked bad. He ended it neatly too with SME going though the right and long process. Now, that definitely tells me, several idols took and follow his steps, right? The “neat” process is quite different though.

If its ALL AROUND ENTERTAINMENT, it’s SUPER JUNIOR who started it. In addition to being singers, dancers and rappers, they ventured from variety shows - hosting or just being a member, to radio DJ-ing, to musicals and dramas, name them all. They’ve got members who are all over the places and being excellent. They even released a movie with all the members as the cast. They were exposed to almost all the field of entertainment at first because of the original intention of a project group. Each member who debuted first in SuperJunior’05 had to fight for them not to be kicked out. Each wanted to take place of importance for the next team. But these exposures made them be excellent on their respective chosen fields. They are making each other an all-rounded entertainer as they also learn from each other. Until now, they still keep on learning. Now they have choreographers, stage directors, lyricists and composers within the group.

UNIT GROUPS and SOLOs. They’re the first group who branched out to UNIT groups. SUPERJUNIOR-T which focuses on Trot music, then SUPERJUNIOR-M, the chinese unit group who made immensely huge in China, they had two additional Chinese members for this group. They were all over China and even staying there for months during their promo period. Another one would be SUPERJUNIOR-H(appy) whose songs are all about feeling good and happy. What we cannot miss is SUPERJUNIOR’s K.R.Y consisting of the three main vocals of the group - Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, Yesung. The whole group vocals is definitely one of the best especially when they sing in chorus, even professionals would agree with me. But these three are super special, they ultimately have different vocal colors but together, it’s magic! If you wanted to know what I mean, you better hear them sing ‘Sorry Sorry, Answer’ for starters. Lastly, this was only a ship which can be considered as one of the most popular ships, and who also almost started the ship of all ships, it’s Eunhae’s unit called D&E, Donghae and Eunhyuk. Ultimately they do their own music, and mostly active in Japan. For SOLOs, they may not be the first one to start of with this trend if I’m not mistaken, but they definitely made it a trend starting of with Kyuhyun’s solo, his debut song was “Gwanghwamun”, and it was a huge hit. He basically started it for SME artists. Then all followed along. Ryeowook and Yesung also debuted as solo’s.

Scandals, Issues, Controversies, name it all, Super Junior have gone through it all. Up until today, 2017, they still do. From the moment they debut, criticisms left and right can be heard and read. They were the first group who had that large number of members, thus a lot is skeptical if they can make it work. They had to prove their worth for years, not only to the Korean public but also to their agency. They had to work nonstop to be known. On several occasions, happening to different members, there would be one who’ll spit blood during or after the performance. Some will collapse right after performances. Some had severe stomach pains during recording. They really had no filters when it comes to performing, they practically do anything that is appropriate for the sake of entertainment.

A major car accident happened year 2006 when Heechul got badly hurt to the extent of staying in the hospital for months. He was on his way home after attending Donghae’s father’s funeral. Due to this accident he had metal rods on his leg for years to recover. As expected messages of support from the fans were given, but also many were very brave and bold saying ‘He should die’, ‘He should’ve died’. He’s a member of the group but he once left from their group’s fancafe. Some of the member’s fans also cussed at him and that he should leave the group. He came back performing on stage barely dancing but only standing on an award show singing a SuperJunior-T song. He popped out on a elevating stage and everybody was surprised but at the same he’s being applaused. He even recorded his shows then on wheelchair with cast on.

Until now that he is still receiving treatments and shall continue the rehabilitation for his leg, comments regarding how he is not performing enough or he is getting it easy still do exist. He is concern for the team not to degrade the group performance as they’re known for complicated dances.

Year 2007, Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk and Kyuhyun are on their way back home after their radio show. This was a major news in S.Korea that time, several news channels covered it, there are articles here and there.

Eunhyuk and Shindong had minor injuries, Leeteuk had a more complicated condition than the two where he needed several stitches. In Kyuhyun’s case, if you want to know more how critical it was, you may watch some videos of it or search some articles, but after he made it alive it was his second life. He had to undergone several operations including one with regards to his lungs but can hugely affect his singing career. The doctor even said that time that even with a surgery his chance of living is only 20%, he had little hope to almost none. He had broken bones almost everywhere. From that moment on, as the leader Leeteuk has said, that’s when Super Junior as a team really started to get stronger.

They were not a project group anymore, they are an official team who do not need to compete with each other but fight on together. That’s when they knew how each member is needed for the whole team to be great and successful.

Members leaving. Hangeng as mentioned above. Then Kibum whose contract with SME has ended last 2015 and officially parted from the group. Nonetheless, Super Junior is Super Junior, they have always considered these two members still part of the group.

Dating scandals? They had their fair share of this. They never said anything out as the other party of dating scandals. But for most, they always got the worst comments even if it’s not their fault at all.

Marriage? Yes, a FIRST again for an active idol group member.

I don’t need to go step by step on this. Fans leaving on this member’s fancafe, his fansites decreasing, practically this made it so big of an issue inside the fandom, which for me it hurts even more. He even opted to drop out from the comeback after 2-year group hiatus and after his discharge.

Controversies involving their parents. Spoken words which are not so acceptable to the public. Opinions which are rarely expressed openly. Act of violence, death, DUI. They’ve all gone through this and still is going through.

Despite all of these, they’re standing strong, 12 years and counting. As the leader also said, it’s really 12 years full of events but they always came over.

Military. Super Junior is the first group with members one by one entering military while the group is still actively promoting. Starting with Kangin enlisting last 2010, down now to the last member who enlisted this year 2017. By 2019, all of the members are discharge and have completed their duties.

Thinking about this, I always got goosebumps. Each time there is a member enlisting they always do their goodbyes on a Super Show. They will start crying and giving out messages to the member/s and to ELFs to not change our hearts. It is always heartbreaking sending off a member, shaving their hair and seeing them on their uniforms is sad but it’s making you proud. Patiently waiting for each member is hard, but once it’s over the overwhelming feeling is indescribable.

By 2019, when Kyuhyun will finally finish his military duty, I honestly do not know what to feel by then. Almost ten years of waiting with members going in and out of the military, I am running out of words, ELFs all around the world, we are best you know.

We maybe the fandom who waited the longest until all of the members of the group we stan stand on stage again, fulfilling their duties for their country and completely be man and mature in all aspect. For that time - I cannot wait. We just have to be patient for two more years now.

Super Show series. They started this year 2008, and as of today they are about to start Super Show 7 this coming December 2017. I do feel proud in all aspect. I managed to watch Super Show 5 only here in Manila.

Super Show 3 Manila, I was still a student then, I barely managed to get money for a concert. I fell in love with them ten times more when I started watching their concerts, from their awesome and cool stages, to their fun and comical stages, down to their performances full of fan service.

And not to be absent is their always unique and entertaining MENT (introduction or talk during the concert). Their MENTs sometimes takes too long but we fans do love it. Yes, they are noisy but we fans love them more because of it.

International cross-over. Year 2009 when their hit song ‘Sorry Sorry’ bothered the whole world and started the international phenomena of the so-called ‘KPOP’ to a ‘Hallyu Wave’ or ‘K-Wave’. They are called ‘KPOP Legends’, ‘Kings of KPOP’, or ‘Hallyu Kings’ for nothing.

They opened the doors, everyone. If I may describe it in a more practical way, if you are in a queue for a show inside a stadium, the first ones to enter will pave the way for the ones who are those on the latter part of the line to enter. The first ones would be Super Junior who pave the way for KPOP to cross continents for it to be known worldwide. In comparison, in the field of science and research, the first one who made the discovery or an invention will of course be credited for being the first, and those who will follow will always make reference on them and credit them. And in KPOP, Super Junior is one to be credited for if not the only.

ELF. Everlasting Friends. Super Junior’s fandom name. The very first Korean artist fandom I have ever belonged.

Fan Projects. May it be long term or short term, ELFs all over the world have it. Short term projects are mostly for comebacks and during concerts. But long term projects are the ones which we can always be proud of. One long term project now is the “SJ School” in Africa which started year 2015, when SJ celebrated their 10th year anniversary. Almost every year, fans from different parts of the globe see to it to get one school built. To add, many of the Super Junior members have their own stars name after them which are bought ELF. There are also forests in and outside of S.Korea which was built to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other activities.

ELF purchased shares from SME to gain a legal representation as part of SME’s shareholders. This was after some fans silently waited in front of the SME building to express on how they are against of adding more members to Super Junior. This happened year 2008 where fans wanted to keep Super Junior as a thirteen member group only.

Super Junior Love ELF. Super Junior Forever. This is not an end but an and. There is always a beginning, but there is no end. When almost no body believed us, ELF did. To. ELF, Thank you. Sorry. I Love You. From. SJ.

These are some uttered and written words by Super Junior. The love from ELF they knew by heart, and the love from Super Junior, ELF knew by heart. What more can you ask for as an ELF? These guys… I already ran out of words.

This list is really long and this is not even all of it. I did not even include here the many firsts (awards and records) they have received as an international Korean group in different parts of the world. They are the pivotal point why KPOP has now a culture of its own.

Super Junior are relevant making it to talk at Oxford University in London, attending to business summit meeting all those businessmen from different parts of the world and be ambassadors to represent Hallyu and S.Korea.

Like I said, this is not to convince anyone who will read this to like and start stanning Super Junior, this is to recognize them for what they have hugely contributed to Korean Entertainment in general and how they paved ways to almost what we know in KPOP, in good and in bad aspects of it. And how they lead the way for other groups.

I know like in any other fields, time always comes and goes. There is always a time to shine brightly and a time of trial wherein you need to climb back again. No one in the world who is forever on top. But, ultimately what we can attain for is that longevity. Super Junior in 12 years had already experience the highest of the highs and lowest of lows. What newer generation groups are now experiencing had been a long gone for Super Junior. They may not be on their prime anymore in terms of popularity and fame but they will stay as long as they said “They will perform until their backs are bended.” And we ELFs, will also stay as long as they are.

(credits to all the owner of the pictures posted on this)

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