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“You got HUSBAND, we got BAND! Band Band, Same Band!” was undoubtedly the most hilarious quote that Super Junior D&E bestowed us with at their 1st Fancon in Singapore.
The 37-year-old duo’s exuberance & witty humour are antidotes to your stressful lives.
For those familiar with the crazy antics of Super Junior, this statement didn’t come as a surprise, but with a deep knowing that our favourite dorks are back.
Their amusing, funny banter never fail to light up even our darkest days.
所谓，“笑一笑，没烦恼“。Laughter is the best medicine.
Indeed, it was our MOMENT of DElight.
While this is D&E’s 4th Asia tour, it’s their 1st in gracing our shores with “DElight Party” as a sub-unit.
Reveling in the electrifying atmosphere and being charmed by D&E’s energetic vibes, the 2,300-strong ELFs at The Star Theatre were able to bask “in the moment”, on a mundane Wednesday evening.
Definitely living up to the spirit of being “Delightful”, ELFs had a fabulous time laughing, cheering the guys on with their fanchants, waving SU Bongs while dancing to their most renowned hits.
Despite being in a smaller hall, the level of energy and synergy could easily match the bigger groups’s Super Shows.
Seemingly more relaxed during their sub-unit’s tour (it would be chaotic if the whole of SUJU was present), D&E took time to interact with the audience, soaked in the love, energy and support that ELFs showered them.
What mattered wasn’t the number of ELFs who turned up, but the fact that there were ELFs who would still make time for them.
Despite Eunhyuk going without sleep due to late night filming schedules and only reaching Singapore hours before the show, these seasoned idols showed the audience what real professionalism was.
Being professional is basic respect for their job, passion, and the fans who love them.
From yakking about chilli and pepper crabs, dancing to Super Mario Theme song, playing keyboard & drums to Westlife’s “My Love”, calling fans out for not “trusting” them to succeed in their game endeavors, to asking why fans seek permission for toilet breaks, these easy-going and fun-loving dorks had their way of keeping the audience very entertained.
Their absurd and hilarious use of English language would tickle your bones at times, but we must say, it’s a good effort.
D&E’s fancon is a combination of fanmeeting + concert, which integrates the best of many worlds with games, fan interaction and close to 18 songs on the setlist.
Excluding Soundcheck and Goodbye session, the Fancon lasted a good 2.5 hours.
ELFs were given a repertoire of not just D&E hits, but also the most iconic classics from Super Junior.
Known for their antics of “calling out” fans who take toilet breaks during their shows, it was an opposite case of a fan “seeking” permission to go to the washroom this time.
Acting seemingly innocent, D&E asked why would they even need to grant permission, just go ahead!
It was a night filled with laughter, teasing one another, singing along to our favourite songs with our most favourite KPOP group, knowing that they are happy doing what they still love and hanging on together, is no doubt a precious gift to all of us.
Brief Intro About D&E
An assemble of legendary KPOP Group Super Junior’s lead dancers, Donghae and Eunhyuk, D&E is SJ’s 5th sub-unit whose music focuses more on pop dance, R&B and Hip Hop.
Bringing forth their forte in dancing and talent in music composition, D&E are also highly involved in the production of their sub-unit albums.
Donghae’s talent in song composing, Eunhyuk’s flair in dance and concert choreography proved to be icing on the cake.
2nd Generation K-POP Idols are gold.
SUJU is renown for being successful variety idols. Never a moment would be dull (or even quiet) with them around.
Hyukjae’s Back, Better and Stronger
What vast difference a year made.
For those who have been worried since we last saw Eunhyuk during SS9, you can heave a sigh of relief now.
The heavy weights on our hearts and tears shed during Super Show 9, were magically lifted the moment D&E reunited with SG ELFs.
Though visibly tired from lack of sleep, Eunhyuk was definitely in better spirits and head space now.
The mood and atmosphere lightened up, worries turned to smiles as ELFs locked eyes with them.
He was no longer the teary-eyed boy who was fighting back tears at a corner during group performances, or staring blankly into the air at the stadium.
Back to his cheeky, humourous and dorky self, Eunhyuk threw “shade” at ELFs, teasing them whenever an opportunity arouse.
We’re glad, he’s feeling much better now.
Many things happened in the course of a year.
Hyukjae lost his dad, left his employer of close to 2 decades, set up his own company with Donghae and became their own bosses.
It was a year full of challenges, but he emerged better and stronger.
What didn’t change, is the love and support between the SJ members, and also between SJ and ELFs.
There’s no storm we cannot weather through together.
Deep Idol-Fan Rapport
SUJU’s fandom is named “Ever Lasting Friends” for a reason.
The amazing thing was, the members could bare their hearts out to “strangers” whom they felt closely knitted to, as though they knew one another personally for decades.
It always felt like a longtime friend gathering whenever it comes to Super Junior Concerts or events.
The connection, rapport could be felt immensely.
The inter-dependence and co-reliance between idol and fans has been established since Day 1.
Not just the revolutionary bond with their members, but also with people who supported them wholeheartedly.
这是段微妙的依赖关系。
Even if there was just D&E, they never failed to 让你笑到久久无法自己。
While turbulences occurred from time to time, the faith never wavered.
The heartwarming part, isn’t just about being EVER LASTING Friends.
It is now that Super Junior get to watch over ELFs and ELF Juniors too.
Super Junior D&E Delight Party SG – 8 Nov 2023 Setlist
Soundcheck
1) Bout you
2) Need You
Actual Performance
1) Zero
2) B.A.D
3) Danger
Games Segment
4) Sunrise
5) Bout You
6) 1+1=LOVE
Moment of Delight Message Segment: Hilarious banter
7) Gloomy
8) Still You
9) Growing Pains
10) Need You
11) Home
12) I Wanna Dance
13) Oppa Oppa
Encore 1
14) Share My love
15) Medley : Mamacita, Sorry Sorry , Bonamana
Encore 2
16) Hello
Sound Check
It was my 1st in attending a sound check session.
Whilst only lasting 15 minutes, it was good to see the duo in their more relaxed casual outfits, doing their “rehearsals” for “‘Bout You” and “Need You”.
Donghae was in a more relaxed mood while Eunhyuk was visibly weary with shades on.
He filled the audience in about going without sleep the entire night, but felt energised to see ELFs again.
Heating Things Up
Jiving up our tiring Humpday evening, the duo wasted no time in heating things up, by starting with their high-octane dance tracks, “Zero”, “B.A.D”, and “Danger”.
These guys know their thang.
Weaving in and out of dance tracks so seamlessly and getting the audience in a party mood instantaneously was a piece of cake for these veterans.
Fervent screams and cheers ensued as the guys grooved to these crowd-crooners with their coolest and charismatic poses and winks.
Was it Saturday night already?
Throwing shade at Fans
Teasing aka “suaning” fans is part of SJ’s routine fan service.
Twirling ELFs round their little fingers, these dorks knew exactly when they could get away when they “diss” ELFs, and when to give compliments to score points.
Throwing shade that fans are old, because while their minds wished to stand, they could only sit down physically.
真是“得了便宜，还卖乖“的例子呀~
Although there wasn’t a runway like many other stops due to venue restrictions which might hinder ELFs’ decision to stand, it didn’t dampen their enthusiasm.
ELFs seemed milder during the initial segments, all fully seated at ease, some with their arms crossed, which made the duo nervous like they were being graded for exams.
DH: Seems like our fans prefer sitting than sitting.
EH: Or maybe in your heart, you want to and like standing, but seems like physically your body doesn’t want to. Right now you are super relaxed and comfortable.
EH: For us, we gonna stand up and do really hot performances. You guys sit down and enjoy, ya?
DH: Maybe you guys want to sleep, it’s okie. Sleep and wake and enjoy some parts, and then go back home right?
DH: If you watch us for too long, you will get tired of us right?
Seeing how Eunhyuk was back to his usual self, warmed our hearts literally.
We knew SJ loves their audience to stand up to party, but the venue didn’t cater space for a runway, thus most ELFs had to sit.
When the duo asked ELFs if they were having fun, they were greeted with a resounding “Yes”.
However, D&E had their doubts since everyone looked too comfortable sitting with their arms crossed.
Donghae: It feels like having an exam.
Eunhyuk: We need to remove all your chairs. You’re lying. You like how is it right? You’re gonna fall asleep that way (with arms and legs crossed).
Because it’s the beginning of the show, please relax. But at the end of the show, please stand up when you think it’s the right time”, quipped the duo.
Point noted, Singapore ELFs.
Banter Time
“Hello Singapore, we are Super Junior D&E!”, greeted the enthusiastic duo at their 1st fancon in SG.
Eunhyuk: Nice to meet you la! My name is Eunhyuk. Did you guys miss me? How much? *Did a big big heart sign*
“I miss you so much!” *with finger heart included*
“Welcome to D&E Fancon “DElight Party” in Singapore!”
Eunhyuk’s wish was to eat chilli and pepper crabs and drink beer at Marina Bay Sands.
He had many fond memories of good meals and beer along Singapore River, whereby he always frequented with his members to have chilli and pepper crabs too.
Eunhyuk then expressed his thanks to SG ELFs who sent food support, for a sumptuous dinner of chilli and pepper crabs and many other delicious food.
Introducing the band, Eunhyuk requested them to play the drums which remind of ELFs swimming in the sea to catch crabs for them.
Eunhyuk enacted “swimming in the sea, to catch the crab”.
They envied us thinking we can have chilli and pepper crabs every day, but the audience yelled a resounding “NO!”
They were baffled till someone replied “Pisang” aka expensive!
EH: You can catch it, fish it and eat it! You need to work hard for delicious food!
They also danced to the Super Mario Theme song, which cracked us up.
Mission Relay Games
D&E had to complete a Mission-Relay in 99 Seconds, whereby they had to complete 4 individual and 1 team tasks collectively.
Despite the strong camaraderie, the relay wasn’t that well-coordinated due to Eunhyuk being nervous with time ticking away.
Donghae quipped that should they fail the challenge, they would end the FM right away and go for some chilli crabs. =X
That makes one wonder if that’s their main “purpose” in visiting Singapore anyway.
Mission Relay 99 Seconds Sequence
1) 5 stones
2) Stacking 7 scoops of ice cream on a cone
3) Catching sharks
4) Tic-tac-toe (throw something at the tic-tac-toe to ensure you strike one line)
5) Bite on a spoon and move table tennis ball from one to one another
The duo had 3 failed attempts which they “attributed” the failure to ELFs. =S
Quoting the “Law of Attraction“, Donghae mentioned that it was because ELFs felt that they would fail, so they did.
He requested ELFs to keep silent in case they lose the challenge.
Erm, Dear Donghae, that would be “Murphy’s Law” instead.
Because whatever could go wrong, would go wrong.
More haste, less speed.
The more Hyukkie wanted to get it over and done with, the more they had to repeat the challenge.
As for Donghae, it wouldn’t be as fun if they succeeded at 1st try, isn’t it?
The “enraged” Eunhyuk “destroyed” the ice cream cone pile that he had painstakingly stacked when they failed the official challenge.
Walking over to the band, he began “venting” his frustrations by playing on the keyboard.
For a moment, we thought Eunhyuk was about to sing Westlife’s “My Love” as he started playing the intro music on keyboard, with Donghae on the drums.
Under the influence of Donghae’s drum beats, he started to dance with “Moonwalk” steps.
That’s how random and spontaneous SUJU members are, which ELFs are already very accustomed to.
Moment of Delight – Fan Messages & Hilarious Banter
Up next was the “Moment of Delight”, which Eunhyuk described as a corner (standing board full of fan messages) that ELFs filled for them.
Humming to the “Lion King” music while picking fan messages, these guys left no room for boredom.
The 1st that Eunhyuk picked was a card with an Orang Utan on it. Congrats fellow ELF, for you managed to get his attention immediately.
He then matched the expression on the card, to which Donghae agreed they look so much alike.
Much as Eunhyuk didn’t wish to acknowledge that, he’s the “monkey” of the group after all.
Kudos to Hyukkie for making an effort to read most of the card out in English.
Fan’s request was to stand up to say Hi to D&E since she isn’t that tall and was sitting very “far”.
Eunhyuk: “You are not that far back. Isn’t this front row? We could see you so well.”
Well Hyukkie, it isn’t about the means, but the ends sometimes. =S
Of Husbands and Bands
This has got to be “Joke of the Day” for me.
When D&E realised this ELF came to the fan meeting with her husband, they began cracking some lame jokes.
EH: Ah Husband? This is our band.
You Got Husband, we got band! Ok, Band Band, Same Band!”
DH: Band band, same band!
EH: I’m so jealous, you look so good together.
This almost got me choking with laughter.
My Dearest Hyukkie, 此 Band 非彼 Band 啊~
Johor Bahru or Justin Bieber
EH to an ELF: Where do you come from?
EH: JB? Johor Bahru!
DH: JB? Justin Bieber?
While we know Donghae is the “forever baby” of the group, you still feel like “bashing” him up sometimes. =X
Permission To Go Toilet, Sir!
Known for their antics of “calling out” fans who take toilet breaks during their shows, it was an opposite case of a fan “seeking” their permission to go to the toilet this time round.
DH: “Why are u asking us if you can go to the washroom, just go for it. Just go, go now!”
Acting seemingly innocent, D&E asked why they would even need to grant permission.
A classic example of the “pot calling the kettle black”.
Your Birthday, My Birthday, Everyone’s Birthday
The best “excuse” to get your requests/wishes granted is by claiming it’s your BIRTHDAY.
With the decision to sing a birthday song for all ELFs who are born in November, he asked all the BD babies to raise their hands.
The entire hall raised their hands obviously.
Eunhyuk: Please get out. Nagajuseyo.
You Flirts
ELF travels around to follow D&E on their activities worldwide while leaving family in Hong Kong.
EH: Husband is in Hong Kong. You free tonight?
DH: Freedom!
EH: You free tonight? What’s your plan tonight?
EH: Please go home now.
DH: Please go back to your baby and husband.
EH: I’m having so much fun while talking with you. Even though we cannot read everything for you, we make sure to receive all your heart and love and keep it inside of us today.
That was smooth. You flirts. Tsk.
‘Bout You & Growing Pains
“‘Bout You” and “Growing Pains” would just get to you somehow.
“‘Bout You” reveals their cheerful, chirpy and lively nature, while there’s always a special place in our hearts for the more poignant “Growing Pains”.
As one of D&E’s first singles, “Growing Pains” would bring you back down memory lane of your adolescent years, every time you listen to it.
Eunhyuk mentioned that it looked so pretty when the audience turned on mobile flash lights when they sang to “Growing Pains”.
It’s such a shame that only the two of them could see it. He promised to bring his phone on stage to record a video of the pretty sight in future.
Not just ELFs miss Super Junior, the members miss one another too amidst their busy schedules.
EH: “It’s been a while since all members of SJ come together for a FM, so all had so much fun. In the past several months, it was just 2 of us for fancon tour.
Finally, we met everyone in SJ. Super excited to meet everyone. Forever SM.”
Sentimental Ballads
While dance tracks are D&E’s forte, the audience was pleasantly surprised to find that they score in the department of sentimental ballads too.
To put it simply, no one in Super Junior could not tackle a sentimental ballad, or songs that are more emotive and expressive.
My favourite ballad for this fancon: “Home”
Let Me Home
Their soulful rendition to “Home” really gets to you, gave you a brief moment for self-reflection to what’s important in your lives.
In this context, “Home” is where SJ and ELFs’ hearts are.
Like a party and gathering of long-time friends, it’s always a comfortable solace when we get together.
Not just being comfortable in their own skin by teasing ELFs, baring their hearts out, and even showing their vulnerabilities (like SS9) before ELFs, it’s a very 纯粹 pure relationship whereby you feel like you have known one another since your teenage years.
Heartwarming moments when they talked about “If they are Super Junior, then ELFs’ kids are ELF Junior”.
This encompassed more than what most would assume about bringing the kids up to like Super Junior too.
ELFs grew up together with Super Junior, and now Super Junior watch ELFs set up families, bring their other halves and kids along. They watch ELF Juniors grow up too.
What a beautiful picture.
You feel more like friends than idol and fans.
Encore
Cheers were at an all-time high during the ENCORE segment when everyone was up on their feet, dancing to the best classics of Super Junior.
A medley of “Mamacita, Sorry Sorry, Bonamana” was da bomb.
As if the dormant volcanoes erupted and sprung up from their seats like Super Mario, ELFs gave that final leap to unleash their innermost Dancing Queens.
The all so familiar dance steps and fan chants to the iconic “Sorry, Sorry” and “Bonamana” were etched in our DNA.
Flashbacks of Super Shows came to mind, while we soaked in the tempo and beat to the songs that we have been so familiar with the past decade.
It was not just a party, but also a tribute of their achievements and celebration of how far we have all come, hand in hand with them.
They bring the BEST of SUJU with them, wherever they go.
满满的团魂。
他们的荣耀，我们的骄傲。💙
Their glory, Our pride.
View from the Stage
Ever wondered how the view is like from the artistes’ perspectives on stage?
You would stare in awe and feel a sense of numbness of euphoria all over.
Regardless lightsticks or flashlights, it motivated the performers to put in their best on stage.
The lights are like twinkling stars which fuel the artistes to go on.
That’s part of the reason why I like bringing light sticks to most concerts.
Especially when it’s either too bright or dark for the artistes to see properly, they could at least see the lights to know that there are fans supporting them down the stage.
They wouldn’t be able to hear any cheering without taking off their ear monitors.
It’s a view that no artiste would ever get sick of.
Bet the dorks were feeling the goosebumps when they looked at ELFs across the hall.
Touching Fanmade Video
Towards the end of the fancon, a fanmade video which comprised of a compilation of fan messages for D&E was projected on the big screen.
Kudos to “SG ELF is on the road” for the effort to not just pen their heartfelt words, but also rendered encouragement to D&E who have just started out their new company.
Among the fan messages, the one that tugged at my heartstrings, was the final one.
Saying out loud some of our innermost thoughts, the featured SG ELF reassured D&E that it’s alright if they wished to be more childish or mature, we just needed them to be happy with what they are doing.
“All we ever wanted for D&E, is for you to be active for a very long time. You may perform whenever you like it, that you can be whatever you want to be.
You can be as childish, or as mature as you want to be. All we want for D&E, is for you to never stop smiling. Singapore may be small, but we promise, we will always Share (you) my love, always. “
The duo paid full attention to the montage and showed their gratitude for SG ELF’s efforts in compiling the video.
ELFs always have SJ on their hearts. We’re sure it goes the same for these dorks too.
EH: Whether it is album, song, concert or tour, it is something that we prepared for you guys. The only thing is for you guys to enjoy THE MOMENT with us. But you prepared this for us, and that is so much love.
DH: Looking forward to the next one as well. Thank you.
DH: I mean like if you do it once, and don’t do it next time, we might have anticipation and feel left out.
EH: Singapore is committed to this kind of video every time we come back right?
DH: If we didn’t see it, it wouldn’t happen. But since we watched it and loved it, so….
EH: We expect something really great next time as well.
Oh well, I guess with this “teasing” from D&E, the fangroup would feel both elated at their compliments, but also stressed about how to outdo their creations the next time.
It shouldn’t be too far off, since D&E gave us spoilers about a new World Tour in 2024, which should include Singapore.
Final Ment
The guys wrapped up the show with a final Ment, whereby they expressed gratitude to fans for sticking with them all these years, and never letting them feel alone in their journey.
It came to me as an appreciation for SG ELFs’ support towards Eunhyuk during SS9, and making him feel loved even in his worst times.
Donghae’s also disclosed how SJ felt about being guarded and protected all these years, whenever “catastrophes” fell upon them.
The energy, affection, and support that we derive and give to each other as idols and fans, are more like how we would support our close friends of many years.
What we can be sure of is, ELFs would continue walking this journey with Super Junior, as long as they allow, and as long as they wish to.
(looking all so suave here)
DH: As D&E, this is the 1st time we come to SG to perform. Even though we came with expectations that you are going to have fun with us, you have exceeded that expectation and I feel great right now.
Because you guys are always by our side, we always feel so guarded and protected. Never feel alone, Thanks to you.
We’re going to make sure you won’t feel alone, so don’t let us feel alone.
EH : Don’t let us feel alone. We are so lonely.
DH: There’s only few months left to 2023. Please stay healthy. Our dear husband, please take care of your wife always. I have seen a lot of people brought their children today. Since those children are our ELFs, please raise our ELFs well.
EH: And if we are Super Junior, they are ELF Junior. Please take care of the juniors.
DH: Everyone please stay healthy and we will meet you guys soon.
EH: Today I’m so happy that I came to Singapore and make a lot of memories with you guys. Actually till this morning, there was a shooting in Korea, so I couldn’t sleep at all.
But by seeing you guys, I don’t feel tired at all. I’m so energised and I feel so excited and happy right now. I feel great right now, everyone.
Definitely not just me but all SJ members, we need to be with you to be this energetic and energised. You guys feel the same right?
“Guys, let’s never ever leave each other alone, and always be there for each other, stick to each other and support each other, always.”
TMI from CEO Lee
Since they are their own bosses (ODE Entertainment) now, CEO Lee Hyukjae mentioned gave a BIG spoiler, which he hadn’t discussed with Donghae yet.
Woohoo, 霸气总裁在线。
Dae Pyo Nim!!! 대표님!!~
They were preparing their new album slated to be released in February/March 2024.
Eunhyuk felt that ELFs needed time to prepare (their wallets) too.
Genius writer Donghae has been writing many good songs and it would be worth the wait for the present.
Hyukjae also joked that this type of TMI would not have been made possible if they were still with SM. Ahem.
Final Thoughts
To them, it’s no longer about selling out stadiums after stadiums. It’s about being able to maintain this precious “comradeship” with ELFs for as long as possible.
As for ELFs, it’s still trying our best to turn up for concerts and fill up as many seats as we could.
As the saying goes, “宁缺毋滥“.
We just got to be practical about this as fan base varies from country to country.
If the whole of SUJU could sell 90+% at Indoor Stadium, it isn’t that bad that a sub-unit could sell out 75% of The Star Theatre.
Quality overrides quantity in this case, since ELFs shouted doubly hard in a smaller hall.
The guys knew they were loved, and I am sure they were pretty touched.
The fact that ELFs stood by them since Day 1 to even after 18 years now, is something they cherish dearly.
They may not remember every face they have seen from near or far, but they are grateful from the bottom of their hearts.
The only drawback of this fancon, would be that if a Hi-Touch/ Hi-Bye session and Photograph session be granted to those who purchase the most expensive tickets.
It would also be good if we get to hear “Can You Feel It?”, “Rum Dee Dee”, “Lalala” too.
Please continue to stay as you guys are, the dorks that we loved for the past decade and more.
Be it Super Junior, Super Junior D&E or even as Donghae or Eunhyuk, you guys have our full support.
Thank you guys for being part of Super Junior.
Thank you for being your most authentic, dorky selves, even after 18 years.
Singapore ELFs Love You.
Just know that SG ELFs’ love for you guys, are loads more than your love for our chilli & pepper crabs.🦀
We can go without crabs, but “Without You, I am Zero”.
