Super Junior, the so-called Kings of K-pop, are back with new album "Play" after a two-year hiatus. The global boy group released the album's title track "Black Suit" on Nov. 6 to an impressive welcome from fans.
Less than 24 hours after the album came out, it became number 1 on iTunes in 23 countries across Asia, Europe and South America. Super Junior is known to have a strong fanbase — from Vietnam and Thailand to Mexico and Peru.
"Play" features a funky retropop feel — from the title track "Black Suit" to the pre-released ballad "One More Chance," which is the group's shoutout to the many fans who have waited a long time for them to come back. Other songs included are "24K Magic," "Scene Stealer," and "Spin Up!" among others.
While preparing for the album, Super Junior said in their VLive series that the comeback record will be all about having a good time, hence the album title. "'Play' has the meaning of our Super Junior's fun, exciting and refreshing image, that only we have," said Eunhyuk (Lee Hyukjae) in Korean in a press conference.
"Play" is the group's eighth studio album to celebrate its 12th anniversary. In the competitive world of Korean pop industry, where new groups are introduced almost every month, the originally 13-member boy group has shown great longevity and delayed aging by surviving until now.
It is also worth noting that Super Junior was originally made to be a rotational group, with members coming and leaving every year, when it was first formed in 2005. However, with their addictive dance songs, incredible chemistry, and vibrant attitude, the group stayed together and soared to become among the most iconic K-pop groups across continents.
The 10-track "Play" album features voices from eight of the group's remaining 11 members — Leeteuk (Park Jungsoo), Kim Heechul, Eunhyuk, Lee Donghae, Yesung (Kim Junghoon), Shindong (Shin Donghee), Choi Siwon, and Cho Kyuhyun. The last two, however, are sitting out on album promotions. Kyuhyun is currently serving in the military, while Siwon was forced to take a leave following a scandal concerning their family dog.
The other members were not able to participate in the new album at all. Kim Ryeowook was already in the military when they started recording, while Lee Sungmin and Kangin (Kim Young Woon) were involved in separate scandals.
Watch Super Junior's funky and comedic music video for "Black Suit" below.
