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Safety first
Rather than a thrilling short action film or a parody of TikTok trends, Super Junior played as naughty fans at a concert in a video. It’s like watching your favourite idol do a safety demo, and it never gets old. The VCR was funny, informative, and realistic, which I loved. The group advised the audience to take care of their health while enjoying the concert. They suggested drinking water and putting away phones.
Let's turn back time!
From a massive X-shaped structure, red strobes flashed, and eight members of SuJu showed up in white suits. The smoky eye look makes their visuals a notch hotter! The stage lift descended, leaving the group to present themselves on stage with their first song, “Twins".
When Kyuhyun began singing “U”, the ELFs in the stadium erupted in cheers. Eunhyuk, the former genius concert director, said that Kyuhyun’s debut was marked by his performance starting with the second song. How sweet, considerate, and thorough this was! 🥺 Then, Heechul was with the group for “It’s You”! His opening lines were a nostalgic treat for old fans. Though he paused to breathe, his performance was clear and immersive. Leeteuk’s closing lines were perfect, too!
Then, Donghae started with a slowed-down version of the dance track I love, "Black Suit". A slow shutter effect on the screen gave each face a cool, sensual look. Their first concert act closed with "Mamacita", which led to a loud and proud audience singing fan chants.
Alluring mode on fire! 🔥🥵
I had believed the members would deliver their introductory speeches. But no! They jumped straight to their next section. Before they returned, a VCR showed them discovering blue pieces of an art sculpture. They got together to finish the puzzle that’s on it. When they finished, a narrator spoke, “Welcome to Super Junior’s 20th anniversary memorial.” The video then presented some clips of each member from past shows and MVs, including their latest “Express Mode” MV shoot and the Super Awards event. The face-swapping effect was pretty neat, too.
The stadium filled with screams as Super Junior came back wearing black and mesh tops, dress shirts, and jeans. The smoky makeup appeared mature, thanks to the dark outfits! I died from Eunhyuk’s gorgeous black top with mesh sleeves! 🫠
The nine idols were sitting on their thrones with a red, fiery background. Their captivating singing drew the audience in before they danced during the chorus. Everybody shouted, “Super Junior, the last men standing!” and a red banner with Super Junior written in black letters flashed on the screen. The song ended abruptly, and then “Super Girl” by Super Junior M played. Unlike Super Show 5 and 6, Henry and Zhoumi weren’t present. However, Zhoumi was watching them as a spectator!
In the performance, all nine members flawlessly executed the choreography and singing behind a flashy, neon green and black LED backdrop. Leeteuk gave an "OK" sign with his fingers when the EDM song finished. Behind him, Shindong and Siwon put their hands up while chuckling. 😂
They jumped straight to their latest B-side, "Haircut". Heechul nearly bias-wrecked me, most notably when he flipped his hair! Kyuhyun's vocals and gaze made me scream and blush!
🫠🫠 The barber scissors dance complemented the chorus well.
The lights flickered off momentarily. Super Junior was on the floor, and backup dancers surrounded them in black cloaks. Kyu’s buttery voice and seductive smile won me over. 🫠
The B-side "Say Less" featured a mature and captivating dance.
At last, the members stood in a line to give their opening speeches. They took their time catching their breath and delivering their opening messages to the audience in front of them and the Beyond Live livestream camera. Donghae told the audience to put away their phones and to make eye contact. He then joined a few other members who dotted on Yesung; Siwon patted the birthday boy on the back, Donghae and Kyuhyun dabbed sweat off his cheeks with handkerchiefs. 🤣 Donghae playfully pulled at Yesung's shirt. Yesung stopped his little brother immediately. 😆 Yesung allowed his devoted ELFs to take photos and videos of his adorable poses. 🥺
The first quarter of the concert made Siwon so tired that he stuttered. For the others, he revealed his sweat-drenched back, his mesh top creased to look like demon patterns. 😂
Kyuhyun, my forever K-Pop love, knelt down on both knees while shouting, Everybody!" in Korean. The live crowd bombarded Heechul with the shrillest fan chant, "We love you, Kim Heechul! Milky white skin, Kim Heechul!" 🥹
Eunhyuk's beautiful, wet, eye-covering bangs utterly wrecked me. And the choker on his neck, though?! He looked so strikingly appealing!!! 🔥 He gave a shout-out to the online viewers, but some live spectators stubbornly replied, "Yes!" 😂
Once Leeteuk finished his speech, the group wrapped up the segment with their upbeat B-track, "Delight". They flashed smiles in front of the cameras and blew kisses at the song's bridge. 🥰
Story of ELF's life
Big props go to Shindong and his Walala Productions team for creating a heartfelt VCR dedicated to us! 🥹 The girl seemed to be fresh out of college. She was on her phone while in the middle of packing for a big move when she spotted a box under her desk and hung up. The ELF discovered her memorabilia of SuJu merchandise from her early years as a young fan. She reminisced about her middle school days when she first learned about Super Junior during their debut appearance on TV. She showed her first SuJu album to her two friends at school, opening the cassette-sized poster with the original twelve members. The next scene was the unforgettable car accident on the news; the girl consoled her heartbroken friends on the couch. And of course, she couldn't miss out on her group's first win on the music show, Inkigayo. The part when she got a sapphire blue envelope in the mail reminded me of my first thrilling moment of receiving my first ELF Japan magazine. When I moved to Japan in early 2019, I remember how elated I was when I had SuJu merch in my hands. 🥹 And ever since then, my room was 70-80% filled with SuJu albums, posters, trinkets, and whatnot. 😁💙
Okay! Back to the video. The protagonist was listening to SUKIRA and admiring her concert ticket. Her room had pictures of former members: Hangeng, Kangin, Kibum, and Sungmin. My OT15 heart was so happy! 🥹💙 Her mother opened the door and warned her to get good grades if she went to the concert. Once she left, the teen beamed as she lit up her blue rod-shaped light stick. The next day, she came home to a somewhat empty room. I felt her sadness when she ran to the garbage area. Her mother trashed her SuJu treasures into a box. 😭💔Luckily, she retrieved her stuff.
Halfway through the story, the main character took down her SuJu photos and stashed them back in the box. This time, she pushed it under her desk and focused on her studies. She obeyed her mom's commands, but deep down, as we can relate, she wasn't willing to let her beloved boys go.
The years went by, visualized by a montage from 2010 to 2019: calendars, Super Show tickets, SJ-M keychains, and more Easter eggs. Her passion for SuJu seemed to wane. Her mom called while she was in a dimly lit library studying. The girl hadn't finished studying, but she told her mom that she wasn't a kid who fangirled anymore. She had "more important things in life" to attend to, such as exams, assignments, and dating.
At the present time, the girl was on the verge of throwing her box of memories. To my relief, she took it back to her room! Her old albums and banners brought a smile to her face. With Ryeowook's "I Know" playing, the transition from her old light stick to the Super Bong got me emotional! I cried while replaying the fancam right now, too! 😭 She lived her dream, surrounded by a sea of Pearl Sapphire Blue lights. She finally got to cheer for her boys to her heart's content. 🥹💙
Love letters to ELF through ballads
SuJu appeared in soft, boyfriend outfits: gingham shirts and matching pants with pastel and floral patterns. They stood on the humongous X-shaped platform above the main stage. They showed thanks to ELF by singing "I Know" and "Our Love." The live audience showed off their voices in the chorus. The platform descended as the singers ended the song. With one arm extended, the maknae finished the song with a one-armed heart. 🥺 🫶
The spectators jumped off their chairs when they saw the men walking around the seating zones during the bright, flirty track, "No Other". The fans at the front and side of each viewing zone were so lucky to high-five the members. From the online viewers' point of view, Siwon rubbed a little boy's arm and hugged a girl in a wheelchair! 🥺
Waving to the nearby fans, the members sang their subsequent song, "From U". Kyuhyun started it off with a cute, big, one-armed heart. I was also head over heels with Eunhyuk's look, especially his glasses! 😍💘 When Leeteuk was finishing the song, Eunhyuk, Donghae, and Shindong poked their heads around the oldest member like meerkats and made funny faces. 😂😂 They sang the chorus a few more times while making their way back to the main stage. The leader surprised us with his English: "Always thank you, and I love you!" Shindong complimented, "Oh! Your English very well!" 🤣 Heechul said something (I forgot to turn on the captions! Silly me!) that made the other members tell him to get down on all fours and gave him the "Indian Bop" slap. 🤣
Unfortunate accident! Our penguin's big slip! 😖😭💔
The instrumental of "In My Dream" played while SuJu sat on the stairs. Every singer showed off their vocal colours, including the non-main vocalists, who nailed each note so beautifully and smoothly! Shindong and Eunhyuk's voices stood out the most to me. 😍😌👏
As the front stage was completely pitch black, a loud crash echoed. Based on fancams, Kyuhyun fell into a gap in the stairs. The darkness and smoke hindered the members' vision. Who came up with this idea? Even the stairs were three separate flights of steps with a deep space in between. I hope the stage designer or anyone else in charge of these events will take this accident into consideration prior to the world tour. 😦😠
Super Junior concluded their ballad performances with the beloved song, "Dorothy". Despite the pain Kyuhyun overcame in his ankle, he pulled his vocals off effortlessly. I loved my two biases' harmony in the beginning, and the bridge where Shindong passed the baton to Kyuhyun as he delivered the last high note like it was nothing. The Beyond Live camera didn't capture this, but Shindong helped Kyuhyun climb the stairs while the rest of the group sympathized with their youngest member. 🥺 Our dear autumn prince was strong and brave. He didn't show any sign of discomfort.
Welcome to SJ's animal kingdom!
A new VCR kept the audience busy while the members had an emergency backstage meeting. This time, the men moved past some displays and lined up horizontally. Shindong pulled a string. With each tug, the group transformed into a 2D animation. The poorly animated visuals took me back to SuJu's vegetable cartoon from SS4. They suddenly swapped into animals! The whiny sounds are adorable, though! The animated animals helped arrange things for a talent show: chairs, fences, stage lighting, etc. They had trouble mastering their circus acts, such as juggling, balancing items, and hula hooping. However, with practice and encouragement from Duck Teuk, they picked themselves back up. Duck Teuk and his teammates lined up on stage, leading us to real-time SJ, who wore stinking cute animal onesies! 😍
They enlivened the atmosphere with four bright songs: Miracle, Pajama Party, Me, and Rokugo. Everyone squealed at how adorable the idols looked in their respective costumes. It's a pity that Penguin Kyu was not on the stage. 😢I hope his sprained ankle will recover soon! The dancing trio, Bunny Hyuk, Puppy Hae, and Panda Dong, performed a simpler choreography during the dance break. Panda Dong and Unicorn Won did the "Whiplash" move by Aespa. 😆
Bunny Hyuk started singing with a giggle, prompting Panda Dong to pull his ears and ask, "What?" during "Pajama Party". 😆 At the near end, Puppy Hae lied on his stomach while being on top of Panda Dong's back. Panda Dong twerked as Puppy Hae bounced like a rag doll. 😂
The members wished Kitty Sung a happy birthday before playing the song "Me" by SJ-M. Behind a bus-shaped cardboard cutout, they knelt and moved it up and down while singing the lyric "It's gonna be me." Duck Teuk X Peacock Chul and Puppy Hae X Bunny Hyuk were giggling. The ships were sailing hard! 😉
Finally, during "Rokugo", Peacock Chul and Panda Dong did an improvised skit.
Chul: Shindong, where are you?
Dong: You can't see me here! * putting his panda hood over his head. 😂
An EDM party!
Neon lights on the X platform pulsed to an EDM remix with "Super Duper", "Super Clap", and "Shake It Up". The screens showed the members' faces throughout the music. Shortly, eight members emerged from stage lifts. Tight-fitting black polo shirts and matching pants made the fans scream at their new attire. The presentation of "DNA" showed off their toned arms and captivating moves. Ryeowook covered Kyuhyun's parts and belted flawlessly in the last chorus! 🫠
The EDM stage featured a shorter rendition of “Rockstar” and “A-Cha”. They extended the “A-Cha” segment four to five times, thanks to improvised concerns from Leeteuk, Heechul, Shindong, and Eunhyuk:
Leeteuk: Ah! I forgot to turn off the air-con at home!
Heechul: I didn't wear underwear! (Some members slapped his back. 😂)
Shindong: I didn't go on a diet before today's concert! (Donghae slapped Shindong, and Shindong hit him back and was going to pull his entire shirt down. 😂😂)
Eunhyuk: I forgot what I'd forgotten! (Ryeowook's throat hurt! 😢 Leeteuk pretended to do CPR on Shindong. Eunhyuk dragged Shindong by his legs like a wheelbarrow. Shindong also "borrowed" Eunhyuk's cap. So much going on! 🤣)
Ryeowook gave the song one last shot with his last high note still loud and clear. That's our little prince and eternal maknae right there! 😮👏
Give it up for Cho Kyuhyun! 💙🐧
The screen played a VCR of SuJu at a dinner party. They had a toast with champagne, and the camera showed a white-frosted cake. They also popped party poppers. The members stood aside when Heechul was about to pop open a champagne bottle, but Siwon took over and successfully sprayed the champagne into the air. He did his infamous Gatsby pose with a glass. 😆 Leeteuk. had a blue flower tucked in his ear. He signalled his team to walk towards a couple of signs: "Next Mode? Express Mode".
The group reappeared in real time in suits just as "Express Mode" began playing. ELF cheered loudly when Kyuhyun started singing while sitting on a chair in a corner of the stage. 🥺 Next was an SJ classic, "Mr. Simple". Eunhyuk's handstand got the whole dome shaking with excitement and pride. He's 39, and he still got it! 🥹👏 Bravo, our dancing machine!
Kyuhyun earned more screen appearances when the idols moved on to "Bonamana". He moved his hands and turned his body minimally. Donghae tossed his rose towards Kyuhyun and called his name. The maknae gave us a sweet finger heart. 🥰 TeukChul, the pillars of SJ, leaned against each other like they've always been in old Bonamana performances. 😉
After a brief blackout, Heechul's drum solo began. Yesung dropped by and fired up the crowd with nostalgic vocal parts from the band TRAX, back in Super Show 3! Siwon called out to Kyuhyun as he passed the baton, and Kyuhyun flashed a toothy smile. Heechul patted Kyuhyun on the back during the "Sorry Sorry" bridge. ELF shrieked at the sight of Kyuhyun gliding the back of his hand against Heechul's jawline, looking as if he were flirting sensually. 😳 Heechul held his thumb up once the song finished.
The last song of this rock segment was none other than "Don't Don". The dynamic duo, D&E, performed a dance break to Henry's violin parts. Eunhyuk slipped his blazer halfway down to reveal his toned shoulders. Leeteuk ripped his shirt off, which sent fangirls into a frenzy! 🥵
Encore time!
The live audience sang the birthday song to Yesung before proceeding to their encore chant. Light sticks on the top row read Super Junior, which was a sweet fan project!
The last VCR of the night was a special MV for our new favourite B-side, "Stuck With You". Clips from the "Express Mode" MV shoot and the 20 Awards show were in this video. The members were also doing solo camera shots to sing and pose. There were little TeukChul moments, including their shy smiles and giggles at the end. 🥹
The boys sported blue and white "Super Junior" jerseys with sequined lettering for their last outfits. The song "Marry U" was their serenade to the spectators and online viewers. Kyuhyun used a black umbrella as his walking cane. Towards the end, Leeteuk asked the audience, "Will you accept our proposal?" They sang the chorus beautifully, as always.
Before SuJu performed "Happiness", they inquired about the youngest member's well-being. Kyuhyun commented on how funny he looked with the umbrella. He flung it open, and everyone laughed the moment he raised it upright. 😂
Shindong called out the Korean title, cueing the music staff to play the song. All nine members formed a human train. After the first chorus, the members challenged ELF to dance. They praised the front row for dancing very well. When "Happiness" was over, some members danced the can-can on the main platform. Heechul kicked Donghae in the butt, and the playful puppy yelped while grinning so innocently. 😂
Kyuhyun and his chaotic family
The members spoiled their dearest maknae. Eunhyuk got down on all fours to serve as a chair for Kyuhyun, but Yesung and Shindong rested their butts on Eunhyuk's back. Shindong pretended to slip and roll on the floor. 🤣🤣 The other members got Kyu a chair at last.
Leeteuk announced their last day of their Seoul concert. Kyuhyun apologized for his injury. 😢 There's no need to feel bad, my dear Kyu! Things happen! 😭🫂 The bold leader pulled up the waistband of his underwear and showed us his blue underwear this time. 😌😆
Poor Ryeowook gave his closing speech with a husky voice. Everyone started laughing when he said "A-Cha" in a deep voice. 😂 You've worked so hard, Wookie! Five times of belting was indeed mad! But also extraordinary! Bravo! 👏👏👏
In the meantime, Donghae was eager for another Seoul encore concert. He playfully punched his neighbour, Yesung, in the chest and then spoke. Kyuhyun rose, mimicking a sword as he aimed his umbrella at Yesung. 😆 The birthday boy expressed his gratitude to his mother for giving him an amazing life. He also thanked his fellow members and ELF. 😊
Siwon referred to himself as "Siwon with bangs".😆He requested ELF hold their phones in their left hands and place their right hands on their chests. Someone in the group snored. Was it Donghae? The church boy expressed gratitude in English for love and support, celebrating their 20th anniversary, referencing 1 John 4:19, and affirming love from both himself and Jesus. Donghae, the mood ruiner, blurted out, "Siwon, your beard is growing!" WTH?? Lee Donghae? 🤣
Whoops and screams erupted throughout the concert arena when Kyuhyun's turn came. He turned his English switch on: "I'm sick! Hurt hurt!" while pointing to his leg. Eunhyuk held the umbrella over them. Donghae massaged Kyuhyun's shoulder and chest. Heechul rested his hand on his other shoulder. Kyu went on, "But we...everybody, together... I'm happy!" I freaking squealed and exploded when he smiled so cutely! 😍💕 Yesung sandwiched himself between D&E; everyone's dotting their baby brother! 🥹 Aww!!! Kyuhyun spoke in Korean, but Eunhyuk added English phrases and comments like "How?", "Wow!", "But!", "I hope!", and "I wish!" Also, Kyu thanked ELF for their support in filling the stadium for three days.
Before Heechul got his turn, Eunhyuk had an idea to cheer Kyu and everyone up. He told Kyu to sit back down and lowered the umbrella. When he lifted it back up on the count of three, Kyuhyun and the other four looked at the cameras and crowd with pretty, radiant smiles. "It's not painful!" Kyu told the fans, also to comfort them. They faced everyone in front of them once again with flower-like poses. 😭🥰
Shindong did another impromptu gag; he pretended to slip and fall on the floor. Kyuhyun let his older brother sit on the chair, and Eunhyuk did his umbrella trick again. Shindong smiled, but then Leeteuk said, "Today's the last day!" Shindong's face fell. "We're going to Hong Kong soon!" Leeteuk announced, and Shindong grinned.😂
Eunhyuk's hip thrusts weren't strong enough, according to Heechul, when challenged to dance to "Rockstar". Leeteuk seized the chance to dance, and his hip thrust outdid Eunhyuk's. How did our 42-year-old leader still have the stamina?? 🤯 He also asked the birthday boy to do the challenge, but he sounded disappointed after seeing Yesung doing his favourite octopus dance for several seconds. Everyone concluded, "Yesung...fail!" 😂.
Afterwards, Eunhyuk got ELF to promise to stay by their side in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Heechul used the umbrella to illustrate how Super Junior would perform "A-Cha" at 70, complete with a cane, shaky limbs, and hearing problems. 😂😂 Eunhyuk's wish was to see the ELFs' Pearl Sapphire Blue ocean, and they made it happen, creating waves in the dark. 💙💙💙
Leeteuk shared his concerns about Kyuhyun's accident and his clumsy shirt removal. The plan failed because his headset got stuck. The youngest one suggested going shirtless next time. 😆 He then asked his company to give SJ a 20th anniversary gift, and to his members' dismay, they blamed him for daring to say that in front of everyone, of all places. 😂
They also voiced their opinion that Leeteuk would make a great SM Entertainment director.
👀 The leader proposed to the current SM director/ CEO whether they could have an encore concert in Seoul. He looked at Mr. Tak and asked in a firm, pleading voice. They got the green light from the man himself! Kyuhyun suggested having a 360-degree stage for their encore concert. That would be epic! Please do an encore concert in Japan's Tokyo Dome, too! 🙏
Surprise for Yesung + finale!
Just as the members were about to call the backup dancers, a birthday pop remix started blasting in the arena. Everyone, including the dancers, surprised Yesung with a cake. The fans joined them, singing the birthday song. Our beloved Yeye wished us not to get hurt, and SuJu will finish the Super Show 10 world tour happily. 😊 He then attempted to blow the candle several times, but the flame didn't go out! Even when all members circled around to blow it out, the flame remained on the wick. It turned out to be a trick candle! 😂
After photo time, SuJu moved on to their last song, "Finale". I can't help but sympathize with Kyuhyun! He was in pain, but he masked it with a bright smile as he walked nimbly with the umbrella. 🥺 He even waved to ELF from many angles. As confetti rained on the stage, Eunhyuk and Heechul helped Kyuhyun walk up the stairs. The nine boys lined up and gave thumb kisses to the spectators, the Beyond Live viewers, and their staff and crew.
The members waved goodbye as the stage lift transported them down, so we thought the concert was over. The audience in attendance yelled, "Encore!" a second time. To their delight, SuJu reappeared from the split stairs. Heechul screeched as he sang his first line. 😆 Donghae made ELF's hearts flutter by winking at the camera, followed by Leeteuk, who did a cat's ear pose. Eunhyuk's fans were gaga over his milky white arms that were revealed from his tank top. He draped his jersey around his neck.
The WonKyu nation rose for several seconds as Kyuhyun leaned onto Siwon's shoulder. 😉 The members hovered their microphones around Siwon and Ryeowook's faces. 😂 Despite the distraction, Ryeowook killed his last note. Kyuhyun also growled, "Oh, miracle!" just before the final chorus! 😮
Another confetti storm showered down on the stadium as the group wrapped up their last performance. ELF asked for one last encore, but the members said no more. They'll do an encore concert as promised. D&E reminded the fans to drink water and eat well. Despite ELF's calls for "Encore", the lights came up, and silence filled the place. Despite ELF's calls for "Encore", the lights came up, and silence filled the place. 😂
Final thoughts
I applaud our boys for putting their hearts, time and energy into this concert as this is a special event to celebrate its 20th anniversary. 20 years strong, and SuJu keeps shining in the K-pop industry. 💕💙 It is also bittersweet and heartwarming that they've prepared an entire list of songs from their debut days to the present, and it sends long-time fans like me on a roller coaster of emotions and memories. I really appreciate and respect them for giving us the best concert they've ever had, but I also wish they wouldn't exert themselves too much. With fourteen stops lined up for them to meet their international ELFs (Hong Kong's show has ended as I write this), I hope they'll take breaks as they need to and minimize risks of burnout, injuries, and illnesses.
I'm excited to see my beloved boys live in Nagoya on December 14 and in Saitama on March 7! 🤩 The last time I saw them live was early last year, and I'm eager to shake off SuJu FOMO! 😂 I've been holding off on spending on ELF Japan events for more than a year. Ah! The struggles of being an ELF! 💸
If you've made it to the end of my long-awaited blog post/ SuJu event recap, I sincerely want to thank you to the moon for reading it! 🥹 🙏🫶 You're the best! And if you're also attending SS10 in Nagoya and Saitama, please say hello to me! I can hardly wait for these few months to be over so that I can be physically and mentally ready for possibly the best moment of my ELF life in 2025. Stay tuned for my next blog post, which will be my SS10 Nagoya recap at the end of 2025! I wish you all a blessed day, night, or whatever time of day you are now. 😉🤗💙
