Super Junior closer to comeback after Eunhyuk's military discharge

Super Junior’s Eunhyuk, center, is discharged from military service in Wonju, Gangwon Province, on July 12, as band mates (from left) Shindong, Yesung, Leeteuk and Donghae welcome him with some 500 fans. / Yonhap

By Ko Dong-hwan

When K-pop boy band Super Junior member Eunhyuk completed his military service and was discharged Wednesday, some 500 fans were waiting for him outside the Wonju military camp.

It was a relief for the globally popular SM Entertainment band looking to release a new album soon as many of its 11 members are doing military service that is mandatory for Korean men.

“I once watched during my service only four of my band mates performing on a stage. It was heartbreaking,” the star, 31, said after leaving the camp in Gangwon Province about 8:30 a.m., where he has spent 21 months in a military band. “I feel great and yet will miss the days. I couldn’t sleep last night after hearing that fans were staying in front of the camp overnight to see me.”

Eunhyuk said four members ― Donghae, Kyuhyun, Siwon, Ryeowook ― are still in the military and he hoped they complete their service safely. Donghae, who is in the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s public relations team, is due for discharge on July 14. Siwon, also serving in the police agency with Donghae, is scheduled for permanent leave on Aug. 18.

Super Junior D&E, with Donghae, left, and Eunhyuk / Korea Times file

Leeteuk, Shindong, Yesung and Donghae, who was on vacation, welcomed the star with the fans, including members of E.L.F., the band’s official fan club.

“Since today is Chobok, I will have samgyetang (a hot pot of chicken soup with ginseng) with other members,” Eunhyuk said, referring to first of the three “bok” days traditionally celebrated to overcome the hot summer by eating chicken soup or dog meat.

Eunhyuk and Donghae, the band’s duo unit Super Junior D&E, will hold a fan meeting on July 23 at Sejong University in Seoul as their first post-military outing.

The band plans to return with seven members and a new album in October.