In a night filled with musical performances, and interactive games, Super Junior, the renowned K-pop idol group, created lasting memories with their Everlasting Friends during the “2023 Super Junior Fan Party in Manila.”

On July 21 at the Araneta Coliseum, ELFs (fandom name) painted the venue painted with the blending elements of a fan meeting and a concert. This marked the return of Super Junior to the Philippines, following their monumental “Super Show 9: Road” concert tour in Manila last December.

Debuting in November 2005, Super Junior has stood the test of time, showcasing an enduring career that will be celebrated with their upcoming 18th-anniversary festivities later this year.

The members, including Leeteuk, Kyuhyun, Siwon, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Shindong, Yesung, and Ryeowook, engaged warmly with the audience throughout the evening. Shindong fondly shared that the fans and the members are often seeing each other (because of their frequent Manila visits) but he thinks it is fun and better.

Despite concerns about heavy rain, Ryeowook inquired, “How have you been? Did you guys miss us?” Donghae shared his happiness, saying, “Masaya ako (I am happy). I actually feel good watching your faces,” while Yesung conveyed his longing, stating, “Na-miss ko kayo (I missed you). It’s not been a long time since we last saw each other but I missed you guys so much.”

Siwon gave a memorable statement with “Our lives [are] always going with a challenge, isn’t it? No challenge, no change.” Kyuhyun expressed overwhelming happiness, and Eunhyuk conveyed their desire to visit more often: “It’s so nice to meet you again. If it’s okay with you, we want to come here more often.”

The fan party showcased an energetic list of Super Junior’s popular songs including “Super,” “Mr. Simple,” “Black Suit,” “Everyday,” “My Wish,” “Callin.’,” “House Party,” “Devil,” “2YA2YAO,” “Sorry Sorry,” “Bonamana,” “More Days With You,” and a finale of the timeless hit “Miracle.”

Adding an interactive twist, Super Junior engaged in four entertaining games during the fan party, offering unique prizes to the winners. From the “guess the object with eyes closed” game to the “1-second K-pop” challenge, the members showcased their playful side, adding a personal touch to the evening.

Fans were instrumental in creating a special atmosphere, presenting a heartfelt tribute video that celebrated Super Junior’s illustrious career. The video conveyed a promise of unwavering support, with Pinoy fans expressing, “No matter how long and no matter how hard, we will not let go of your hands. We have a lot of memories to look back on and an entire future to look forward to.”

Shindong shared exciting post-concert plans, revealing, “Actually we are going to finish the concert and in the morning, we are going to Cebu to have a vacation.”

As the night concluded, individual messages from Super Junior members resonated with gratitude and promises to return soon. Despite recent contract renewal announcements with SM Entertainment, the members, including Eunhyuk, Donghae, and Kyuhyun, expressed their dedication to Super Junior, and fans reciprocated their commitment with banners reading, “Ten SuJu, 20 Suju, 30 Suju, 40 SuJu. All of them are all SuJu. You are forever ELFs [Super Junior fans].”

The “2023 Super Junior Fan Party in Manila” is presented by Applewood and Wilbros Live.