Why Donghae and Eunhyuk Say Super Junior’s Story Is Far From Over

After years of redefining longevity in K-pop, Donghae and Eunhyuk are once again stepping forward as Super Junior D&E, embracing experimentation while staying grounded in the group’s long history.

How Label SJ Changed Everything

Much of that flexibility comes from Label SJ, the independent label established specifically for Super Junior. Since its launch, the label has allowed members greater control over creative decisions, communication, and long-term planning.

Eunhyuk noted that the streamlined structure has encouraged members to participate more actively in shaping their projects. For D&E in particular, it has accelerated their evolution from a sub-unit into a self-directed creative partnership.

Lee Soo-man’s Influence Hasn’t Disappeared

Despite the increased autonomy, both artists emphasized that Lee Soo-man remains an important presence behind the scenes. While he may no longer be involved in day-to-day operations, they shared that he still offers guidance at key moments, especially when it comes to overall direction and genre exploration.

Eunhyuk cited Super Junior’s past foray into Latin pop as an example of Lee Soo-man’s influence, explaining that such bold shifts often began with his suggestions. The duo made it clear that this balance—creative independence paired with experienced mentorship—has been crucial to the group’s longevity.

Thinking Beyond Themselves, But Not Just Yet

With over a decade in the industry, conversations about mentoring younger artists now feel natural rather than premature. Both Donghae and Eunhyuk acknowledged that producing or guiding juniors is something they’d like to pursue in the future. For now, however, their priority remains Super Junior especially with the anticipation surrounding full-group activities once all members reunite.

Eunhyuk admitted that despite their long career, the amount of time Super Junior has spent promoting as a complete lineup is surprisingly short due to military service gaps. That reality has only strengthened their desire to make the next chapter count.

A Unit Built on Performance and Trust

As a unit, D&E pride themselves on performance-driven stages and a bright, kinetic energy that sets them apart from other Super Junior sub-units. They also don’t shy away from praising each other Eunhyuk jokingly pointing to Donghae’s visuals, while Donghae highlighted Eunhyuk’s relentless work ethic and dance precision.

Their chemistry, built over years of shared stages and challenges, remains the core of D&E’s appeal.

Moving Forward Without Standing Still

Donghae and Eunhyuk see responsibility not pressure as the defining weight of their position. Rather than settling into familiarity, they believe continuous reinvention is essential, not just for themselves, but for the younger artists watching their path.

Their message is clear: longevity in K-pop isn’t about staying the same it’s about knowing when, and how, to change.