Super Junior talks past and next 7 years - Donghae, Kangin, Kyuhyun

Super Junior's Shindong (left), Ryeowook (second to left), Sungmin (third to left), Kyuhyun (fouth to left), Donghae (fifth to left), Siwon (fifth to right), Yesung (fourth to right), Eunhyun (third to right), Kangin (second to right) and Leeteuk (right) posing at their "Sexy, Free & Single" press conference held in Seoul on July 4 [SM Entertainment]

"Sexy, Free & Single" documents the past seven years of Super Junior's singing career. They are no more simple and no more sorry, but what they have for us this time is the sexiness of ten successful, mature single men; or maybe nine, leaving out Shindong. The boys have moved on from sticking to the funky electronica genre to widening the scope of their music, and ready to repay for the support of fans who have long waited Super Junior as one, with Kangin.

At the outset of kicking off their new activities, the members have opened up about their past and next seven years as Super Junior, at a press conference held in Seoul on July 3.

"Sexy, Free & Single" teaser images of Donghae (left), Kangin (center) and Kyuhyun (right) [SM Entertainment]

<#10_QMARK#>What's special about "Sexy, Free & Single" in musical aspect?
Kyuhyun:We've worked with some of the most famous composers and choreographers from abroad, so it will satisfy the audience visually as well. We've tried to make it modern to meet the expectation of both local and overseas fans.

<#10_QMARK#>Does it mean that you guys were targeting the global market from the early production stage?
Kyuhyun:The purpose was not targeting the global market per se, but we wanted to show something special that other idol groups don't have. It was to show Super Junior's style.

<#10_QMARK#>Using repetitive lyrics in electronic pop music was highly addictive. But it seems like the album's genre slightly changed this time.
Kyuhyun: We've been walking up the ladder with SJ Funky genre [The term used for Super Junior's style of a musical genre, coined by Super Junior and their fans] from "Sorry, Sorry" to "BONAMANA" to "Mr. Simple." Partially, we wanted to show something different, and partially, there were worries about keeping the same musical style for new albums. We're trying to make a different appeal.

<#10_QMARK#>The group's career is greater than ever. Do you feel a pressure about trying something new?
Kyuhyun: Well, I don't feel pressured. Rather than thinking about how many copies of our album we're going to sell this time or how high we want to rank on music charts, we're telling each other to savor every moment. So I don't necessarily have a burden on my shoulders and think it's going to be fun this year.

<#10_QMARK#>The album's title is "Sexy, Free & Single." Can you point out the sexiest part in the dance moves?
Kyuhyun: I don't think there's anything sexy (laugh).
Kangin: The thing is, we're not dramatically exposing our skin or anything. But you know, a guy can look sexy just with a hairstyle and black suit. That's what you call sexy, isn't it? Several years ago, when female singer Ivy released "Sonata of Temptation," she shot to stardom as a sexy icon without wearing nude outfits. It's sort of like a male version of that.

<#10_QMARK#>Kyuhyun, you're really on a roll these days on KBS' variety show "Radio Star." To look more attractive for the album's concept, is there anything you're trying or working on?
Kyuhyun: I'm...I'm not sexy (laugh). I'm thinking of rather making myself look like a sexy dracula for "Sexy, Free & Single" by wearing pale makeup. Something like a foundation color code 19? (laugh)

<#10_QMARK#>Kangin, what is it like being back in the group?
Kangin: It has been a long time since I was on the stage and honestly, I feel a bit awkward and worried. What I mean by worrying is that I don't want to be an obstacle on the team's career path because they're doing so well these days. I'm worried that I might make a mistake. To be more honest, I'm happy. I've been wanting to get back on the stage and I'm happy.

<#10_QMARK#>What was it like watching Super Junior from a far distance?
Kangin: I was at a position where I can look at Super Junior as a third party. Seeing the team prosper, I was truly happy. I was thankful that Super Junior was doing so well and supported them from behind. I've also noticed that they have matured so much, in terms of their musical and performance level, and thought Super Junior is not an easy team.

<#10_QMARK#>Any advice to other members who haven't finished their duties in the army yet?
Kangin: As long as you don't have a special excuse not to go, every man should serve their duties in the army. I think Super Junior members will do great and become role models for other men. They've been living in a group life for such a long time (that adapting to the environment will be not a problem). I have no doubt that they will return as real men.
Kyuhyun: Are you already expecting us to leave? (laugh)

<#10_QMARK#>Till when are you guys going to sing and dance together as Super Junior?
Donghae: I've seen other senior idol groups pursuing their singing career for about four and five years and quit. Five years felt really long when I wasn't in this business but looking back the seven years we have spent together, it seems so short. We jokingly tell each other that we should keep our title as performance-based singers but... (I don't know how that will turn out). Aside from our singing activities and holding concerts, we're going to put our utmost effort in different fields such as acting and hosting TV shows.

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