With Super Show 3 being the first ever full-fledged K-pop concert I’d ever attended, it left me blown away; from the amazing pyrotechnic effects on stage… to getting hit by a bottle thrown from Ryeowook… Just kidding. But anyway, to sum it all up, that concert experience left me yearning for more, and also looking forward to more of Super Junior in Singapore. Then came the news of SS4. There, I told myself, “This is definitely one show that’s not to be missed“. The anticipation built up when the 2011 MAMAs came along, it gave a sneak preview to what we could expect at SS4, and it most certainly upped my expectations as things drew nearer to 2012.

Press Conference

From left: Shindong, Sungmin, Donghae, Kyuhyun, Siwon, Yesung, Eunhyuk, Ryeowook and Leeteuk.

And so this February day finally arrived. We met Father SM’s sculpted Super Seniors at their press conference. The ever boisterous bunch entered the room with smiles and cheers, kicking off the conference with light-hearted talk. Looking back, we went in expecting nothing short of optimism and professionalism from the guys of Super Junior. We mean this in the best of ways — SuJu’s happy vibes evidently rubbed off on the reporters in the room.

To address those of us who had seen SS3, leader Leeteuk explained that the biggest difference at SS4 would be the many moving stages in the concert, which would give an even more dynamic experience to the fans, and a visually appealing stage for everyone to look forward to. When sharing what they’d wanted to do in Singapore, Leeteuk joked about how he wanted to officially launch the ‘Chilli Crab’ dish from Singapore on his return to Korea (*cha-ching*!!!). It’s always been the boys’ favourite Singaporean dish.

As some of you may already know, one of the stand-out features of SS4 saw Super Junior decked out in costumes. And these weren’t the customary glittery, jazzed-up concert attires, it was as if Halloween came early. Some memorable appearances include Yesung‘s chilling makeover as Chucky, while Shindong did Britney Spears. These embodied characters weren’t random, as some would’ve expected. Shindong claimed that he and Pop Princess Britney Spears shared many similarities, one of which was being sexy… (hmm…). Sungmin and Donghae‘s transformations were recommended by Leeteuk, and as for Kyuhyun, who dressed up as the late Steve Jobs, his decision was borne out of respect for the Apple genius as well as added intention to promote the brand – he loves his Apple gadgets! With K-pop fandoms’ love of conjuring pet names , it was no surprise that Kyuhyun would gain a new nickname – “Steve Jobs Kyu” - by the end of his little gig.

‘Steve Jobs Kyu’ steals everyone’s thunders at SS4 Seoul.

If ”Steve Jobs Kyu” didn’t (or doesn’t) crack you up, I honestly don’t know what would. *Cue centre parting of fringe*…

Moving on, the one thing that had obviously been fluttering around the minds of E.L.Fs was Leeteuk’s impending October enlistment. This tour stop definitely marks his last appearance with Super Junior in Singapore for a few years to come. Sensing a brimming unease, he reassured the media and fans alike that ”it is not the end” and that the rest of the members would carry on with lifting the SuJu name. Leeteuk added that he would return as soon as he completes his national service.

And to end off the press conference, Siwon revealed the group wish for the year, “We want to be stars that give hope and happiness; being the happy virus to our fans and everyone who listens to our songs. We are always trying to achieve that.”

We’re sure that Super Junior has achieved all of that and more, in the hearts of their fans, and will continue doing so in the future.

Super Show 4 – Singapore

This SGD$2 million dollar production was in a completely different league as compared to last year’s SS3. Glued to my seat with a sapphire blue light stick lovingly made and given out by fans, I sat there gaping in awe. It was exactly as Leeteuk had interpreted – a dynamic concert that was above and beyond what I’d expected.

The concert started with a huge bang, a performance of “Superman” with the boys emerging from the front of red LED panels as fans erupted in fan chants. They continued with charismatic performances of songs that dated all the way back to their debut (“Twins”) and pre-Sorry-Sorry furor. They ran through their hits, offering up releases like 2010 favourite, “Bonamana”. Now, instead of boring you (especially the general K-pop listeners out there) with the entire set-list, I’ll just take you through my highlight picks from the concert. Let’s go!

Amber and Sulli for Oops!

After spotting Amber and Sulli from f(X) at Incheon Airport on their way to Singapore, it went without saying that the girls would put on an appearance in support of their seniors. They sure did, albeit it being just a feature. This spelt a highlight and yet it was one that came with a little disappointment. Crikey, 2/5 of f(X) had flown in to Singapore for the very first time, you’d think they would’ve been given a little more stage-time! But with schedule conflicts and whatnot, it is a rarity in itself, for fellow artistes to be guesting on a major tour. So, props to SM Entertainment for allowing us a glimpse of the f(X) duo. Hoping to see more of them on Singapore soil!

f(X)’s Amber and Sulli making a guest appearance at SS4 Singapore with “Oops!”

Shindong “dirty dancing” to Trouble Maker and Bubble Pop

I can still remember how I could feel temperatures in the already heated atmosphere go up the moment Trouble Maker started playing. Engrossed in the good show, I was jolted to my senses and I found myself clutching onto a friend sitting next to me. I’m unsure if that was done out of horror, amusement or excitement – probably a mix of all that – but that got us both squealing and then cheering for Shindong as he worked it to HyunA and Hyunseung’s hit tune. Oh, the whistling! Shindong, if by some miracle you come across this and understand what we’re writing, we totally luh-uh-uh-luhved your performance and we’re so thankful that you keep doing what you do best, entertain people. Here’s a <3 for you. This was absolutely the highest point for me!

Good Friends with Steve Jobs Kyu, Marilyn Minroe and more

I’ve seen pictures of this splashed all over the internet and had been looking forward to seeing it live. Sure enough, as they marched out, the entire group’s hilarious outfits were enough to bring us heaps of laughter. However, what caught my eye and deserves another mention, was Kyuhyun with his corny hairstyle, brown tinted glasses and cheesy grin. And each time he parted his hair, I found myself shrieking at the tackiness of it all, and yet still laughing till my stomach hurt. What is/was wrong with me!? Whether good or bad, it was all because of this that I missed out on the ‘underwear tugging’ from my favourite member that my friends told me about much, much later… Like, after the concert. *sadface* I did however catch a few glimpses of the boys hiking up Marilyn Monroe’s skirt and a girl getting accidentally hit in the face by Steve Jobs Kyu’s apple – *stifled laughter*. On a random note, Yoon Jong Shin should be happy to know that his song was used in an international concert tour, and as one of the main highlights of the show. Cheers and congrats to him! I wish Lee Hyori and Kim Jong Kook would just give his compositions a chance already.

The .gif of Steve Jobs Kyu parting his hair once again.

Those were my top three, and of course, not to discredit the rest, Henry’s solo displayed his versatility as a performer with his talent in violin; Ryeowook showed how he has “Moves Like Jagger”, while the performance for “Perfection” made me look forward to the possibility of a Super Junior M concert in Singapore.

With an expensive production and well-run concert, as well as an ‘all-out’ entertainment experience given by the boys, the concert is one that will definitely be going into the books of Singapore K-pop concert greats. Will we get to see a Super Show 5 happening in the future? We can only hope!

We’d like to thank Running Into the Sun and FLY Entertainment for making it possible for us to cover SS4 in Singapore.