Celebrate 20 years of Super Junior! From ‘Sorry Sorry’ to global tours, discover how K-pop’s legends shaped the industry and what’s next with ‘Express Mode’.
What makes a group legendary in K-pop? It’s more than hit songs it’s consistency, innovation, and an emotional connection with fans that spans decades. As Super Junior gears up to release their 12th full-length album ‘Super Junior 25 (Super Junior I.O)’, marking their 20th anniversary since debut, we’re looking back at how they’ve reshaped K-pop and why fans are more excited than ever.
From ‘Sorry Sorry’ to Global Stardom: How Super Junior Created the First K-pop Wave
Super Junior exploded onto the scene in 2005 with ‘Twins’, introducing fans to their now-iconic sharp choreography and unmatched group synergy. In a K-pop landscape still new to large groups, they stood out immediately. Songs like ‘Miracle’, ‘U’, and their collab ‘Show Me Your Love’ with TVXQ helped them sweep every “Rookie of the Year” award setting the tone for what would become a groundbreaking career.
But it was 2009’s ‘Sorry Sorry’ that turned them from stars into global icons. It wasn’t just a hit it was a cultural reset. Topping charts across Asia, inspiring cover dances worldwide, and becoming the first Korean act to achieve a Gold Record in the Philippines, ‘Sorry Sorry’ kicked off a true K-pop syndrome. It was cool, addictive, and everywhere.
The Hitmakers Who Never Miss: 20 Years of Mr Anthems and Accolades
With back-to-back hits like ‘It’s You’, ‘Miina’, ‘Mr. Simple’, ‘Devil’, and ‘Black Suit’, Super Junior built a rock-solid reputation as K-pop’s most enduring idol group. Their fandom, ELF, has been a driving force, helping them dominate the Taiwan KKBOX Music Awards, where they made history as the first non-Chinese Artist of the Year, and held the #1 spot for 200 consecutive weeks on KKBOX’s Korean Album Chart.
In 2018, they broke more ground by collaborating with Leslie Grace on ‘Lo Siento’ a Latin-pop track that sent them soaring onto the Billboard Latin chart, a first for any Korean artist.
The Super Show Phenomenon: Why Fans Keep Coming Back for More
“You might not have seen them live—but no one sees them just once.”
That’s the legend behind Super Junior’s ‘Super Show’, one of the most beloved and longest-running concert brands in K-pop. Since 2008, they’ve performed over 194 shows across 30+ countries, creating unforgettable moments on stages in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. From the first Korean solo concert in France to Saudi Arabia’s first solo Asian artist show, their performance legacy is as global as it gets.
With ‘Super Show 10’ kicking off this August at Seoul’s KSPO Dome and scheduled to hit 16 cities through 2026, this anniversary tour is shaping up to be one for the history books.
More Than Idols: Super Junior as Actors, Hosts, DJs, and Creators
Super Junior didn’t just dominate music—they reinvented what it means to be an idol. They pioneered the concept of K-pop units with groups like Super Junior-KRY (vocal line), Super Junior-D&E (dance-pop duo), and Super Junior-LSS (variety masters). Each subgroup brought something new, allowing fans to see different sides of the members.
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Off stage, they’ve thrived as actors, MCs, radio DJs, directors, and musical performers, with many members also involved in songwriting and producing. It’s this constant reinvention that’s kept them fresh, relevant, and impossible to ignore—even after two decades.
Why This Comeback Matters: ‘Express Mode’ and the Ultimate Version of Super Junior
As they celebrate 20 years in the game, Super Junior is ready to drop ‘Express Mode’, a song that promises to embody their ultimate style evolution. Longtime fans and new listeners alike are buzzing with anticipation, eager to see how the group will blend nostalgia with modern K-pop flair.
Whether you’ve followed them from the start or are just discovering their music, one thing is clear: Super Junior isn’t just a group they’re a living legacy.
Still standing. Still reinventing. Still Super Junior.
