Super Junior marks 20th debut anniversary with three-day Seoul concert

Super Junior marks 20th debut anniversary with three-day Seoul concert: K-POP / 연합뉴스 / 2025-08-25 09:19:37

▲ K-pop group Super Junior perform at their 20th debut anniversary with a three-day solo concert series, “Super Show 10,” at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, southern Seoul, held on Aug. 22-24, 2025, in this photo provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 25 (Yonhap) -- K-pop group Super Junior celebrated its 20th debut anniversary with a three-day solo concert series, “Super Show 10,” at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, southern Seoul from Friday to Sunday, drawing 30,000 fans.

Despite the passage of two decades since their 2005 debut, the nine members remained energetic and playful, filling the stage with witty banter and performances of their hit songs.

“We will show you that Super Junior’s 20 years of history — past, present and future — are still ongoing, that we are still ‘ING,’” leader Leeteuk told fans, adding, “We wish for a bright future for Super Junior.”

The group expressed gratitude to its fandom, ELF, saying, “We’ve shared countless happy and precious memories over 20 years, but there were also many painful and sad moments. At those times, our members and ELF cried, worried and prayed together, which is why we were able to continue for 20 years.”

Super Junior debuted in 2005 with its first album “Super Junior05” and has since released numerous hits, including “Sorry, Sorry,” “Bonamana” and “U,” becoming one of the most prominent second-generation idol groups. Members have also expanded into acting, variety shows, sub-units and solo careers.

The group has staged 194 “Super Show” concerts across more than 30 regions worldwide, attracting about 3.3 million spectators.

At the Seoul concert, Super Junior opened with its debut track “Twins,” followed by “U,” “It’s You,” “Black Suit” and “MAMACITA,” among others. Member Kim Hee-chul, sidelined in recent years by a leg injury, joined the performance for the first time in a long while, even re-enacting a fan-favorite stage prop performance from “U” 19 years ago.

“I’ve caused trouble for our members and ELF many times, but from now on I won’t. I’m returning to idol mode, so I’ll set aside broadcaster mode,” Kim said. “I’ll give my all as if it’s my first stage.”

The group powered through nine songs before stopping for their first comments, performing with intense choreography and live vocals despite being drenched in sweat. The dome was filled with waves of blue light sticks, symbolizing Super Junior’s fandom.

Kyuhyun revealed he had abstained from alcohol for a week to prepare, saying, “There’s no need to conserve energy today. I’ll give everything on this stage.”

Leeteuk noted, “Our average age is over 40, and together we’re about 360 years old. Three days of concerts are not easy for us. But instead of people thinking we’re exhausted, we want them to feel, ‘They’ll continue for another 20 or 30 years.’”

The group also reflected on hardships, recalling serious traffic accidents in 2006 and 2007 that injured several members. “Our biggest crisis was the car accidents. When we heard the news of Kyuhyun’s condition back then, we held each other and cried in the bathroom. Looking back, they’re memories now, but I still wonder how we endured it,” Leeteuk said.

Fans filled every seat, including those with limited views, for all three nights. Members took part in planning the concert: Eunhyuk in setlists and performance design, Shindong in video direction, Leeteuk in interactive segments, Yesung in styling and Hee-chul in instrumental performance.

Large LED screens and an “X”-shaped protruding stage enhanced immersion and shortened the distance between the members and audience. Fans from Korea, China and beyond gathered despite sweltering summer heat, exchanging photo cards and queuing at photo zones before the shows.

During the latter part of the concert, the group performed recent release “Express Mode” along with hits such as “Mr. Simple,” “Bonamana,” “Sorry, Sorry” and “Don’t Don!” The dome turned into a festival with fans singing along in unison.

Kyuhyun suffered a minor leg injury after slipping off stage but continued to perform with limited choreography.

Following the Seoul concerts, Super Junior will take “Super Show 10” on a world tour to 16 cities, including Hong Kong, Jakarta, Manila, Mexico City, Taipei and Bangkok.