Super Junior, stylized as SUPER JUNIOR and also known as SuJu (슈주), is a South Korean boy group formed by SM Entertainment. They debuted on November 6, 2005, with the single "Twins (Knock Out)." Initially conceived as a project group with a rotating lineup, the overwhelmingly positive response from fans led SM Entertainment to establish them as a permanent group. The original lineup consisted of twelve members: Leeteuk, Heechul, Han Geng, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Kibum. Kyuhyun later joined in 2006, solidifying the thirteen-member lineup for several years.
Musically, Super Junior established a broad and versatile sound, exploring diverse genres from pop and dance to R&B and trot. Early hits like "Miracle" and "U" showcased their energetic dance performances and catchy melodies. However, it was the release of "Sorry, Sorry" in 2009 that catapulted them to international stardom. The song's infectious chorus and distinctive hand-rubbing dance became a global phenomenon, solidifying Super Junior's position as leaders of the Korean Wave. Their discography boasts numerous chart-topping hits, including "Bonamana," "Mr. Simple," and "Mamacita," each demonstrating their ability to evolve and adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining their signature sound.
Super Junior's impact on the K-pop industry is undeniable. They were among the first groups to actively promote in multiple sub-units, targeting diverse audiences and showcasing the members' individual talents. These sub-units, such as Super Junior-K.R.Y. (ballads), Super Junior-T (trot), Super Junior-M (Mandarin), and Super Junior-H (pop), demonstrated the group's versatility and innovative approach to group management. Furthermore, Super Junior played a crucial role in expanding the reach of K-pop beyond Asia, establishing a strong international fanbase through consistent releases, world tours, and active engagement with fans through social media.
Throughout their career, Super Junior has experienced significant milestones and transitions. Despite member departures (Han Geng and Kibum) and temporary hiatuses for mandatory military service, the core members have remained committed to the group. They have consistently released new albums, embarked on world tours, and participated in variety shows, demonstrating their longevity and enduring popularity. Notably, Super Junior has also faced challenges, including Kangin's departure, but has persevered, maintaining a strong bond with their fans and fellow members. They have received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Golden Disc Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards, solidifying their status as one of the most successful and influential K-pop groups of all time.
Individually, the members of Super Junior have also achieved significant success in various fields. Leeteuk is recognized as a charismatic and capable leader, while Heechul is known for his wit and variety show appearances. Yesung, Ryeowook, and Kyuhyun have established themselves as respected vocalists through their solo work and participation in musical theater. Eunhyuk and Donghae have collaborated on music projects as the duo Super Junior-D&E. Siwon has gained recognition as an actor, starring in numerous dramas and films. Shindong has made a name for himself as a talented director and video editor. Although Sungmin's activities have been limited in recent years, his previous musical contributions remain valued by fans.
Currently, Super Junior remains an active and influential force in the K-pop industry. Having navigated the landscape of K-pop for nearly two decades, they are senior artists who continue to release music, perform, and connect with their dedicated fanbase, known as E.L.F. (Ever Lasting Friends). Their enduring legacy lies not only in their chart-topping hits and groundbreaking achievements but also in their ability to evolve, adapt, and maintain a strong bond with their members and fans, solidifying their place as one of the most iconic and respected groups in K-pop history.
Timeline
2005
11-06Debutdebut
Debuted on SBS Inkigayo with "Twins (Knock Out)"
11-06Debutmilestone
슈퍼주니어 데뷔
12-05SuperJunior05 (Twins)full
2006
05-25Ucomeback
싱글 'U' 컴백
06-07Usingle
2007
09-20Don't Don!comeback
2집 'Don't Don!' 컴백
09-20Don't Don!full
09-20Don't Donfull
2009
03-12Sorry, Sorrycomeback
3집 'Sorry, Sorry' 컴백
03-12Sorry, Sorryfull
12-10Golden Disc Daesangaward
Won the Disk Daesang (Grand Prize) for "Sorry, Sorry"
2010
05-13BONAMANAcomeback
4집 '미인아 (BONAMANA)' 컴백
05-13BONAMANAfull
05-13Bonamanafull
2011
08-03Mr. Simplecomeback
5집 'Mr. Simple' 컴백
08-03Mr. Simplefull
2012
07-04Sexy, Free & Singlecomeback
6집 'Sexy, Free & Single' 컴백
07-04Sexy, Free & Singlefull
2014
08-29MAMACITAcomeback
7집 'MAMACITA (아야야)' 컴백
08-29Mamacitafull
09-01MAMACITAfull
2015
07-16Devilcomeback
스페셜 앨범 'Devil' 컴백
07-16Devilcompilation
2017
11-06PLAYcomeback
8집 'PLAY' 컴백
11-06Playfull
2018
04-12REPLAYcomeback
8집 리패키지 'REPLAY' 컴백
04-12REPLAYrepackage
04-28Billboard Latin Chart Entrymilestone
"Lo Siento" becomes first K-pop song to enter Billboard Latin Digital Song Sales chart
2019
10-14Time_Slipcomeback
9집 'Time_Slip' 컴백
10-14Time_Slipfull
2021
03-16The Renaissancecomeback
10집 'The Renaissance' 컴백
03-16The Renaissancefull
2022
07-12The Road : Keep on Goingcomeback
11집 'The Road : Keep on Going' 컴백
07-12The Road : Keep on Goingfull
12-15The Road : Celebrationfull
2024
06-22Super Show Spin-off : Halftimeconcert
Asia tour spanning 2024 and 2025 across major cities
2025
11-0620th Anniversarymilestone
Celebration of 20 years since debut with special fan events and project releases