It’s hard to know where to begin. It’s not just a pleasure, but an honor to speak to Super Junior, whose music, energy, and dedication have inspired countless fans worldwide—myself included.
Nicknamed SJ or SuJu, Super Junior is one of the most iconic and influential K-pop acts under the aegis of SM Entertainment. Since their inception in 2005, they have entertained us with powerful performances, unforgettable tracks, and an engaging presence, solidifying their place in K-pop history.
With hits like “U” (2006), “Sorry, Sorry” (2009), “Bonamana” (2010), and “Mr. Simple” (2011), Super Junior—often called the “King of Hallyu Wave”—was the most popular K-pop artist for most of the 2000s and early 2010s. They hit the jackpot in 2009 with their iconic single “Sorry, Sorry,” gaining global stardom, and the rest was history. The group, their numerous achievements, awards, and storied two-decade career played an essential part in the proliferation of the Korean Wave, helping expand the appeal of Korean culture, particularly K-pop.
Super Junior’s impact extends beyond music, with their devoted fanbase, E.L.F (Ever Lasting Friends). This global fan club is one of the most dedicated in K-pop history, with the group even crediting them for their enduring success and long-standing journey together.
Talking of their Indian fans, band member Kyuhyun recalls, “About 10 years ago, I visited India and actually met a Super Junior fan by chance! I’m not sure how many there are, but if you’re out there, I’d be so thankful and happy.”
As I reflect on my conversation with them—Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, Kyuhyun, and Sungmin—I’m overwhelmed with gratitude at the chance to learn more about these legends. With a sense of humility and openness, they shared their experiences, thoughts, insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories about their latest offering, Woke Up to SuperTV, a unique variety show “shaped by Super Junior’s offhand remarks,” now streaming on Channel K, India’s First Korean Entertainment Channel. Excerpts below:
What inspired the concept of Woke Up to SuperTV?
Leeteuk: Over the past 20 years, Super Junior has done all sorts of variety shows. As we hit our 20th anniversary, we wanted to find special and fun ideas, so we thought—why not try a show that lets us pull off all sorts of concepts? Whenever we gather as a group, there are always so many stories. We thought back to the funny ideas we’d tossed around before, and wondered: what if we actually made a show out of keeping our own promises and offhand remarks? That’s how Woke Up to SuperTV was born—a world made up of what we said, brought to life.
Super Junior is known for humor and chemistry. How do you think these elements contribute to the show’s unique format?
Leeteuk: I think the freedom that comes from how comfortable we are with each other really brings out the fun in the show.
Can you share a memorable backstage moment that showcases the show’s chaotic yet fun spirit?
Ryeowook: I remember the game we played in the sauna episode. It was a day when you had to win at the “Noonchi Game” (timing game) if you wanted to go home, so I gave it my all. It was extra thrilling because you had to read what the other Super Junior members were thinking, so please look forward to that episode!
How do you cultivate an environment that encourages spontaneity and surprises?
Heechul: Whenever I’m with the members, I just feel so comfortable and happy. Of course, we’ve fought a lot too, right? But honestly…We’re so close and have so much fun together that I can even dance and completely let go in front of them.
As a group with a diverse and huge fanbase, how do you think this show will resonate with both long-time fans and new viewers?
Yesung: With Super Junior’s unique, close-knit vibe, I think anyone can have fun watching without feeling any pressure.
What themes or messages do you hope to convey through the episodes?
Eunhyuk: Just being able to show ourselves having a great time together after so long—I think that alone will be a wonderful gift for our fans.
What else do you think distinguishes Woke Up to SuperTV from other variety shows?
Shindong: There are so many variety shows out there, but Woke Up to SuperTV is something only we could do, in our own style. The format is somewhere between reality and variety, so each member’s personality stands out even more, and you get to see how we really are day-to-day. Above all, the biggest difference is that the production team and the cast all make the show together. That uniquely Super Junior “fun, like friends and family” vibe—that’s what makes Woke Up to SuperTV special.
As K-pop legends who’ve been in the industry for two decades and counting, how did it feel reuniting and filming together? What are you most looking forward to?
Donghae: Honestly, being able to keep going for 20 years is amazing, and I’m just so grateful and happy. We were able to do it because we had each other, but most of all, because we met our E.L.F. I think I can honestly say that’s what made everything possible. When we were younger, I think we were just focused on working hard and couldn’t really enjoy the moments as they happened. Looking back now, I realize that. There are some moments I wish I’d enjoyed more, but these days, being with the Super Junior members is so much fun, and I think now we’re really enjoying every moment together—talking, working out together, just spending time as a group.
What I look forward to most is spending time with our members and E.L.F., and we’re preparing for an album with that in mind. I hope this tour brings us lots of chances to reminisce over the past 20 years with our fans, and above all, I want to make our E.L.F. the happiest people in the world.
How do you feel about India and your big fan base here?
Kyuhyun: About 10 years ago, I visited India and actually met a Super Junior fan by chance! I’m not sure how many there are, but if you’re out there, I’d be so thankful and happy—I really hope I get to meet our fans in India!
Any other message or anecdote you’d like to share before we wrap up this conversation?
Siwon: Ab tak ke sabhi moments mein, yeh interview mere liye sabse khaas raha hai. (Out of all the moments so far, this interview has been the most special to me.) Dhanyavaad, phir milenge. (Thank you, see you again soon.)