SUPER JUNIOR Makes a Grand Comeback with 12th Album 'Super Junior25'

K-pop group SUPER JUNIOR (슈퍼주니어), under SM Entertainment, is set to make their much-anticipated return today (July 8) with their 12th studio album titled 'Super Junior25' (슈퍼주니어 이오). This album celebrates the group's 20th anniversary and features a diverse range of nine tracks. At 6 PM KST, all songs will be available on various music platforms, and the music video for the title track 'Express Mode' (익스프레스 모드) will be released simultaneously on the SMTOWN YouTube channel, showcasing SUPER JUNIOR's vibrant energy.

The title track 'Express Mode' is an upbeat club pop song characterized by its danceable sound and catchy chorus. The lyrics convey a bold attitude of striving for new goals without settling in the present, embodying the essence of style that SUPER JUNIOR aims to deliver.

To kick off their 20th-anniversary comeback activities, SUPER JUNIOR will host a countdown live broadcast on their YouTube and TikTok channels at 5 PM KST, followed by an online showcase at 9 PM KST on their YouTube channel. They will also participate in music shows and various YouTube content throughout the week.

In a recent Q&A session celebrating their comeback, the members shared their thoughts:

1. **Feelings about the release of the 12th album and 20th anniversary**

- Leeteuk (이특): "It’s been 20 years with SUPER JUNIOR. It’s been an incredible journey, and I hope to create even more amazing moments starting with this album."

- Yesung (예성): "I still vividly remember our rookie days, and it’s hard to believe we’re already at our 20th anniversary with our 12th album. Time flies!"

- Siwon (시원): "It feels like a long time, but it’s been a valuable experience. I’m grateful to the members, staff, and especially our loyal fans for making this album meaningful."

- Ryeowook (려욱): "I’m so thankful for this moment. I’m happy we can celebrate our 20th anniversary in such a wonderful way. Let’s keep going together!"

2. **The significance of the album title change from 'Super Junior05' to 'Super Junior25'**

- Heechul (희철): "The biggest change is my appearance. I’ve been dieting and watching my diet for this album, but what hasn’t changed is Leeteuk and Eunhyuk’s youthful looks and weight. They inspire me!"

- Yesung: "Our mental age? Haha, we still feel like we’re in our 20s."

- Donghae (동해): "The biggest change is our commitment to the team. We all have a deeper desire to protect SUPER JUNIOR, while our love for E.L.F. remains unchanged."

- Ryeowook: "Our banter and chemistry are still the same. We could create countless content just by setting up a camera and talking!"

3. **Choosing 'Express Mode' as the title track**

- Yesung: "There were many great songs, but this one felt the most like a title track."

- Shindong (신동): "We always try to explore new things, and we really deliberated this time. But as soon as we heard 'Express Mode', we all thought, 'This is it!' It perfectly blends SUPER JUNIOR’s energy and charm with contemporary vibes."

- Eunhyuk: "The title also signifies that we won’t settle for our 20-year milestone but will continue to move forward. The music and performance express us well."

- Ryeowook: "I initially voted for 'Haircut' when we heard the demo, but after recording, I realized 'Express Mode' captures our energy and showcases our performance beautifully."

4. **What puts them in 'Express Mode' in daily life**

- Heechul: "Walking my dog, Kibok. He’s so energetic that I end up running around with him multiple times a day!"

- Yesung: "I can’t wait to meet E.L.F. again; that thought gets me excited! Let’s get closer!"

- Ryeowook: "I’m consistently practicing singing. I want to deliver amazing songs to E.L.F. and repay them with concerts soon."

- Kyuhyun (규현): "Playing '33 Expedition' after work. It’s a game I’ve recently gotten hooked on!"

5. **Challenges in preparing the performance for 'Express Mode'**

- Yesung: "I struggled a bit due to my disc issue, but the choreography was so good that I pushed through."

- Shindong: "Honestly, it was tough! The performance requires us to really go into 'Express Mode', and it’s not just about stamina anymore. We focused on detailed expressions and teamwork. But once we’re on stage, the energy kicks in!"

- Eunhyuk: "We all prepared hard in a fun atmosphere, so it wasn’t difficult at all!"

- Ryeowook: "It didn’t take long to memorize the choreography, but I’ll cherish the time spent practicing with the members."

6. **If they could give each other awards, what would they be?**

- Yesung: "The 'Thank You for 20 Years' award and the 'Let’s Keep It Up' award."

- Shindong: "I’d give Eunhyuk the 'One Body Isn’t Enough' award for juggling choreography, directing, and filming. He’s a true superhero! And to Heechul, the 'Talkative but Action-Oriented' award for quietly caring for the members. For the rest, the 'Still So Handsome' award because they really are!"

- Ryeowook: "The 'You Guys Are the Best' award."

7. **Most memorable moments from the past 20 years**

- Siwon: "I suddenly remember our debut stage as I get older."

- Ryeowook: "The moment we debuted is the most touching. I remember dancing and singing as if floating in zero gravity. I still can’t forget singing 'Twins' with a dead mic."

- Kyuhyun: "It’s probably during the 'SUPER SHOW' tours. We’ve performed for so long that the memories are a bit jumbled, but the emotional moments on stage remain."

8. **Looking ahead to the 'SUPER SHOW 10' tour and future records**

- Leeteuk: "For numerical records, I aim for 300, 400 shows, continuously writing new numbers. I hope 'SUPER SHOW' evolves into even more diverse content over time."

- Yesung: "I don’t have big thoughts about records, but it’s amazing that we’re reaching 200 shows! We’ve been performing for so long!"

- Donghae: "While records are important, I want to focus more on finishing strong with the members."

- Ryeowook: "I’d love to reach 300 shows. The more time we spend with the audience, the happier we’ll be, regardless of the number."

- Kyuhyun: "I hope we can visit places we haven’t been before. I dream of a record where E.L.F.s are everywhere in the world!"

9. **Favorite titles or descriptors for SUPER JUNIOR**

- Yesung: "I love being called 'The Everlasting SUPER JUNIOR' as we celebrate our 20th anniversary!"

- Eunhyuk: "I find grand titles a bit embarrassing. I prefer the description 'SUPER JUNIOR, a group that doesn’t need a title.'"

- Ryeowook: "I like 'The King of Hallyu' the most. I’ve always admired Gwanggaeto the Great since I was young, so it resonates with me."

10. **Goals for this album**

- Heechul: "What more can we wish for? I just hope we can enjoy our activities without any issues. Love you, members! Let’s stay healthy!"

- Yesung: "I want to finish our activities safely and happily."

- Siwon: "This album isn’t just an album; it’s a collection of stories from our 20 years. I hope it inspires courage and hope for the next generation and serves as a good example for our juniors."

- Ryeowook: "Above all, I hope this becomes the album that E.L.F.s cherish the most. I want to hear them say, 'They sing so well, that’s SUPER JUNIOR!' and I’d love to be a 'top artist' again after a long time."

11. **A message to E.L.F. who have supported SUPER JUNIOR for 20 years**

- Leeteuk: "To E.L.F. who have consistently supported and loved us! We will work hard to return the love we’ve received. Thank you always, and we love you!"

- Yesung: "It’s all thanks to you. I’m always grateful and cherish everything."

- Donghae: "I want to say that nothing would be possible without E.L.F. Just like a flower needs sunlight and water to bloom, we would wilt without E.L.F. Thank you so much, and please continue to support us. I truly love you!"

- Ryeowook: "Thank you to our eternal friends, E.L.F. The times we laughed and cried together are so precious. They are a great gift in my life, and I want to remember them forever. I’m so grateful for our 20th anniversary, and let’s continue together. Love you!"