Super Junior stands as one of the most influential and enduring boy bands to emerge from the Korean entertainment industry. Understanding the question of how many members Super Junior have requires looking at the group's complex history, as the number has fluctuated significantly over more than two decades. Originally launched as a 12-member ensemble in 2005, the group has since expanded and contracted, leading to a current active roster that continues to evolve. This article provides a definitive breakdown of the group's membership, past and present.
The Original Debut Lineup and Early Structure
When Super Junior first debuted under SM Entertainment on November 6, 2005, they introduced a "generation-mixing" concept with a core group of 12 members. This initial batch consisted of Leeteuk, Heechul, Hangeng, Yesung, Kangin, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, and Kibum. The group was divided into smaller units for specific activities, such as the trot-focused M and the rock-influenced TRAX, while the full ensemble prepared for cohesive album releases. This 12-member configuration defined the group's early identity and established the foundation for their signature multi-unit performance style.
Phase One: The Golden Era and the 13th Member
In 2006, the group expanded to 13 members with the addition of Kyuhyun following his victory in the SM Auditon. This marked the peak of the classic Super Junior formation, and the group released hits like "U" and "Sorry, Sorry" with this full roster. For a significant period, the answer to "how many members Super Junior have" was straightforwardly 13. However, this stability was disrupted in 2007 when leader Hangeng filed for a lawsuit to terminate his contract, citing unfair working conditions. His departure due to the ensuing lawsuit reduced the active members to 12 and introduced the first major complication in counting the group's total population.
The Heechul Hiatus and the Introduction of New Additions
Following Hangeng's departure, the group continued with 12 active members, a number that remained consistent for several years. During this time, two members serving mandatory military enlistment—Kyuhyun and Yesung—were temporarily replaced by substitutes to maintain the group's public schedule. The next significant change occurred in 2011 with the debut of Super Junior-M, a Chinese sub-unit featuring members Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Ryeowook, Sungmin, Zhou Mi, and Henry. While Heechul's absence due to an accident temporarily reduced active numbers, the introduction of Henry and Zhou Mi as official members shifted the conversation regarding the broader Super Junior family structure.
SM Entertainment's strategy evolved to include various specialized sub-units, which complicated the simple headcount of the main group. Super Junior-K.R.Y., the main vocal unit, featured Leeteuk, Yesung, Kangin, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, and Ryeowook. Super Junior-T focused on rock music, while Super Junior-M targeted the Mandarin-speaking market with members like Henry and Zhou Mi. Later, units like Donghae & Eunhyuk and Ryeowook & Kyuhyun emerged. This diversification meant that "Super Junior" became an umbrella term, making it difficult to define the number of members without specifying whether one was referring to the core team or the extended family.
The Current Active Roster and Recent Changes
More perspective on Super junior how many members can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
