Super Junior celebrates 20th anniversary with ‘Super Show 10’

Super Junior performs during its solo concert “Super Show 10” at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Super Junior has proven its staying power once again, marking its 20th anniversary with three consecutive sold-out concerts in Seoul. The group performed from Aug. 22 to 24 at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park in front of 30,000 fans, launching its new world tour “Super Show 10.”

The concerts were both a retrospective and a promise of longevity. The setlist reached back to the group’s 2005 debut album “Twins,” and swept through a catalog of hits including “U,” “Sorry Sorry,” “Mr. Simple,” “Black Suit” and “Mamacita.”

Fans also heard rare tracks that had not been performed in years, newly reinterpreted for the milestone occasion.

The energy inside the dome reflected the bond between the group and its fandom, E.L.F. Each member took turns expressing his gratitude and determination.

Donghae acknowledged the final night of the Seoul run by saying, “It’s sad this is the last show. Time goes by so fast, but let’s enjoy it until the very end.” Siwon added, “It’s already the last day — are you ready to have fun until the finish?”

Members of Super Junior perform during the group’s 20th anniversary concert “Super Show 10” at KSPO Dome in Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Kyuhyun revealed the lengths he went to while preparing for the concert, telling fans, “I stopped drinking for a week for this concert. Tonight I don’t need to save any energy — I’ll pour everything out on this stage.”

Even after twisting his leg mid-show and finishing the performance seated, he reassured the audience with humor: “I’m not hurting anymore, but since they prepared a chair, I’m just pretending.”

Heechul, who had scaled back his stage activities in recent years, promised a renewed commitment. “I’ve caused a lot of trouble for E.L.F. and the members, but that won’t happen again,” he said. “I even considered quitting all my TV programs to devote myself completely to our 20th anniversary. Yesterday and the day before I gave my all, and tonight I’ll burn the stage as if it’s my very first performance.”

Leader Leeteuk highlighted the group’s resilience after two decades in the industry. “Super Junior is now the oldest active idol group,” he said. “People often say, ‘They can’t last, they must be exhausted.’ But after tonight’s performance, you’ll think, ‘Please stop them, otherwise they’ll go on for another 20 or 30 years.’”

The night was also filled with moments of reflection. Ryeowook told the crowd, “What hasn’t changed over 20 years is our hearts and your love. Because of you, we can now dream of ‘Super Show 11.’ Please continue walking this path with us.”

Yesung, who celebrated his birthday on the concert’s final day, said, “I wondered if I could ever have a more special birthday than this. I feel like I was born just to meet all of you.”

Super Junior takes the stage at its “Super Show 10” concert at KSPO Dome in Olympic Park, Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap

Even as the Seoul concerts came to a close, the members made it clear their journey is far from over. “At our 15th year, people said, ‘You’re done,’” Leeteuk recalled. “But we made it to 20. Give us strength, and we’ll go on for 30, even 40 years.”

With the Seoul shows behind them, Super Junior will take “Super Show 10” to Hong Kong and Jakarta in September before touring 16 cities around the world, carrying forward the legacy of a group that has become synonymous with K-pop’s longevity.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.