Many of today’s K-pop fans got introduced to the genre through the now-legendary acts of the 2nd Generation, like Super Junior. With hits like “Sorry, Sorry”, “Mr. Simple”, and “Black Suit”, the boyband’s songs almost always give us that effervescent, head-bopping last song syndrome.
Dubbed the “King of Hallyu Wave”, the group has gone through its fair share of ups and downs, and now, they’re ready to talk about it on camera. The highly anticipated docuseries of the veteran K-pop group finally hits Disney+ today, on the band’s 18th anniversary.
It’s a nostalgic trip across the growth that the group and their E.L.Fs have experienced over time. Here’s what to expect from the tear-jerking Super Junior documentary!
1. Our biggest idols started out as regular people with big dreams
The group’s nine active members, Lee Teuk, Heechul, Ye-sung, Shindong, Eun-hyuk, Donghae, Si-won, Ryeo-wook, and Kyu-hyun, each detailed their experiences from their trainee days to their rise to stardom. Many of them talked about how they came from humble beginnings – just regular guys with big dreams.
2. Even the biggest stars have their doubts
As seen in the trailers, the documentary features lengthy interview footage from each member as they looked back on their 18-year journey — from the trainee days to the huge milestones they hit (including sold-out fanmeets and world tours, iconic performances, and choreography that knocked our socks off).
They also covered their doubts about whether or not they would debut as they pursued their passion. Some members had trained for years and had come close to debuting with another group, only to have their dreams dashed by the brutal industry. “We were supposed to debut on February 25, 2002, then all of a sudden it got canceled,” Donghae recalled. Luckily, a miracle happened and gave us Super Junior!
3. Change is constant in our lives
In an ever-changing K-pop industry, the members talked about the uphill climb to fame. They struggled to find a sound that resonated with people, and they were even uncertain of how they would make their comeback. In the end, they adjusted to what they felt was right, and came back from a long break with “Sorry, Sorry”, which shot them up to superstardom.
4. We’ve all got bad days and good days
The group also reminisced about the different obstacles throughout their musical journey, from Heechul’s accident and surgery to the car wreck that involved some of the members. In spite of everything they’ve gone through, they still remained committed to ensuring that their fans have the best experience. Legends only here!
5. The best things in life come with hard work and dedication
The documentary was a complete nostalgia trip that made us remember everything that the group had gone through. Their rise to fame is well-deserved, as some of the members near their 40s yet are still more than ready to dance and jump around onstage at every Super Show.
In fact, some of them love their jobs and their fans so much that they said they’re ready to keep performing even well into their 60s! It shows the world that after nearly two decades in the industry, Super Junior is still as dedicated and hardworking as they were when they first debuted.
6. Everything will be alright, as long as we support one another
The idols acknowledge that SuJu’s success wouldn’t have been possible without their loyal E.L.Fs, who have grown with them. Some of them have even raised their kids to be E.L.Fs, too! And the same goes for E.L.Fs, who credit the boyband for many of the great things that have happened in their lives. It’s amazing to see how a little support can go a long way!
7. Make the most out of every moment in life
When the time came for SuJu members to do their mandatory military enlistment, many of their fans felt that the group was a little incomplete, and the group did too – it was like a hole in their hearts that they just couldn’t fill. However, they made the most out of the time they had, and yes, even those in the military did their best too. With those enlisted using their leaves to do concerts, and the remaining members doing performances that rocked everyone’s worlds, there was nothing that could stop this group!
8. We’ll grow up, but we’ll always have our memories to look back on
Super Junior made a promise a long time ago that they would always work hard and be here for their E.L.Fs, and they’re making that promise again. Rest assured, we’ll always be here for them, too. They have a mutual respect, consideration, and trust that helps keep them – and us E.L.Fs – together. When the time comes that we all grow even older, things may change, but we’ll always have fond memories of each other. No matter what, they will always be Super Junior, and we will always be their E.L.Fs
Be sure to watch Super Junior: The Last Man Standing, streaming now on Disney+!
