Super Junior is a South Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2005. The group debuted with 12 members, making them one of the largest K-pop groups at the time. Throughout their career, Super Junior has undergone lineup changes and experienced immense success, becoming one of the most influential and internationally recognized K-pop groups.
Super Junior's formation began in 2000 when SM Entertainment launched the "SM Rookies" project, aiming to train and debut new artists. Over the next few years, several members of Super Junior were selected from this project, including Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, and Donghae. Later, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Kibum joined the group, followed by Kyuhyun in 2006.
Super Junior made their official debut on November 6, 2005, with their single "Twins (Knock Out)" from their first studio album, "SuperJunior05 (Twins)." Despite receiving mixed reviews initially, the group gained popularity with their energetic performances and catchy music. They quickly developed a strong fan base, both domestically and internationally.
In 2006, Super Junior released their second album, "Don't Don," which achieved significant success. The title track became a hit, and the album sold over 160,000 copies in just a week. However, tragedy struck the group when member Kyuhyun was involved in a severe car accident, leaving him with critical injuries. The incident led Super Junior to halt promotions temporarily and focus on Kyuhyun's recovery.
Following Kyuhyun's recovery, Super Junior continued to release albums and explore different musical styles. They gained attention with their 2009 hit single "Sorry, Sorry," which marked a turning point in their career. The song showcased a more mature and sophisticated image for the group, captivating fans worldwide. "Sorry, Sorry" became a national and international phenomenon, leading to Super Junior's immense popularity in the global music scene.
Over the years, Super Junior expanded their activities beyond music. They ventured into acting, hosting television shows, and participating in variety programs. Members such as Heechul, Siwon, and Donghae have gained recognition for their acting skills, while others have showcased their talents in various entertainment fields.
In 2010, Super Junior released their fourth studio album, "Bonamana," which achieved tremendous success. The album topped various music charts and sold millions of copies, solidifying their status as one of the top K-pop acts. Super Junior continued to release successful albums like "Mr. Simple" (2011) and "Sexy, Free & Single" (2012), further establishing their global fan base.
However, as the years went by, Super Junior experienced changes in their lineup. In 2009, member Kibum went on hiatus to focus on his acting career and eventually left the group. In 2015, members Kangin and Sungmin also took temporary breaks due to personal reasons. Additionally, in 2019, leader Leeteuk temporarily halted his group activities to fulfill his mandatory military service.
Despite these changes, Super Junior continued to release music and captivate audiences. They explored different genres and experimented with sub-units like Super Junior-M, targeting the Chinese market. They also embraced the Latin music trend with the release of "Lo Siento" in collaboration with Leslie Grace, showcasing their versatility and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes.
Super Junior celebrated their 15th anniversary in 2020, marking a significant milestone in their career. They released their tenth studio album, "The Renaissance," which featured the title track "House Party." The album received critical acclaim, and Super Junior once again demonstrated their enduring popularity and influence in the industry.
Throughout their history, Super Junior has received numerous awards and accolades, both in South Korea and internationally. They have embarked on multiple world tours, connecting with fans across the globe. Their dedicated fan base, known as E.L.F (Ever Lasting Friends), has played a vital role in supporting and uplifting the group throughout their journey.
Super Junior has formed various sub-units to showcase different musical styles and member combinations. Super Junior-K.R.Y (Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, Yesung) focuses on ballads, while Super Junior-T (Trot) specializes in the trot genre. They also formed Super Junior-H (Happy) for a more lighthearted and playful concept. Additionally, members have pursued successful solo careers in music, acting, hosting, and variety shows. Super Junior's popularity extends beyond South Korea, earning them a massive international fan base. They have held numerous successful world tours, including "Super Show" and "Super Show World Tour," visiting countries all over the world. They have also performed at prestigious venues like Madison Square Garden in New York and Wembley Arena in London. Super Junior-M was formed in 2008 to target the Chinese music market. The sub-unit initially included Han Geng, who later departed from Super Junior. Super Junior-M released Chinese-language albums and achieved considerable success in China, solidifying their position as Hallyu (Korean Wave) idols.TV Appearances and Variety Shows: Super Junior members have gained recognition for their entertaining and engaging personalities through various TV appearances and variety shows. Shows like "Super Junior Full House," "Super Junior Show," and "Super TV" showcased the group's humor, camaraderie, and diverse talents, further strengthening their connection with fans.: Super Junior is managed by SM Entertainment, one of the largest entertainment agencies in South Korea. SM Entertainment has been instrumental in Super Junior's success, providing them with resources, training, and promotional support. Super Junior's achievements have contributed to the agency's reputation as a powerhouse in the K-pop industry. Super Junior experienced temporary lineup changes as members fulfilled mandatory military service. In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for a certain period. Over the years, different members took breaks from group activities to complete their military duties, temporarily reducing the group's size.
After their successful debut, Super Junior released several albums that showcased their growth and versatility. Some notable albums include "Sorry, Sorry" (2009), which became a massive hit and propelled them to international fame. The album's title track is considered one of their signature songs. They followed up with albums like "Mr. Simple" (2011), "Sexy, Free & Single" (2012), "Mamacita" (2014), and "Play" (2017), which all achieved significant commercial success. Super Junior has made significant strides in the international music scene. They were the first Korean group to win the International Artist Award at the Teen Choice Awards in 2015. They have also won numerous awards at international music award ceremonies such as the MTV Europe Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Golden Disc Awards.
Super Junior's impact on the K-pop industry is undeniable. They have pioneered the "idol" concept, influencing the formation and development of subsequent K-pop groups. Their success has paved the way for other Korean artists to venture into the global music market. Super Junior's legacy as one of the most enduring and influential K-pop groups continues to inspire and shape the industry.
Super Junior's history is a testament to their talent, dedication, and ability to evolve with the changing dynamics of the music industry. Their achievements, both as a group and as individuals, have solidified their position as K-pop legends, leaving an indelible mark on the genre's history.