Why a SUJU Special?

Simply because the legends are back, and this teases a long-anticipated reunion for the upcoming Super Show 8..

If 15 years in the KPOP scene weren’t enough to show you what they are capable of, just look at the source of immense strength behind them – that sea of sapphire blue which weathered through the storms. It’s been an extremely long wait for ELFs since 2010 for all SUJU members to be discharged from military service. That unwavering love is worth applauding for.

Much talk has been going on about SUJU appearing as a complete group in the 2nd half of 2019. To our dismay, they were lacked of Kyuhyun, Siwon & Heechul at the Hallyupop Fest 2019.

As the hall turned into a bobbing sea of sapphire blue when the intro music started playing, the flashing red lights and silhouette of these guys rising on stage, it propelled you into a moment of Déjà vu. That familiar moment when they emerged on stage to perform the 1st song “Superman” during Super Show 4, sprung back to mind instantaneously.

A voice inside of you would go “The Kings are back!”

Performance List
• Sorry, Sorry
• Bonamana
• One More Chance
• It has to be You (Yesung’s Solo)
• Drunk in the Morning (Ryeowook Solo)
• ‘Bout You – D&E
• Miracle

The sextet took the stage with their most classic hits “Sorry, Sorry” and “Bonamana”. The one thing you will love about a Super Junior performance is that ELFs know exactly when to execute their fan chants so perfectly.

即使卸下了王冠,那锋芒依然四射。他们是创造”韩流帝国”的元老,有着数不尽的光辉史,却也饱受无数风霜。从古至今,没有不老的人们,只有不老(甚至幼稚)的心,所以他们才会被粉丝称为”老少年”。他们现在都以比较”优哉”的姿态,在夹缝中求存的韩国音乐市场继续行走着。这或许就是他们屹立不倒的秘诀。这走尽坎坷路的团体,究竟有什么大风大浪没见过的呢?

可以看他们那么悠然自得地瞎胡闹,闲聊着,其实对粉丝来说,是一大欣慰和快乐。

他们扛得起,也懂得如何应对这世上无常的变化。

It was apparent they were not on form that day as there were varying pitches or notes that they couldn’t hit well. Age has certainly caught up with them as they panted heavily after 2 dance tracks, but their will power is commendable.

What’s a Super Junior performance without their impromptu, funny banter? That’s one of the main highlights. They just couldn’t stop talking once they open up their chatter box.

Can we have a Super Talk Show series coming up too? We can just listen to them talk about anything under the sun and laugh for 3 hours.

From how they attempted English, Mandarin, professing their love for chili and pepper crabs and asking one another to smell their fingertips, attempted quirky dance moves, you would just shake your head but smile in agreement that “Dorks will be Dorks”.

嘴巴最甜的 Donghae started addressing the fans as “亲爱的,宝贝” etc and praising them to be “漂亮,可爱,Sexy”. What a sweet talker he is! It undoubtedly melted many ELFs’ hearts.

Yesung was in an exceptionally bright mood that day, as he could be seen beaming from time to time and responding to fans who shouted his name. Eunhyuk started speaking in English, saying a Big Hello and how much he misses Singapore and sending some flying kisses, while an unimpressed Yesung mimicked him with an annoyed “Tsk”.

After a few good minutes about eating crabs, Lee Teuk tried to pacify the audience saying that they are better than any of the crabs that they had. Should fans feel happy being compared to a delicious local dish?

The Tom & Jerry Duo (Yesung and Eunhyuk) who were nearest to Lee Teuk, began loosening the laces on Teuk’s top to reveal some chest muscles and cleavage, while Teuk proudly said “big size”.
These guys are just one of the most hilariously funny lot.

Teukkie took the longest time to say his heartfelt words on stage, but he also let the cat out of the bag that Eunhyuk would extend his stay to tour around SG. Ain’t he such a SABO King or BAOTOH King?

Donghae described “One More Chance” as an emotional song and requested fans to switch on their mobile phones’ flash light, while Eunhyuk added on “If your cell phone’s battery is OK”. While the sea of blue and white “starlight” is not uncommon during “One More Chance” performances, it still warmed your hearts as the hall lit up in a sea of blue and white, just for these guys.

As KPOP fans may know, “Bout You” is a lively and chirpy track from Super Junior D&E’s previous album. There’s one part of the dance that got the crowd laughing in stitches, especially when you watch how Ryeowook and Lee Teuk execute those moves in the quirkiest manner.

While Leeteuk was expressing his gratitude to the fans for being with them all these years, he quipped that “Hallyupop Fest 2000” is an important event whereby artistes would showcase their best works. He said “Two Thousand” so confidently in English. It was not long before the members burst into laughter as he realised that it should be “Twenty Nineteen”! It appeared that Leader was too head over heels with the crabs in Singapore, that he had lost track of the year we are currently living in.

It was then when he talked about how they have been through 15 years because of their fans. They created a miracle back then called “Super Junior” and here they are still shining like a miracle.

We can’t say that SUPER JUNIOR is just a miracle without their hard work or ups and downs. They have been through much pain and sacrifices over the years, received tremendous love but also hurt and scrutiny with much fame.

As they bounced energetically around on stage and running across the runway, it felt as if time had stood still. They are still the young guys at heart that we know.

Whenever you see Lee Teuk going to every single little corner to make a 90-degree bow and thank the fans, it still warms your heart.

Nothing’s changed.

You will love Super Junior, not just for their performances, funny banter, sportsmanship, dorkiness, but also sincere nature. Not forgetting, they are the Kings of Fan Service.

They may not be the HOTTEST in town right now, but it is unlikely that those who are into KPOP have never heard about Super Junior. They have always kept their promises to leave no one behind.

While we hope to see a COMPLETE SUPER JUNIOR for Super Show 8, their label confirmed recently that it would only be a 9-member comeback.

Despite all that SJ is going through, there’s no obstacle that SUJU could not handle. To see SUJU complete and whole again, is the biggest wish that ELFs have all these years.

Someday, it will happen.

But for now, we will hang on tight till we see you guys back in Super Show 8.
Read More →

BLΛƆKPIИK is a force to be reckoned with.

With only 9 Korean singles (+1 song collaboration with Dua Lipa) & 1 Japanese studio album on their discography, these lasses have swept up a storm in Asia and are now stirring a hurricane in the United States.

The quartet showcased spectacular showmanship and remarkable energy, lashing out hit after hit with their high-octane vocals & impressive dance grooves at their 1st sold-out SG concert, to a 9500-strong crowd.

Decked in shimmery pink outfits and white knee-length boots, the quartet blew the audience away with the immensely popular “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du”.

SG BLINKS’ response was more than overwhelming with the resounding roars of cheers. The quartet was greeted by thunderous cheers & hoot calls, bobbing pink heart-shaped light sticks, with fans singing aloud to their dance hits, shouting fan chants as these lasses lapped it up with their energetic, sexy, feisty dance moves.

Their vocals are entrancing, dance moves bewitching. You will find yourself grooving along with the infectious rhythm of the songs.

Indoor Stadium was filled with fervent BLINKS of all ages, many clad in BLACKPINK Official Tees, holding placards to honour the arrival of their Queens.

The general association of pink is demure & feminine, while black amps up the fiercely cool images with a tinge of suaveness. Black is bold & distinctive, which perfectly sums up how these girls create a unique style, amidst the cutesy-girl-groups-dominated KPOP scene.

Their appeal lies in their dominant, distinctive flavor – flaming hot like chili, yet (not overly) sweet like dark chocolate-coated strawberry. It’s no easy feat to be different, while maintaining a strong foothold. These girls have fiercely dominated music charts since.

There is an uncanny resemblance between 2NE1 & BLACKPINK, in terms of their hip hop, funk & pop music genre & members’ international backgrounds. To avoid being labelled as “2NE1 Version 2.0”, BLACKPINK needs more original songs to distinguish themselves.

What’s lacking is the number of songs to uphold a barely 2-hour long concert. While it’s not uncommon for YG artistes to repeat songs for Encore, we sincerely wished a deserving girl group like BLACKPINK, can have more songs to call their own.

These ladies have unleashed their potential and versatility, to grow into something bigger in the music industry. They can carry off sexy, edgy, punk, clubbing or dance tunes but at the same time also being cutie pies & sweethearts.

BLACKPINK’s dance choreographies are not overly provocative, done with a tasteful demeanor that both male & female audiences would find it attractive and alluring. 他们的台风稳健,气场和气势都非常霸气,很有女王风范。They were brimming with comfort & confidence on stage.

They shone even in their solo performances. Jisoo showed her prowess with a powerful rendition of Zedd’s ‘Clarity’, Lisa slay as she twisted and swayed her way to MISO’s ‘Take Me’ and Jason Derulo’s ‘Swalla’, Rosé performed a lovely medley of The Beatles’ “Let It Be”, Park Bom’s “You And I” and Taeyang’s “Only Look At Me”, while Jennie rocked the stage with “SOLO”.

Their vibrant, exuberant, youthful energy can be felt and transmitted to all present. Such is youth and living your dreams.

The members spoke of their excitement to be in SG for their very 1st concert. The very thoughtful Rosé assured that they could see everyone and hope that fans would stay safe. Jennie expressed her wish for fans to put down their phones, so that they can enjoy the concert and see one another’s faces.

Jisoo proclaimed her love for our famous Chili Crab. Rosé suggested for the big crowd to do a Mexican wave, which they gladly obliged. BLINKS also sang a surprise BD song for Rosé whose birthday was on 11 February.

After watching Jisoo perform Zedd’s “Clarity”, you would agree that her slightly husky voice is pretty sexy & alluring.

Lisa the “Dance Queen” was feisty & sassy with her enchanting dance moves & sleek punches. That overflowing sense of confidence in owning the stage and capturing all of the audience’s attention.

Rosé’s distinctive honey, sweet voice allows one to distinguish her quite easily. She’s got a demure & gentle disposition. Listening to her sing was an enjoyable heart & mind soothing process.

Jennie the fashionista, exudes a very cool “icy princess” image, but swoons many with her adorable smiles and strong stage presence.

We do not need something too polished from BLACKPINK at the moment, such as Mariah Carey’s high-octaves dolphin pitch range. They are awesome as it is for their maiden concert.

We look forward to new tracks with stronger BLACKPINK flavor & a more “complete” world tour.

There’s no reason why these ladies with high-spirited performances, zestful vigor and distinctive stage presence, would not sell out albums or concerts.

So here they are, to take the world, step by step.

Make way cutesy girl groups, the BLACKPINK era has arrived.

It makes one ponder in anticipation, which is the next card they would play?Read More →

Indeed, “Life couldn’t get better” (lyrics from “Miracle”) with Super Junior around.

There’s an equation that has existed for 14 years, known as “SJ + ELFs” = Miracle.

You can say 他们是一个多灾多难的组合, 但因为有 “杂草”的精神, 所以能够经得起考验, 而至今都屹立不倒。

It’s been a 2.5-year long wait for SG ELFs (SJ’s fandom is collectively known as “Ever Lasting Friends”). The guys from Super Junior lapped it up with a fusion of electrifying performances, synchronised dance moves, exaggerated Cosplay costumes, excellent fan service, cranky &funny banter, sweet talking and a series of heart-warming speeches that streamed tears down SJ’s & ELFs’ faces.

Be it them in the power ranger costumes, hip hop wear, batik tops, high school uniform, or black suits running around the stadium, they just got the sea of blue into a frenzy.

They always fill your hearts & minds with lots of wonderful memories, love, fun & laughter.

If one were to sum up Super Junior’s personalities, it would be:

Super…. Dorky, Crazy, Energetic, Loving, Sincere, Sweet Talkers, Crybabies, Super人来疯.

They tried hard to bridge the language barrier by conversing more in English & Mandarin. They also promised that Super Junior & ELFs would have more days to be together than the time they have spent together.

Those present wouldn’t have missed this unforgettable moment when leader Lee Teuk was running to every little corner of the stadium and making his 90-degree bows to thank the fans.

This overwhelmed and warmed hearts instantaneously.

It’s gonna be etched in our minds and hearts for a long, long time.

It doesn’t matter if Singapore has a smaller fan base.

It all boils down to a lot of effort, sincerity and thoughts that come right from within.

There may be no solo stage performances (also lack of SJM, D&E performances), that revolving centre stage & chandelier lights did not make it to SG too, but it was such a heart-warming and enjoyable evening for all present.

Though SS7 is not as flamboyant or extravagant as SS3 & SS4 with lesser classic hits, it is one concert that’s focused on sharing & showcasing their new works & showing appreciation to their fans who have always given their relentless support.

What is a Super Show, without the extended stage, the guys’ silly, outrageous, out-of-this-world Cosplays costumes, running around to get closer to fans at all corners, some abs-flashing & their signature farewell thumb kiss?

With Kyuhyn & Ryeowook currently in military, Yesung took on the leading parts, with the members chipping in to ease his load. We also had Donghae at the helm for the piano introduction of “One More Chance”, Siwon on a Disc-Jockey segment & Heechul on the drums for “Sorry, Sorry”.

With Eunhyuk & Shindong as Directors of SS7, it’s guaranteed that there would be no dull moments. Everything was pretty well-paced and we love how they always look at improvising their dance performances.

You may love how there’s a tinge of sexiness with the veil scarf that blindfolds them during their well-loved classic “It’s You”, showing a more matured side of them.

You would also love “Runaway”, a chirpy song show showcasing their energy & “young at heart” natures. They look really dashing in those school uniforms as overage high-schoolers.

It suits these boys very well; they have not changed a wee bit since they debuted in 2005.

The crowd got to an all-time high when it came to the classics that propelled them to fame, such as “Sorry, Sorry”, “Mr Simple” & “Bonamana”. The ever epic “Human Stacko” game during “Rokkugo” is a tradition that would still tickle you.

They are totally UNCONTROLLABLE on stage.

From their funny “English Ltd” banter, Heechul being a “Time Bomb” blurting out NC16 comments, to Lee Teuk taking the lead to roll on stage during “Devil”, it’s no wonder how people describe SJ as Shen Jing / Shen Jing Bing (神经/神经病).

These guys are great sweet-talkers, albeit a little cheesy, addressing their fans as “Princesses” & fellow members as “Princes”.

Expressing more than a few times that they are grateful for ELFs’ support no matter how tough these years have been, certainly tugged at your heartstrings for a fair bit.

Lee Teuk’s heartfelt “proposal” probably got half the hall with tear-striken. This journey has never been smooth or easy, but their fans would always catch their backs, no matter what happens.

They don’t just sweet-talk, they walk their talk.

No one fits the title as “Kings of Fan Service” better. These guys were running around the stadium to get closer to fans, going to mosh pits to take selcas, signing rubber ducks, running & bowing to everyone, etc.

Shindong passed 2 bottles of water to fans at the mosh pit as they weren’t allowed to bring water into the venue. That’s just such a considerate & SWEET to the MAX gesture.

They are fairly warm people on & off stage, especially doting to fans who have been with them for so long.

WHEN would you feel Goosebumps during a SJ concert?

It is when you realise, it’s not just the guys on stage doing their best to reciprocate their fans’ love & support, but also fans showing their undying love, accepting & embracing these not-so-perfect guys for who they are, with fan chants & fan projects.

The “white light” project during “Shining Stars” in that sea of blue was a pretty sight. The white lights represent SJ are the “Shining Stars” in ELFs’ lives & vice versa. It brought tears to these guys.

It’s a touching sight, either way.

Fame is just a fleeting phase, what remains would be love & support over time.

Everyone who is familiar with Super Junior would know there’s no such thing as an “IDOL” image for them. They still go cranky, dorky, goofy, silly and behave the same, on or off stage.

It’s hard to forget seeing them cosplay as different varieties of VEGETABLES, Super Heroes, Beyonce, Lady Gaga & ELSA…

Now, they are back as SUPER RANGERS.

Well, what can we say about these “boys at heart”? These dorks are just too lovable.

Fans probably love their easy-going, non-pretentious and quirky nature.

They have shown us what it takes to ace the Survival Game as one of the most popular Boy bands, with perseverance, resilience, Never-Say-Die attitude, graciousness,
professionalism, showmanship, humble & down-to-earth personality.

Like the guys said, we have more days to be together than the time we have spent together.

They say 认真的男人最帅,but we think 认真 + 有诚意的男人更帅。

Thanks for the wonderful evening.

Our Princes, please return for SS8 soon.

It’s a promise, we will still be there even when you become Super Senior and we become Ajummas.

Let’s grow old together!Read More →