11 Ways Super Junior Proved Their Ultimate Veteran Status

Having debuted in 2005, Super Junior is a veteran group who basically presided the second generation of K-pop. 12 years and counting, the timeless group is still as renowned as ever, with their impact on the K-pop scene remaining intact even in the midst of its respective members serving in the military.

Throughout the years, the members have been holding a prominent presence via both their solo and group activities. They keep taking the Hallyu scene by storm as they have been dominating every field, from their main vocation as idols, to their side occupations as actors, MCs, variety guests, and entertainers.

Most of the members have reunited six months before their 12th anniversary, which they celebrated by releasing their eighth studio album “Play” with their most mature concept to date. They later received the Legend Award at the 2017 Asia Artist Awards, which further proves that Super Junior’s idol status is being endlessly acknowledged.  It’s safe to say that these handsome men are aging like fine wine in all aspects, and they’re not going anywhere!

Without further ado, here are 11 times Super Junior proved their ultimate veteran status.

1. Leeteuk and Heechul, the variety kings

It is no secret that Leeteuk and Kim Heechul have a tremendous presence on variety shows. Heechul has been extremely active on variety shows after having achieved his military duties and is highly known for his savagery and wits onscreen, with “Knowing Bros” and “Life Bar” being some of his successful ongoing programs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_JKvbFFMzs

Following him is Leeteuk, who is just as active on a number of variety shows. Some of his most notable works include but are not limited to “I Can See Your Voice,” “Star Show 360,” and “Produce 101 Season 2” where he was featured as MC. He is also the longest-running DJ on the “Kiss the Radio” radio show. It looks like the the leader nails his MC role wherever he goes, and that includes both his daily life and his MV roles!

2. Shindong’s performance on “The King of Mask Singer”

Following his discharge from the military, Shindong made his first television appearance on “The King of Mask Singer,” where he delivered a teary performance of JK Kim Dong Wook’s “Foolish Love” upon removing his mask, which left both the show’s panelists and the audience in awe. He later revealed in an interview that the reason he got emotional during his performance was because of the fervent cheers he received that day.

3. Choi Siwon’s small screen comeback with “Revolutionary Love”

“Revolutionary Love” is Choi Siwon’s first post-military work. If you’re familiar with his previous dramas, you know you’re in for a treat with this one!

Being cast as the male lead, Siwon plays the role of Byun Hyuk, an immature but kindhearted third-generation Chaebol who hides his true identity and starts living amongst the working class. The plot mainly addresses the daily challenges youth face when it comes to climbing the social ladder. As the drama progresses, Byun Hyuk opens his eyes on how society truly works, as he realizes that there is more to life than leading a nonchalant wealthy lifestyle. His character is silly, serious and swooning all at once, which is exactly what we’d expect from our charming actor!

Get a glimpse of this fun drama in the teaser below!

4. D&E’s Japanese comeback and tour

After their sub-unit reunion at KCON LA last August, the duo made their official comeback by releasing a series of Japanese singles on a monthly basis from November 2017 to March 2018. The releases contain a panoply of genres that are set to drive you through all sorts of emotions! Currently, Donghae and Eunhyuk are preparing to release their third full-length Japanese album in August, and they’re gearing up to kickstart their “Style” Japan tour in the upcoming fall.

Check out this fresh and upbeat MV of “Lose It,” where Donghae and Eunhyuk are featured as animated characters!

5. Yesung’s solo career

As all of the SuJu members were either busy with their individual activities or fulfilling their military service, it was time for Yesung to make his solo debut. He’s widely known for his distinctive voice and he’s been praised a lot for the OSTs he has released before. He released his first mini-album “Here I Am” on April 19, 2016. A year later, he made his comeback with a second extended play titled “Spring Falling,” where “Paper Umbrella” served as the title track. Yesung was credited as a songwriter on both albums.

6. Super Junior’s entertaining reality show series

One of the gems we were blessed with upon Super Junior’s return is their “Super TV” series. The reality show consists of two seasons. The main format of the program includes a variety of games that are popular amongst variety shows, for which the first season was labeled “Super Junior Crazy Idol Variety.” In the highlights below, the excited idols are shown evaluating each other’s forte when it comes to variety skills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBwHZO1AVGY

The second season introduces a new concept “Game of Thrones” where the members, known for their variety king status, invite other idols and challenge them for the title. One of the two main segments is “Liar King” where the guests have to defend their listed skills and specialties by taking SuJu as their opponents. A vivid example of it is a fierce rap diction battle that ended with an interesting result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-58EgtDHoY

7. Sungmin’s featuring on SM STATION

Despite sitting out Super Junior’s latest comebacks, Sungmin did not forget about his fans. Lately, he gifted us an acoustic ballad that he released as a featured artist of SM STATION. In his MV for “Day Dream,” an aesthetic yet melancholic scenery soulfully accompanies his soothing vocals.

8. Super Junior’s mindblowing success with “Lo Siento”

The group has had a fair share of successful songs, with “Sorry, Sorry” and “Mr. Simple” being some of their classics. But their comeback with “Lo Siento” was off the charts! The song, which was a collaboration with Leslie Grace, was the first K-pop song to enter Billboard’s Latin Songs chart at No. 13, making Super Junior the first K-pop act to land this achievement. Furthermore, the song also charted on Billboard’s World Songs chart at No. 2.

This impressive milestone garnered a remarkable attention overseas as they sat down for interviews and talk shows. The latest being their appearance on “Good Day New York” alongside Leslie, a day before their performance on KCON 2018 NY.

Overall, their repackaged album “Replay” received tremendous attention. On top of charting on Billboard’s World Albums charts at No. 2, the album also earned the No.1 spot on iTunes’ Top Album charts in 28 countries around the world.

Catch the dashing MV for “Lo Siento” down below!

9. Kyuhyun supporting Super Junior’s comeback

Beyond the spotlight and busy schedules, the members share a special relationship. Super Junior’s maknae took a break from his ongoing military service to attend a morning rehearsal of Super Junior’s “Lo Siento” comeback stage. The group shared a photo showing the currently active members (aside from Heechul who sat out the promotions) with Kyuhyun holding a copy of the repackaged album.

10. ELF and Super Junior’s precious bond

Talk about everlasting friends! For 12 years and counting, ELFs stood by Super Junior’s side and waited patiently for them as the group’s worldwide popularity continuously rose, especially in an industry that keeps getting more ferocious by the second.

Lately, the members reunited with an old fan at KCON 2018 NY. They had previously met their fan when she visited SM Entertainment back in 2012. This lovely gesture shows the mutual strong ties that Super Junior maintain with their fans throughout the years.

11. Ryeowook’s first post-military activities

One thing is for sure, the little prince is coming at us with all his might! Upon his discharge from the military on July 10, the fervent member’s schedule is already packed!

Ryeowook is holding a fanmeeting on July 12, titled “Return to the Little Prince” which was teased on his birthday, to spend some quality time with his fans after a long absence. Recently, he joined his members in the filming of a “Super TV” episode. We’re looking forward to seeing him make a comeback alongside the rest of SuJu!

#HappyRyeowookDay
#19870621 #HBD??

[2018 #RYEOWOOK 팬미팅 ‘Return to the Little Prince’]
?️2018.07.12(목) 8PM KST
?SMTOWN@coexartium 5F SMTOWN THEATRE

티켓 예매
•2018.06.28(목) 8PM KST (1인 1매)
•전석 33,000원 (V.A.T. 포함)
•예스24(https://t.co/x9Sn1DxR91)#SUPERJUNIOR pic.twitter.com/uxC6qgLu7Z

— SUPER JUNIOR (@SJofficial) June 21, 2018

With only Kyuhyun left to complete his military enlistment on May 24, 2019, a future Super Junior reunion is in order. Plus, we believe we’re speaking on behalf of everyone when we say that this is easily one of the most anticipated moments we’re hoping to witness in 2019!

ELFs, are you excited to see a Super Junior reunion? Let us know in the comments below!

Esmee L. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, writer, and Hallyu enthusiast.