Your Introduction to the Veteran K-pop Group Super Junior

The fast-paced world of K-pop has brought flavor to pop culture for decades now, but it’s definitely picked up steam in the West courtesy of current artists like BTS, TWICE, Blackpink, and NCT. However, back in 2005, the now K-pop behemoth label SM Entertainment introduced the world to a then “temporary” second-gen boy band named Super Junior, and they have heavily impacted Korea’s domestic music scene for more than 18 years and counting. Because even as recently as 2022, the highly decorated artists are still here delivering hits.

The Success of Super Junior

Considering how long Super Junior has been promoting as a group, they’ve quite literally gone through it all. They’ve completed a two-year mandatory military service, participated in several sub-unit iterations, undergone lineup changes, accumulated over 150 awards, toured the world together, and released more than a dozen well-received albums. Oh! Let’s not forget the fact that the group is generally described as pioneers in K-pop for their ability to illustrate every shade of pop music imaginable.

So now that you have a better understanding of the group’s importance to the biz, let’s talk about the active members of Super Junior.

Leeteuk (40)

The leadership role in K-pop is extremely important and can also contribute to the longevity of a group if its bonds feel authentic. For Super Junior, it’s pretty clear that the remaining members have discovered this closeness with their fearless leader Leeteuk, a driving force in sub-units like Super Junior-T and Super Junior-H. When he’s not too busy leading the chaotic members of Super Junior, the charming singer has served as a mentor to aspiring artists and pursued several mainstream hosting opportunities. Still, it’s his indisputable love for food that really speaks to everyone, right?

Heechul (40)

In 2002, Super Junior’s Heechul was on a very different path (working on a degree in English Tourism Translation and Informatics, slay) until he discovered the original internet phenomenon Psy, whose imaginative persona would inspire the artist to audition for SM. After a year of struggling to find a satisfactory launch pad, Heechul would briefly pause his pursuit before returning just in time to permanently join the first lineup of members then known as Super Junior 05. Later down the road, he would nab a role in the famous musical Xanadu, a recurring radio DJ position, and a solid solo track.

Yesung (38)

Each member of Super Junior has contributed incredible vocals to the group’s overall sound, but Yesung might be one of the most naturally gifted performers of the bunch. With a passion for music dating back to his early childhood (that led to a competition win during his teenage years), the singer has gone on to consistently sharpen his skills alongside the group or across his various solo endeavors, including “Floral Sense” featuring WINTER, a fourth-gen idol from SM’s aespa. Big second-gen superstar vibes!

Shindong (37)

Having gained notoriety for his detail-oriented dance skills before joining the band, the charismatic performer known as Shindong has repeatedly proven to have an eye for choreography. That being said, his general sense of humor and comedic timing have led to him becoming a long-term asset to the prominent group. And if you ever watch a variety show in Korea, you can expect to see him appear. Sure, Shindong isn’t a Super Junior member with extensive solo endeavors, but make no mistake, he still has plenty going on.

Eunhyuk (37)

Coming from a humble upbringing, the group’s Eunhyuk initially dreamed of performing for others, and he started an elementary-level dance crew designed to harness his skills early on. Sometime later, after signing with the agency and enrolling in the group, he would enlist in Super Junior’s Mandopop subgroup Super Junior-M and eventually one of two positions in the Super Junior-D&E unit designed to promote in both China and Japan. We see your multilingual hustle, Eunhyuk!

Donghae (36)

Donghae is another member of Super Junior who was once interested in exploring a different career before ultimately straying from his athletic desires to focus his energy on becoming a well-rounded dancer, singer, songwriter, composer, and eventually, an actor. But those esteemed industry titles certainly didn’t come easy, considering Donghae was only able to gain entrance to SM Entertainment by winning a prize during SM’s competitive Youth Best Contest back in 2001. Knowing just how popular he’s become after 18 years of acting roles and songwriting, I think we’re all thrilled by his change of heart.

Siwon (37)

Having grown into a recognizable actor outside of his membership in Super Junior, Siwon has attempted to use his platform to spotlight important causes throughout his time as an artist. In doing so, he’s since taken on his biggest responsibility thus far by becoming a UNICEF regional ambassador for East Asia and Pacific as of November 2019. Because regularly giving back and acting as a voice for others is arguably the most honorable way to make use of one’s “idol” status, right?

Ryeowook (36)

Like several of the young SM recruits in Super Junior, Ryeowook initially made a name for himself during the CMB Youth ChinChin Festival in 2004, where his standout appearance led to a contract after consistently impressing judges with his raw talent. Upon joining Super Junior (only a few weeks ahead of their debut), he would go on to gain notoriety for his reliable falsetto, helping the singer in selling more than 100,000 copies of his three solo albums between 2016 and 2022.

Kyuhyun (35)

The group’s final member Kyuhyun (added post-debut in 2006), is a powerhouse vocalist and scholar, having completed his master’s degree in Post-Modern Music with a master’s dissertation on the industry itself. Due to his position as a studious singer, Kyuhyun then managed to make his mark as the first artist of the group to earn a solo mini-album in 2014, along with more than a dozen dream roles in mainstream musicals like Singin’ in the Rain, Robin Hood, and Frankenstein. Plus, if you enjoy Korean survival shows as much as we do, there’s his recent position as a lead judge on Peak Time for your binge-watching pleasure.