The group Super Junior (SUPER JUNIOR, under SME) is making a comeback today (8th) with their 12th studio album 'Super Junior25' (슈퍼주니어 이오).
This album is a new release commemorating Super Junior's 20th anniversary, featuring a total of 9 songs across a wide range of genres. At 6 p.m. on the 8th, the entire album will be available on various music sites, and the music video for the title track 'Express Mode' (익스프레스 모드) will be released simultaneously through Super Junior's channel on YouTube, showcasing their cool energy.
In particular, the title track 'Express Mode' is characterized by a danceable sound and addictive chorus, capturing a spirited attitude of not stopping at the present and aiming for the next goal, presenting Super Junior's ultimate expression of 'coolness'.
Super Junior will kick off their glamorous 20th anniversary comeback activities today at 5 p.m. with a countdown live broadcast on their YouTube and TikTok channels to celebrate the album release, followed by an online showcase at 9 p.m. on their YouTube channel, and they will also appear on various music programs this week and other YouTube content.
Next is Super Junior's Q&A session commemorating their comeback.
1. Finally, the regular 12th album, the debut 20th anniversary album is being released. What are your thoughts?
Eeteuk: Super Junior has been together for 20 years. It has been an amazing time, and I will make even more amazing memories starting with this album.
Yesung: I can still vividly remember my rookie days, and it's unbelievable that I have become a 12th studio album artist at the 20th anniversary.
Siwon: It feels like a long, unbelievable time. But it has also been a valuable time. I am grateful that this album could be completed meaningfully thanks to the members, staff, and especially the fans who have always stood by us.
Ryeowook: It is such a grateful moment. I am happy to迎接 the 20th anniversary in a very wonderful way. Super Junior has worked hard, let's continue together!
2. The album name is also special. It has changed from 'Super Junior05' to 'Super Junior25'. What is the most significant change for Super Junior, and what has remained the same?
Heechul: The most changed thing is my appearance. I went on a diet and worked on my eating habits while preparing for this album... What hasn't changed is Eeteuk and Eunhyuk's youthful appearance and weight. I get a lot of motivation from them.
Yesung: Mental age? Haha, we still feel like we're in our twenties.
Donghae: I think the most changed part is the feelings towards the group Super Junior. All the members seem to have a deeper commitment to protect the team, and what hasn't changed is the love and affection for E.L.F.
Ryeowook: The members' banter and 'Tiki-Taka' seem unchanged. Even without a script, we could produce a million contents just positioning a camera.
3. Being famous as 'the hit song wealth', there must have been a lot of thought in deciding on the title track. Is there a reason why 'Express Mode' was selected?
Yesung: There were many good songs, but I felt this song was the most 'title track' like.
Shindong: We always try to attempt something new, as always, we really thought a lot this time. But the moment we heard 'Express Mode', everyone thought, 'This is it!' It is a song that perfectly blends Super Junior's energy, wit, and today's emotions, so it feels immediately like a title!
Eunhyuk: It holds the meaning of not resting on the number of 20 years and our current position, pushing one step further, and I felt that the music and performance can express us well.
Ryeowook: I had voted for 'Haircut' during the demo listening, but after recording it, I realized 'Express Mode' captures our energy well and can showcase an amazing performance, so I accepted it.
4. What in your recent daily life excites or motivates you to be in 'Express Mode'?
Heechul: Walking my dog, Gibok. (laughs) Gibok has an active nature, so I walk multiple times a day, running around everywhere. Gibok makes me run like crazy.
Yesung: The thought of wanting to meet E.L.F. makes me run in 'Express Mode'. Let's get closer!
Ryeowook: I am consistently practicing singing. I want to deliver wonderful songs to E.L.F., and I feel like I want to repay that soon with a concert.
Kyuhyun: The '33 Expedition' I join after work. (laughs) It's a game that I've recently become addicted to.
5. Was there any difficulty in preparing for the performance of the title track 'Express Mode'?
Yesung: I struggled a bit due to my disc, but I worked harder because I liked the choreography.
Shindong: Honestly… it was a bit tough. Haha! The performance needs to be done in 'Express Mode', so it's hard to just rely on stamina like before. Instead, I worked harder to focus on detailed expressions and teamwork. But interestingly, once on stage, I get energized. Maybe it's because I'm in front of E.L.F.!
Eunhyuk: The members all prepared hard in a fun atmosphere. That's probably why it wasn't difficult at all. (laughs)
Ryeowook: It didn't take long to memorize the choreography, but… I think I won't forget the time spent practicing with the members in the practice room.
6. If you were to personally choose an award name you want to give to one another, like the album concept 'SUPER AWARDS', what would it be?
Yesung: 'Thank you for 20 years' and 'Please take care of me in the future'.
Shindong: I would like to give Eunhyuk the award 'One body tends to be insufficient'. With choreographing, directing, and taking care of filming… he is truly a superhero. And for Heechul, I'd give him 'Talkative but also action-oriented', as I know he quietly looks after the members and does kind things. As for the other members? I would give them 'Still this handsome' because… they really are still handsome. (laughs)
Ryeowook: 'You guys are the best.'
7. Looking back on the past 20 years, what moment stands out the most?
Siwon: Maybe it's my debut stage, as I am getting older, it suddenly comes to mind.
Ryeowook: The moment of debut resonates the most with me. I remember dancing and singing like I was floating in a weightless state. I still can't forget singing 'Twins' loudly into a dead microphone.
Kyuhyun: I think it was when we were touring with the 'SUPER SHOW'. Although it has been so long that my memories are all jumbled, the lasting impression is the emotions felt during those performances!
8. Concerts cannot be left out when it comes to Super Junior. The 'SUPER SHOW 10' tour is about to start. With the 200th performance coming up, what new records would you like to set in the future?
Eeteuk: If it's about records concerning numbers, then aiming for 300, 400 performances, continuously setting new numbers is the goal. And as time goes on, I hope 'SUPER SHOW' can be reborn with even more diverse content.
Yesung: I don't have big thoughts about records, but it is amazing that we are reaching 200 performances. It's remarkable that we've been performing for this long already!
Donghae: While records are important, I want to focus more on staying together with the members until the end.
Ryeowook: I think it would be great to reach 300 performances. The more time spent with the Super Junior members and the audience, no matter the number, it would be happy.
Kyuhyun: I hope we can go to places we haven't been to yet. I also dream of a record where E.L.F. live all over the world!
9. Super Junior has many titles attached to them, which is your favorite? What other titles would you like to create in the future?
Yesung: 'Super Junior, who has reached their 20th anniversary, is still the same!'
Eunhyuk: Honestly, grand titles feel a bit embarrassing. I think just being called 'Super Junior without needing a title' is the best expression.
Ryeowook: 'Korean Wave King Gwanggaeto' is my favorite. I might have liked Gwanggaeto when I was young, but it really resonates with me.
10. What goals do you want to achieve with this album?
Heechul: What goals could we possibly have… I just hope we can finish our activities smoothly and enjoyably. I love you, members!! Let's stay healthy!!
Yesung: I want to safely complete our activities until the end. I hope to wrap it up happily and joyfully.
Siwon: This album is not just a simple album; it carries the stories of the 20 years we've walked through. I want this journey to serve as a small courage or hope for someone, and for juniors, I hope it becomes a good precedent showing that if you persist with sincerity, it is possible.
Ryeowook: Above all, I hope this becomes the album that our E.L.F. rank as number one. I want to hear, 'They sing well, indeed Super Junior,' and I also want to become a 'number one artist' after a long time.
11. A message to E.L.F. who has supported Super Junior for 20 years.
Eeteuk: To E.L.F. who always supports and loves us! Now, we will try to repay the love we've received, and continue to work hard for that love. I'm always thankful and love you!
Yesung: It's all thanks to everyone. I'm always grateful and cherish everything.
Donghae: I want to say that without E.L.F., everything would be impossible. No matter how beautiful the flowers are, without sunlight from the sky and water, they wilt. Without E.L.F., we would wilt right away. I am very thankful to E.L.F. and sincerely hope you continue to support us. I truly love you!
Ryeowook: Thank you to the eternal friends, E.L.F., who have been with us. The times we cried and laughed together are so precious. They are a great gift in my life, and I want to remember them for a long time. Thank you so much for the 20th anniversary, and let’s continue together. I love you.
[Photo] Provided by SME.
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