Sapphire Inspiration (サファイアひらめき~사파이어영감): Super Junior's 18th anniversary special event (1t's 8lue) Beyond Live recap

To celebrate 18 years of blood, sweat and tears, Super Junior gave ELFs a special treat at Kyung Hee University. Grand Peace Palace on November 4th. The group performed a few fan favourites and a long-time-no-sing-B-side, "Disco Drive." The members delivered professional and relaxed choreography and interacted with the audience with heartwarming and nonsensical speeches. They entertained everyone by playing fun games, cracking dad jokes, and unlocking their kid-like energy. Their brother-like chemistry and desire to perform together were so evident to see. and the best part was the fact that Heechul joined the members throughout both shows of the event. He received the loudest cheers from the spectators, and his parts in the performances were a missing puzzle piece we had been waiting to be put together.

I don't want to make this recap a 10-page long read, so I'm narrowing it down to some of my favourite moments:

💙 SJ and ELF's play time (Hooray, teamwork!)

I love that the members trusted the audience to know the song titles after listening to the one-second audio and singing the following line.

💙 Heechul's infamous mic-holding in "Sorry Sorry" came back! 😂

💙 The middle VCR

It's hilarious! The members who were separated in twos or threes had to complete seemingly simple missions to get out of the escape room. I love how random the tasks were, like playing ping pong, tying a necktie blindfolded, singing telepathy, etc. Plus, Kyuhyun's musical voice got me giggling!

💙 Ryeowook's upcoming comeback spoiler!

He sang the chorus of his new, unreleased song LIVE! It sounded so good! 😭

💙Their last performance and Leeteuk's words.

After singing the well-beloved "Miracle," the group leader said we'll meet again on their 20th, 30th and 40th anniversary. The bow of all nine members got me emotional and proud of them for standing their ground till this day.

💙 Hyukjae's low-key reminder of us as "Everlasting friends" made me realize there's no way we'll be their lovers in real life, no matter how attracted and hypnotized we are about their visuals, personalities and everything else. We're only fans and nothing else. 😢 Still, we can be loyal to their many-more-to-come group/ solo/ unit activities and other endeavours yet to be achieved personally and professionally. I mean, hey, fan love is considered love, too! Not just a sign or gesture of friendship.

💙 From U

I'm sad that they didn't sing their Christmas song "Celebrate. But this song, "From U," is a love letter from the boys. Even now, this song is an easy sing-along, and I couldn't feel the group's sincerity towards us. 😘

💙 Heechul, Siwon and Eunhyuk

These three stayed back to take a photo with the fans. Heechul's the happiest when he's with the members and on stage.

I can't wait to watch it again when the res-streaming video is ready. I look forward to their 19th anniversary. And...D&E's DElight Party in Tokyo is next for me to attend in person! 😉