N
ews about SM Entertainment's unprecedented plans of forming a large twelve-member rotational group spread over the internet as early as 2004. The members chosen for the group became a popular topic of discussion within netizens after rumors spread that a handful of members from the group has made media appearances before. SM Entertainment gave their official announcement in forming a large twelve-member rotational band in February, 2005, the group being called Super Junior 05.[1]
Most members have been actors, MCs, models, or DJs. Heechul, Siwon, and Kibum made their debuts in dramas and films. Leeteuk, Yesung, Kang-In, Sungmin, and Eunhyuk are still active DJs. Han Geng made his first media appearance as a model.[2]
Super Junior 05 made their pre-debut appearance on the Korean channel, M.NET on September 11, 2005.[a] At the showcase, Super Junior performed various styles of hip hop dancing. The group danced to B2K's "Take It To The Floor." Han Geng, Eunhyuk, and Donghae, also performed a separate dance away from the group, dancing to Usher's "Caught Up." However, the performance did not air on television until May 16, 2006.
[edit] Debut
Super Junior 05 made their debut television appearance as a group on SBS Inkigayo on November 6, 2005 as a twelve member group. The group performed their first promotional single, "TWINS (Knock Out)." A digital single with "TWINS (Knock Out)", "You are the one", and three more different tracks were released online on November 8, 2005. A CD single was scheduled to be released on November but a more complete album, SuperJunior05 (TWINS)[b], was released on December 7, 2005 instead. Their debut album sold more than 81,000 units.[c]
Like all Korean artists, an official fanclub was created for the group, called E.L.F. (acronym of Ever-Lasting Friends). Since Korean fans tend to support their idols with a certain balloon color, Super Junior 05’s official color became pearl sapphire blue. Critics term the group’s fans as "elfs" (elves) in relation to the name of their official fanclub.
To further publicize the new group, on the last month of 2005, Super Junior 05 collaborated with another boy band, TVXQ. Together they released a winter single titled "Show Me Your Love," a bubbly pop track. During this time, the two groups were seen on the same shows together to promote their single.
With the start of 2006 after "Show Me Your Love" performances and promotions were finished, Super Junior 05 moved onto their second single, "Miracle", a light bubblegum flavorted song that is a huge contrast from their edgier debut single. It was their last single to be promoted from their studio album.
Along with a start of a new year, SM Entertainment decided to alter some members of the group. Prior to Super Junior 05's debut, SM Entertainment had announced that this group was not intentioned to be a permanent group, but a rotational one–where some members from the group would either stay or leave, and new members would come in to replace them. The initial plan in forming Super Junior 05 was to create popularity and experiences for each member so they could easily achieve a high success in the Entertainment industry. After Super Junior 05, Super Junior 06 would be debuting, and the label was beginning to take actions to announce the new members. However, seeing the fans' reactions and how the members' requested to remain together, the label abandoned the initial preparation. The "05" in the group's name washed away.
On May 23, 2006 SM Entertainment announced the addition of a new member, Kyuhyun, being the youngest member. The new thirteen membered group polished a newer look and released their new single, "U" online for free download on May 25, 2006. "U" exceeded 1,700,000 downloads.[3] The single was soon followed by the release of "Endless Moment" on May 29, 2006 and "Lovely Day" on June 6, 2006. The title song "U" enjoyed the #1 spot for several weeks on music programs for the first time in the group's career.
When promotions barely began for their single "U", a new single, "Dancing Out" was released on July 23, 2006 as part of SMTown's summer album. Super Junior had been frequently appearing on various musical and variety programs to promote their new singles thereafter. Because their single "Dancing Out" was a special summer single, they had their "Goodbye Special" (performing their last singles "U" and "Dancing Out" for the last time) on SBS Inkigayo on September 3, 2006.[4][d]
The group's second full-length album was intended to be released on November of 2006, but due to Heechul's car accident on August 10, 2006, schedules regarding the second album had to be postponed.[5] A year later in September, SM Entertainment finally announced the official release date of their second album. The day before the album released, the label released a list of demonstrative ringtones that would be included in Super Junior's new album.[6] Global pre-orders for the album began on September 14, ane the album, Don't Don, officially arrived at the CD stores on September 20, 2007.[7] Within the first three days of release, album sales went past the 11,000 mark, debuting as #1, and in close competition with Lee Soo Young's new release.
Super Junior made their official comeback on September 21, 2007 with the performance of "돈 돈!(Don't Don)" at KBS's Music Bank. All thirteen members of the group will be performing, being the first performance for the group to perform as a complete number of thirteen after a whole year.[8]
[edit] Overseas expansion
Since Super Junior's debut in South Korea, the group endeavored to share an equal share of influence across Asia. The group has paid many visits to countries outside of their homeland, especially China and Thailand. Although Super Junior has yet to make an Asian concert tour, there has been speculation where Super Junior will target the overseas markets and hold their own major concerts in 2008.
[edit] Expansion to Thailand
Super Junior made their first overseas performance in Thailand on March 9, 2006 at a music ceremony.[9] In effect of the appearance, the group's new single with TVXQ moved up to #8 on Thailand's Channel [V] Music Chart.[10] Soon afterwards, "Miracle" debuted in the charts on March 21, 2006. "Miracle" was the first song produced by SM Entertainment that topped overseas music charts in Thailand of Channel V. The song stayed as #1 for four consecutive weeks.[11] Siwon was also chosen to be the endorser of 12 Plus, and filmed several comercials in Thailand. During Super Junior's performance at the Academy Fantasia in Thailand on July 14, 2007, several hundred Thai fans were crowded around the stage to watch the group perform. Some fans even fainted due to excessive heat and limited space while many others were injured due to the heavy amount of shoving and pushing.
The group's third single for SMTown, released in the 2007 SUMMER SMTOWN - FRAGILEJuly 5, 2007, debuted as #18 on Thailand's International Channel [V] Music Chart on the week of July 29, 2007. The single jumped to #8 the week after, and on the third week the single advanced to #1.[12] The single was a remake of H.O.T.'s "Full of Happiness" (행복). Aside the International Channel [V] Music Chart, currently on its 4th week as #1, the single also made it to #1 on the POP Channel International Chart and the MTV International Chart in Thailand. The single is currently staying strong as the #1 position on these three charts.[13][14] album on
[edit] Expansion to the Chinese market
Along with performances of Kangta & Vanness, Super Junior made their debut performance as a group in China on June 12, 2006, performing "U" and "Miracle". After the performance in Qingdao, Super Junior became the most frequently reported Korean artist from the Chinese media.[15]
Prior to the group's Qingdao performance on April 2006, Super Junior's only Chinese member, Han Geng, visited China for the first time since his debut to promote Super Junior. Since then, Han Geng and the rest of Super Junior gave continuous visits to China. On June 2006, Super Junior made their first visit to China as a group. The group has made over ten visits to the country since April 2006. In Han Geng's recent visit to China on mid-July of 2007, close to 300 fans welcomed him at the airport.[16] After filming the Chinese film A Battle of Wits in 2006, Super Junior's other member Siwon made frequent visits to China to promote the film. Along with the rest of the cast of the film, Siwon toured four cities in China, the stops including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Siwon's popularity even exceeds that of Andy Lau at some of the tour stops. On August 8, 2007, Han Geng and Siwon visited China again and traveled to Changsha to participate in a variety show that was suppose to be held earlier on April but was postponed because of the April 19th accident. Over 700 fans were at the airport to welcome the two.[17]
On July 18, 2007, Super Junior arrived in Shanghai to attend a 2007 Cyworld event. Due to previous chaos and confusion caused by the amount of Chinese fans at the airport, and also because of a tight schedule, the organizers for Super Junior decided to lead the group to exit the airport through the VIP section instead of meeting the fans through the main entrance.[18]
Due to continuous visits to China, sources say that the group has serious intentions to target the Chinese market, with a Chinese version of "U" released in the Chinese editions of the single, U, on June 15, 2007. It is also said that the group will record as well as perform more Chinese singles in the future, and will also release a Chinese album.[19] Super Junior announced that they will hopefully hold their own concert in China by 2008.[20]
Super Junior made their first visit to Taiwan on June 16, 2007 as guest performers and award announcers at the prestigious Golden Melody Awards, also known as the Taiwanese version of the Grammys. Super Junior announced the Best Vocal Group and Best Performance Album[21]. They also performed the songs "U" and "Miracle" at the awards ceremony. The group also broke a record at the ceremony, having the most amount of people to announce the awards.[22] However, only eleven of the thirteen members attended the event. Heechul could not attend due to a schedule conflict. Kyuhyun was still resting due to a previous car accident. awards.
Media outlets had termed Super Junior as "The Most Popular Group" after walking the red carpet at the Golden Melody Awards.[23] It is said that their popularity at the ceremony even exceeds Taiwan's own artists. Over half of the fans present at the red carpet event were fans of Super Junior and over one hundred and fifty reporters rushed to the group to interview them.[24]
[edit] The April 19th Car Accident
On April 19, 2007 at about 12:20 AM (Korean time)[25] four members of Super Junior, Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Kyuhyun, and two managers were injured in a car crash. The driver lost control of the vehicle as the van flipped over on its right side.[26]
Kyuhyun, who was sitting behind the driver's seat when the accident occurred, was severely injured with a fractured hip, pneumothorax from fractured ribs, and facial scratches/bruises.[27][28] Leeteuk had a successful operation removing the glass shards in his back, and got a total of 170 stitches on his face and his back.[29][30]
Shindong and Eunhyuk, least injured with cuts and scratches, were both discharged on April 23, 2007.[31] Leeteuk and Kyuhyun recovered faster than expected,[32] and Leeteuk was discharged from the hospital on April 30, 2007[33], and Kyuhyun was discharged two months later on July 5, 2007.
[edit] Controversies
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[edit] Fan suicide
After a weight loss from 87 kg to 47 kg in three months, seventeen-year-old Lee Eun Ji appeared on an episode of SBS's Star King, a Korean variety show. After the program aired, the audience of Star King and netizens began to criticize Lee's unhealthy way of dieting. Her classmates also begun to spread rumors of her at school and she received many negative remarks over the internet, criticizing on her looks and weight loss. When a picture of Lee with a certain "S group member" surfaced on the web, Lee became a more popular topic of bashing online.[34] After it was revealed that the "S group member" was Kang-In of Super Junior, members from the official Super Junior fanclub, E.L.F., began to insult her frequently. There were also reports claiming that her schoolmates became less friendly to her after her picture with Kang-In surfaced on the web, along with the previous rumors spread by her classmates.
Lee committed suicide on June 5, 2007; it has been speculated that harassment from Super Junior fans played a role in her decision to take her own life. On a note written to her parents the night before she took her life, she stated,
| “ | I’m sad to have been scolded. Father and mother, I’m sorry for having worried you. I’m sorry for having given you pain. | ” |
However, it is still disputed whether or not Lee's suicide was really because of the bashing by Super Junior fans, or because of post weight-loss depression. According to Lee’s mother, she scolded Lee the evening before her death for not eating to lose more weight.
[edit] Cyber attack
On July 30, 2007, during an episode of School of Rock, Leeteuk said that Korean figure skater Kim Yu-Na refused his cyworld invitation. After the program aired, Super Junior fans posted over 7,000 comments on Kim's cyworld daily. Kim's fans counter-attacked Leeteuk's cyworld. However, Kim publicly clarified that she has never refused such an invitation. Ultimately, Leeteuk had to post an official apology for the incident to have ever occurred. Leeteuk explained that he wanted to make an interesting topic for the television program and did not expect such a bad consequence. He apologized for his false story.[36]
On August 9, 2007, a hearing was held to discuss about the incident. According to the various articles, the panel discussed that it is hard to know whether a guest on a show is telling the truth or not, since Leeteuk did not say it during a live broadcast. Since the show did not verify the story before it was aired, the show has to take responsibility for the incident to have occurred. A final decision will not be made until further discussion after August 21, 2007. However, the charges will not be pressed against Leeteuk.[37]
[edit] Music style
- Further information: Super Junior discography
Of the two studio albums and two singles Super Junior has released since 2007, the majority of their music is of the mainstream K-pop label. Super Junior's debut single, "TWINS (Knock Out)" was an edgy, rock-influenced release, and also a cover of "Knock Out", a song by a British boy band, Triple Eight. However, their follow-up single, "Miracle", was a light-hearted, bubblegum pop love song, a clear target for the younger audiences. The rest of the tracks in their first studio album, Super Junior 05, mainly consisted of pop love ballads and also R&B-influenced dance tracks with rap and fast drum rhythms. The title song "U" from their first CD single was more focused on urban contemporary, having a more R&B approach to the music. Their latest release, "돈 돈!(Don't Don)" however, is a complete rock track with an R&B vibe. The violin bridge in the middle and the rich usage of guitar riff, drum beats, and also varying dynamics of the song heightens the song's musical essence. Nonetheless, most of Super Junior's promoted singles and main focuses are songs that fall into the dance category.
Heechul, Shindong, and Eunhyuk are sometimes credited for writing the rap lyrics in some of their tracks such as "Show Me Your Love". Eunhyuk was also the main contributor for the rap lyrics in the group's single, "U". Leeteuk, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, and Donghae wrote the lyrics to the pop track, "I am" from their Don't Don album.[38]
[edit] Ability and criticism
Being a large thirteen member boy band, the members contain a variety of different vocal ranges to complement each other when singing, espcially in their fast dance tracks and slow ballads that requires harmonization. Yesung, Kang-In, Siwon and Kyuhyun sings within a deep bass range. However, they are also known for their vocal belting techniques, notably Yesung and Kyuhyun.[39] On the other hand, Sungmin and Ryeowook sings within a tenor range while Leeteuk, Heechul, Han Geng, and Donghae's vocals come between as a mid-high range. Most non-lyrical introductions or bridges are usually harmonized by Super Junior K.R.Y. They can also be seen singing short a cappella cuts[e], and are considered by many to be the most talented vocalists in the group.[40] Shindong, Eunhyuk and Kibum are the known rappers of the group due to their rhythmical vocal range and quick tongue. Heechul and Donghae constantly raps as the supporting vocals.
Super Junior's debut single, "TWINS (Knock Out)" was an edgy, rock-influenced release, and also a cover of "Knock Out", a song by a British boy band, Triple Eight. However, their follow-up single, "Miracle", was a light-hearted, bubblegum pop love song, a clear target for the younger audiences. The rest of the tracks in their first studio album, Super Junior 05, mainly consisted of pop love ballads and also R&B-influenced dance tracks with rap and fast drum rhythms.
Super Junior has been criticized in the past for lip-synching and lack of vocal skills, specifically for shaky pitch and heavy breathing.[41][42] The criticisms worsened in July 2006 when they lipsynched on Show! Music Core (쇼! 음악중심) of MBC, a show that guarantees all live performance. While fans have defended them saying that Heechul was ill, their critics argued that they shouldn't have to because they are a large thirteen member group. With Heechul being ill does not account for all thirteen members.[43] Despite this, they have still remained popular through their strong fan base and their album sales have been strong.
[edit] Discography
- Further information: Super Junior discography
[edit] Subgroups
Since debut, SM Entertainment has created two subgroups for Super Junior. The intentions of the subgroups is part of SM Entertainment's strategy to not limit Super Junior's activities[44]; the goal of this strategy is to show that Super Junior can do more than just singing one kind of genre of music but a whole range like dance, ballad, trot, rap, etc.
At some concert appearances, the members have been witnessed sectioning themselves off into smaller-groups, and each performing its own set of songs. This causes speculation that the group's strategy is to actively target particular musical tastes. As these smaller groups are rarely permanent, with the exception of Super Junior K.R.Y, the constantly shifting makeup of these groups is able to target as many possible "tastes", and by evaluating which groups were well received, a clearer evaluation of the market tastes is possible and obviously these groups will enjoy reappearances in later Super Junior concerts.
On April 2007, the six members, Yesung, Kang-In, Sungmin, Donghae, Ryeowook, and Kyuhyunsoundtrack of the MBC drama H.I.T. They sang both the opening and ending theme, titled "Success" and "H.I.T", respectively. There has been speculation that these six members will be forming another subgroup, but this never happened. were featured in the
In addition, other members of Super Junior have appeared on variety shows individually, while others have hosted radio shows and music shows; three of the members (Leeteuk, Kang-In, and Shindong) continue to host for M.NET's M!Countdown and few other music programs are hosted by Heechul. Leeteuk, Yesung, Kang-In, Sungmin, and Eunhyuk are also hosts or co-hosts for their own radio shows.
Although the two subgroups of Super Junior, Super Junior K.R.Y and Super Junior T, met wonderful success, there has still been speculations within the media that a third subgroup will be made with the remaining members, Han Geng, Siwon, Donghae, and Kibum due to an earlier interview by Super Junior saying that a third subgroup is expected to be debuting[citation needed]. However, no further information was revealed.
[edit] Super Junior K.R.Y
Super Junior K.R.Y, created around late 2006, is a trio which was formed from Super Junior members Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, and Yesung. They have participated in the Original Soundtrack of the tvN Drama Hyena with a total of three tracks, including the main theme.
K.R.Y.'s first official performance was on November 4th on KBS's Music Bank[45] and have been showing live performances only ever since[citation needed].
Each member of K.R.Y has developed a particular persona and subsequent fan-base, the label has decided grouped those members sharing similar qualities and having them perform particular songs to target a particular audience. The members of K.R.Y, for instance, are amongst the most vocally powerful of the members of Super Junior, and have developed a marketable style as the mournful ballad singers (a style that has proven very popular in recent years, although stagnation in the style's development is causing it to lose its once fresh evocative power).
[edit] Super Junior T
Super Junior Trot, known as Super Junior T, is a six member subgroup with the members Leeteuk, Heechul, Kang-In, Shindong, Sungmin, and Eunhyuk. Surprising many fans, the group’s main music style is trot music, a traditional style of old K-pop that most music fans of the younger generation tends to ignore. Singing in modernized versions of trot, the group was widely accepted by both the older and younger audiences and received praises from music critics.
They released their first single, Rokkugo!!! (로꾸꺼!!!) (Rokkukkuh, the word "backwards" literally written back to front) to mainstream radio on February 23, 2007. The single was successful and topped several charts in Korea after three days of release.[46] The subgroup made their first television appearance on February 25, 2007 on Ingigayo with trot singer Bang Shil Yi and sang her hit Chut Cha (첫차).[47]
[edit] Super Junior China?
On October 2, 2007, SM Entertainment announced a new Super Junior subgroup project that will be beginning activities in China starting in 2008, named Super Junior China. Along with Han Geng and several other tentative members from the original group, Henry Lau, SM Entertainment's new Chinese trainee, who was also featured in Super Junior's "Don't Don" music video, was said to be one of the core members for the subgroup.[48] The subgroup's main focus will be on the Chinese market, singing Chinese versions of previous Super Junior songs as well as introducing and promoting new Chinese singles.
The announcement brought in a huge wave of disatisfaction and opposition from fans of Super Junior. Many online petitions were made by both Korean and Chinese fans to prevent and convince the label to not add a fourteenth member. [49] Some fans are even planning to boycott the company's products.
[edit] Film and television career
- Further information: Super Junior filmography
Some members of Super Junior have had acting careers. In Super Junior's Mini-Drama (대결! 슈퍼주니어의 자작극), the group wrote, produced, and acted in the drama. The subject matters of the drama chosen from the top three choices from the viewers.[50][51] Super Junior have also participated in Super Junior Show (슈주쇼 Suju Show), (2005-2006), Mystery 6, 슈퍼주니어 풀하우스 (Super Junior Full House) 2006, 미소년 합숙 대소동 (Super Adonis Camp) (2006). Their busy schedule was briefly interrupted when Heechul fractured his femur in a car accident.
Leeteuk was the first to appear in a television drama back in 2000 in MBC's All About Eve, responsible for a simple cameo role. Kang-In was the first to debut as an actor among Super Junior, having a supporting role in the Korean drama, A Man and A Woman, released in May 2002. Heechul, Siwon, and Kibum then followed, individually debuting in separate dramas. Heechul and Kibum acted together in Banolim 2 (Sharp 2) and Rainbow Romance after their group debut. Siwon was the first to make a film debut when he played supporting role in the 2006 Chinese film, A Battle of Wits starring Andy Lau. The filme was premiered i over five different Asian countries.
Super Junior's debut film Attack on the Pin-Up Boys (꽃미남 연쇄 테러사건) premiered on July 26, 2007 in Korea. This is the first film released from SM Pictures.[52] Every member of Super Junior is in participance of the film with the exception of Kyuhyun, who was still resting from the April 18th car accident. The film will soon make its debut in the cinemas of China and Thailand.[53]
The film is a high school comedy involving a blogger by the name of Kibum who blogs about all of the terror events that occurs on the 14th of each month. Siwon stars as the president of the Student Union, Kang-In as the president of Judo Society, and Heechul as a president of Dance Society. In the film, the three become targets to series of terror events.
The film did better than expected in box office sales. In reference to online ticket sales, the company was expecting a 22% range, but the sales made passed 41.19%. [54] It also gained positive reviews from film critics, pointing out that the movie was more plot-oriented instead of star-oriented, setting aside critical views of idol-centered films. Unlike past movies that tout its pretty boy casting, the film kept all the viewers until the end with a fascinating mystery.
Despite unexpected results in the box office of the film's premiere week, the film has failed to attract no more than 100,000 audiences.[55] Nonetheless, SM Pictures is still making an effort to promote the film and to succeed in breaking through the film industry.[56] The company will be attending the 12th annual Pusan Film Festival on October 4, 2007, and will also organize an opening ceremony, "SM Night." Previously, only SidusHQ and Namooactors, two of South Korea's top film producers, has contributed in the festival's opening ceremony.[57]
The members also starred in various music videos from various SM artists. The most notable performance was in Zhang Liyin's debut music video, "Timeless", featuring Han Geng and Siwon.
[edit] Image
Although overwhelming, the large thirteen member boy band captures many fans with different tastes.[58] Siwon also remarked that Super Junior is a group with a variety of styles, for each member displays a different charisma.[59] With the release of each album, the group presents their image with contrasting concepts. Their debut single provided Super Junior with an edgy rock image and their second title track, "U," although purely a pop single, gave Super Junior a more mature look. The group's new image with "Don't Don" surprised the media with their unique hairstyles and dark appearance.[60]
After the formation of Super Junior K.R.Y and Super Junior T, the group began to explore different musical styles. Super Junior T's goal is to introduce the younger generation to accept traditional trot music.[61] However, they are also warmly welcomed by the older audience due to their entertaining styles of performing. Recently, Super Junior has developed a more mature style[62]; their vocalization becoming more expressed in their music and also a slight shift in dance style.
[edit] Awards
Super Junior confirmed their ability as successful performers when they were nominated as Best New Group and won at the 2006 M.NET/KM Music Festival, given on November 25, 2006.[63] Follow-up awards include Best New Group and Mobile Popularity at the MTV Seoul Gayo Daesang Awards, given on December 1, 2006.[64] The grandslam was completed as they won the Best New Male Artist award on December 29, 2006 on SBS Gayo Daejun.
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2006 |
|
| 2007 |
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[edit] Related publications
- Super Junior Photo Album – Boys in City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2006 (September 16, 2006)
- Super Junior 2007 Hanging Calendar: Version A & B (December 27, 2006)
- Super Junior 2007 Schedule Calendar (December 27, 2006)
- Super Junior Photo of the Month: Version A & B, Thailand 2007 (March 5, 2007)
- Super Junior Photo of the Month: Version A & B, Eunhyuk's Birthday 2007 (April 11, 2007)
- Super Junior Photo of the Month: Star Cards (June 4, 2007)
- Super Junior Photo of the Month: Version A & B, (July 17, 2007)
- Super Junior Photo of the Month: Version A & B, Attack On the Pin-Up Boys Special Edition (August 8, 2007)
- Attack on the Pin-Up Boys – Making Book (August 20, 2007)
- Super Junior Photo of the Month: Memory Game Card (September 7, 2007)
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