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| Members of K-pop boy band Super Junior pose after a press conference at the Imperial Hotel in southern Seoul, Thursday, to announce the release of their seventh studio album, "MAMACITA." / Yonhap |
By Kim Ji-soo
The king of K-pop, Super Junior, is back with a seventh studio album: "MAMACITA." The album is the band's first in two years.
The 10 active members ― Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, Siwon, Donghae, Eunhyuk, Sungmin, Shindong, Kangin, Heechul, and Leeteuk ― said they were excited and more nervous than ever as they looked forward to celebrating the group's 10th anniversary next year.
"This is a time I have been waiting for," said Leeteuk at a press conference at the Imperial Hotel in southern Seoul, Thursday. "I wondered when I could perform with the other members."
"Our goal with this album is to have a good time," said Lee, the leader, who returns to the group after completing his two years of military service.
"We have prepared hard," said Eunhyuk. "My heart is fluttering more than ever and we are anxious to show you our music."
As for the name and concept of the album, Heechul said, "'MAMACITA' means a cute little girl in Spanish."
"In English, it would translate to ‘She's gorgeous,'" said Leeteuk. "We have added more maturity as men, I guess," he added.
The leader said that members participated more in development of the album where Donghae co-wrote the song "Shirt" and members such as Eunhyuk did some of the choreography along with renowned choreographer Tony Testa.
The group still lives together, which contributes to the sense of teamwork.
"Frankly, we've fought a lot, but over the years that has created love too. I don't know if that is the right word to use for men, I guess loyalty among the members," said Leeteuk.
The group's goal is to "give hope and have good influence," said Siwon on those who listen to our music.
The album's title track "MAMACITA" is a new "jack swing" genre based on Indian percussion rhythm, drum sounds and a DJ remix. Foreign musicians including Teddy Riley as well as Korean musicians such as Don Spike created the songs.
The other nine tracks are titled "Midnight Blues," "Evanesce," "Raining Spell for Love," "Shirt," "This Is Love," "Let's Dance," "Too Many Beautiful Girls," "Mid-Season" and "Islands."
Asked which of the songs they liked, several members said "This Is Love" was a personal favorite as well as the title song.
The album will hit the shelves Sept. 1 and the group will take to the stage with the new album on KBS' "Music Bank."
The group will then embark on the "Super Show 6" from Sept. 19 through Sept. 21 in Seoul. The show was launched in 2008 ― and by popular demand from fans outside Korea, it will go overseas as well. The dates and the cities have yet to be finalized.
