by Jonathan Hicap
K-pop group Super Junior’s “Super Show 9: Road in Manila” proved to be a mixed show of nostalgia and celebration of their new album “The Road,” which came out in two parts in July and December.
Super Junior became the first K-pop group to hold a full-scale concert in the Philippines through
“Super Show 2” in 2010, which ushered in other acts and put the country on the radar for Korean shows.
Twelve years later, Super Junior members continue to hold the “Super Show” franchise, enchanting fans around the world.
The “Super Show 9” in Manila was held on Dec. 17 and 18 at the Mall of Asia. It was supposed to be held in August but due to personal reasons, Super Junior deemed it best to postpone it.
Super Junior opened the show with “Burn the Floor” followed by “The Crown,” “Super” and “Mr. “Simple.”
“Manila is the best,” Super Junior member Siwon told the audience.
Kyuhyun joked, “Would you like something to drink? I’ll give you my sweat.”
“This is the last show of the Super Show in 2022. I wanna say thank you so much for waiting for us,” he said.
“Today, you have to enjoy without any regrets,” said Leeteuk.
They also performed “Ticky Tocky,” “Paradox,” “Mystery,” “2YA2YAO,” “Believe,” “My Wish,” Callin’” and “Celebrate,” while K.R.Y., composed of Kyuhyun, Ryeowook and Yesung sang “I Can’t.”
The boy band also sang “Spy,” “Rokuko,” “Mamacita,” “Latte” (Leeteuk, Shindong and Siwon),” “House Party,” “Everyday,” “Wonder Boy,” “Let’s Dance,” “Devil” and “Mango.”
D&E (Donghae and Eunhyuk) thrilled the audience with “Bad” and “Danger,” followed by Super Junior’s “Black Suit,” “Sorry Sorry,” “Bonamana”and “Walkin.’” Super Junior ended the concert with “White Love.”
“Thank you so much for keeping the promise.This year will be the last but next year there will be another start,” said Shindong.
“I feel very sad right now,” said Ryeowook as he bid farewell to the audience. “I wanna do it once again. I hope we can meet each other again in 2023. You’ll come to our next ‘Super Show,’ right?”
“And I’m thankful that I can spend the last part here in Manila with the Philippine ELFs. And I feel happy that while performing, I could see your happy smiles,” said Donghae.
“We will meet next year,” said Kyuhyun.
Promoter Pulp Live World brought the first ever Super Junior concert in Manila through “Super Show 2” in 2010 and has been handling the show since then.
“Being the promoter of Super Show and Super Junior since Super Show 2 is like a sacred trust,” Happee Sy-Go of Pulp Live World told Manila Bulletin.
She added, “I mean, this K-pop idol group are basically among the few acts that represent the genesis of a genre that has clearly overtaken the world – K-pop!”
“So it is truly not only a great honor and privilege to be their promoter for all Super Shows in the Philippines since 2010 but also a massive responsibility — one that is tied to not only these amazing artists that have become family but also to the legion of ELFs that continue to love this pioneering K-pop group that has impacted our lives in such a positive and incredible way,” said Happee.
According to her, “They will forever be so special to me. And me, being ever so loyal in everything, I know that I will continue to love them even until Super Show 100! So brace yourselves! Haha.”
Super Junior’s “Super Show 9: Road in Manila” was presented by Pulp Live World.
