SuperM
SuperM (Korean: 슈퍼엠; RR: Syupeoem) is a South Korean supergroup formed in 2019 through a partnership between SM Entertainment and Capitol Music Group, featuring seven members selected from SM's existing boy bands: Taemin of SHINee, Baekhyun and Kai of EXO, Taeyong and Mark of NCT, and Ten and Lucas of WayV.[1][2] Often dubbed the "Avengers of K-pop" for assembling top-tier idols into a powerhouse unit aimed at global expansion, the group was positioned as a bold experiment to elevate K-pop's international presence.[1][3] The supergroup debuted on October 4, 2019, with their self-titled EP SuperM: The 1st Mini Album, which entered the US Billboard 200 at number one, marking the first debut album by a K-pop group to achieve this feat and selling 168,000 equivalent units in its first week.[4] Their lead single "Jopping" introduced a high-energy, hip-hop-infused sound blending the members' diverse talents in vocals, rap, and dance.[2] In 2020, they released their first full-length album Super One, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and topped charts in South Korea, further solidifying their commercial impact amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] SuperM supported these releases with a world tour, including sold-out shows at venues like London's O2 Arena, though promotions were adapted to virtual formats like the "We DO" concert due to global restrictions.[3] Despite their rapid rise and chart dominance, SuperM faced significant backlash from fans and critics over perceived overworking of members, questionable chart manipulation via album bundling, and the group's concept as a profit-driven venture rather than an organic collaboration.[6][7] The group entered an indefinite hiatus after 2021, with no new music or tours announced since, exacerbated by internal challenges including member Lucas's two-year hiatus and departure from SM Entertainment in 2023 following allegations of misconduct, mandatory military enlistments by members such as Kai (enlisted May 2023, discharged February 2025) and Taeyong (enlisted April 2024, ongoing as of November 2025), and key members Baekhyun and Taemin terminating their exclusive solo contracts with SM in 2023 and 2024, respectively, to pursue independent ventures while agreeing to continue limited group activities under the label, complicating SuperM's future.[3][8][9][10][11] As of 2025, there have been no official updates on the supergroup's status or potential comeback.[3]Formation and Concept
Announcement and Member Selection
On August 7, 2019, SM Entertainment announced a strategic partnership with Capitol Music Group and Caroline to launch SuperM, a K-pop supergroup positioned as the "Avengers of K-pop" to target global audiences, particularly in Western markets, with a planned U.S. debut in October.[1][12][13] The announcement took place at the Capitol Congress event in Los Angeles, where SM founder Lee Soo-man and Capitol Music Group CEO Steve Barnett highlighted the project's aim to combine top talents for international appeal.[12] The seven members were selected from existing SM Entertainment groups based on their individual expertise to ensure a balanced and versatile lineup: Taemin from SHINee for lead dance and performance; Baekhyun from EXO for main vocals and leadership; Kai from EXO for main dance; Taeyong from NCT 127 for main rap; Mark from NCT 127 for lead rap; Ten from WayV for dance and vocals; and Lucas from WayV for rap and visuals.[14][15] This selection process emphasized synergy among established idols, drawing from their proven skills in vocals, rap, dance, and stage presence to create a powerhouse unit capable of high-energy performances.[14][16] Pre-debut promotion began in late August 2019 to build anticipation, starting with a group teaser image and debut schedule reveal on August 28 via official social media channels, followed by an introduction video on August 31 that showcased the members in silhouette practicing choreography.[17][18] Individual member profiles, trailers, and concept photos were then released progressively from early September, highlighting each artist's personal style and contributions to the group's dynamic.[17][19] The full lineup was confirmed in the initial announcement on August 7, 2019, with further details and official visuals disseminated through SM Entertainment's website and social media platforms throughout September, culminating in concept photo sets like Ten's on September 10.[12][20]Group Name and Positioning
The name SuperM derives from "Super," symbolizing the synergy and combined talents of its members, and "M," which stands for both "matrix," representing the interconnected nature of their skills, and "master," denoting their elite status within the K-pop industry; this nomenclature was intentionally crafted to evoke the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Avengers, positioning the group as a powerhouse ensemble of established artists.[15][1] SuperM was strategically marketed as the "Avengers of K-pop" to leverage the star power of its members—selected from SM Entertainment's top acts including SHINee, EXO, NCT, and WayV—for maximum international impact, particularly targeting U.S. and global audiences through a high-profile collaboration with Capitol Music Group and its Caroline imprint.[1][21] This partnership facilitated SuperM's U.S. debut in October 2019, emphasizing a supergroup model that differentiates it from traditional idol formations by focusing on cross-group collaboration and broad market penetration.[3] The group's positioning highlights a fusion of genres including EDM, hip-hop, rock, and pop, designed to appeal beyond conventional K-pop boundaries and establish SuperM as an innovative force in global music.[22] This eclectic approach underscores their role as a boundary-pushing supergroup, with promotional teasers in 2019 introducing the tagline "We Are the Future" to emphasize the forward-thinking synergy of their elite composition.[23][24]Career Timeline
2019 Debut and Initial Promotions
SuperM released their self-titled debut extended play (EP), SuperM, on October 4, 2019, through SM Entertainment, Capitol Records, and Dreamus.[25] The EP featured the lead single "Jopping," a high-energy track blending hip-hop, EDM, and pop elements, which debuted at number one on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, marking the group's first chart-topping hit in the United States.[26] The following day, on October 5, 2019, SuperM held their inaugural live showcase concert outside the Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles, California, drawing an attendance of approximately 5,000 fans for performances of tracks from the new EP, including "Jopping" and "I Can't Stand the Rain."[27] This event, streamed live worldwide, served as the group's first public performance and highlighted their synchronized choreography and vocal prowess, setting the tone for their global ambitions.[28] Initial promotions emphasized U.S. media exposure to capitalize on the group's multinational appeal. SuperM made their American television debut on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on October 9, 2019, performing "Jopping" and engaging in an interview that showcased their individual member backgrounds from established SM acts like EXO, NCT, SHINee, and WayV.[27] These appearances, combined with online content releases such as performance videos, helped build momentum ahead of their arena tour announcement. The EP achieved significant commercial success shortly after release, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with 168,000 equivalent album units in its first week, making SuperM the first K-pop group and the highest-charting debut act by an Asian artist on the ranking.[4] It also topped Billboard's World Albums chart, underscoring the supergroup's immediate impact in the international market.[26]2020: Super One Album and Collaborations
In 2020, SuperM released their pre-release single "100" on August 14 as a lead-in to their debut full-length album. The track, characterized by its high-energy EDM production and motivational lyrics emphasizing unity and perseverance, marked the group's return after their 2019 debut EP. It debuted and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart, showcasing their continued international appeal.[29] SuperM's first studio album, Super One, arrived on September 25, comprising 15 tracks that blended EDM, hip-hop, and pop elements to convey themes of hope and collective strength amid global challenges. The album featured the pre-release single "Tiger Inside," a dynamic dance track performed as a subunit collaboration between NCT 127's Taeyong and Mark, highlighting their rap and vocal synergy. Super One debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Billboard World Albums chart, underscoring the group's commercial momentum built from their debut EP's success.[30][31] Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, SuperM adapted their promotional activities with innovative virtual experiences, including the streamed concert SuperM: Beyond the Future on April 26, which drew over 75,000 paid viewers from 109 countries and incorporated augmented reality elements for an immersive performance. This event emphasized the group's resilience, setting the stage for album promotions later in the year. "Tiger Inside" also tied into broader collaborations, including visual artwork by acclaimed comic artist Kim Jung Gi for its music video, enhancing its thematic depth with intricate black-and-white illustrations of inner strength.[32][33]2021–2025: Hiatus, Enlistments, and Departures
Following the release of their digital single "We DO" on April 9, 2021, as part of a collaboration with Prudential, SuperM significantly reduced group activities, marking this as their final collective release to date.[34] The track, performed entirely in English, emphasized themes of unity and perseverance but signaled a shift toward individual pursuits amid upcoming personal commitments.[35] The group's indefinite hiatus began in mid-2021, primarily driven by mandatory military enlistments for several key members, which disrupted coordinated promotions after their peak in 2020.[3] EXO's Baekhyun enlisted as a social service worker on May 6, 2021, and was discharged on February 5, 2023, after completing his 21-month service.[36] Similarly, SHINee's Taemin began his active duty service on May 31, 2021, following an initial enlistment delay due to health evaluations, and returned on April 4, 2023.[37] These absences, combined with the logistical challenges of aligning schedules across SM Entertainment's supergroup structure, effectively paused SuperM's momentum, contrasting with their earlier high-profile tours and album cycles.[3] Further complicating the group's dynamics, EXO's Kai enlisted for social service on May 11, 2023, and was discharged on February 10, 2025, extending the period of limited availability for full-member engagements.[38] In May 2023, NCT and WayV member Lucas departed from those units following a scandal involving allegations of misconduct in past relationships, though he remained under SM Entertainment as a solo artist; this shift rendered him inactive in SuperM activities.[39] Additionally, NCT's Taeyong, SuperM's leader, enlisted in the Republic of Korea Navy as an active duty soldier on April 15, 2024, with his service projected to conclude around December 2025, leaving the group without its central figure for the foreseeable future.[40] Despite a teaser from SM Entertainment on January 1, 2023, during the SMTOWN Live concert, announcing a potential comeback that year with the message "SuperM will be coming in 2023," no new group material or promotions materialized.[41] The unfulfilled promise highlighted ongoing challenges, including staggered enlistments and agency priorities, leading members to prioritize solo endeavors and original group commitments. For instance, following his discharge, Baekhyun founded the independent label INB100 in late 2023, launching official activities in 2024 to manage his solo career and collaborations with EXO subunit members Chen and Xiumin.[42] As of November 2025, SuperM remains on hiatus, with no confirmed plans for resumption amid these structural shifts.[3]Members
Current Members
SuperM's current lineup consists of six members from SM Entertainment's prominent acts: Taeyong and Mark from NCT, Ten from WayV, Kai and Baekhyun from EXO, and Taemin from SHINee. These artists continue to be affiliated with the supergroup amid individual military enlistments and solo endeavors, which have limited group activities since 2021.[43] Taeyong, born July 1, 1995, serves as SuperM's main rapper, originally from NCT 127. He released his second solo mini album TAP on February 26, 2024, featuring tracks like the title song "TAP" and "Moonlight," which showcased his rap versatility before his military enlistment on April 15, 2024.[44][45] His service is expected to conclude on December 14, 2025, impacting SuperM's availability during this period. Mark, born August 2, 1999, is a lead rapper in SuperM and anchors the group's rap line, hailing from both NCT 127 and NCT Dream. He remained active in 2024 with NCT 127's sixth studio album WALK, released on July 15, contributing to tracks that highlighted his bilingual rap skills, and NCT Dream's mini album DREAMSCAPE in November.[46][47] In 2025, he made his solo debut with the full-length album The Firstfruit on April 7, featuring rap-centric tracks that built on his SuperM experience.[48][49] His ongoing subunit promotions underscore his role in bridging SuperM's dynamic rap elements. Ten, born February 27, 1996, contributes as a lead dancer and rapper in SuperM, representing WayV. He made his solo debut with the EP TEN on February 13, 2024, including the lead single "Nightwalker," which emphasized his vocal and dance prowess and topped global charts upon release. [50] [51] Ten has focused on international promotions, leveraging his Thai background for broader appeal in SuperM's performances.[52] Kai, born January 14, 1994, is SuperM's main dancer from EXO. Following his military discharge on February 10, 2025, after enlisting on May 11, 2023, he announced the "KAION" world tour starting May 17, 2025, in Seoul and spanning Asia, North America, and other regions through September, centered on dance-focused projects that align with his choreography expertise in the group.[53][54][55][56] Taemin, born July 18, 1993, acts as a lead dancer and vocalist in SuperM, from SHINee. He released his fifth solo mini album ETERNAL on August 19, 2024, under BPM Entertainment, with lead singles "Sexy in the Air" and "Horizon," blending R&B and dance elements reflective of his influence on SuperM's choreography.[57][58] Taemin is renowned for providing key choreography input during SuperM's live performances.[59] Baekhyun, born May 6, 1992, is the leader and main vocalist in SuperM from EXO. In 2024, he founded his own label INB100 to manage solo projects, and embarked on the 2025 world tour Reverie, commencing June 7–8 at Seoul's KSPO Dome and spanning multiple continents, featuring his solo and EXO discography without SuperM tracks.[60][61][62]Former Members
Lucas (born Wong Yuk-hei on January 25, 1999) served as a rapper and vocalist in SuperM, bringing international appeal through his multilingual abilities in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean.[63][64] As a member of NCT and its Chinese sub-unit WayV, he was selected for SuperM to enhance the group's global reach, debuting with the ensemble in October 2019.[39] During his tenure, Lucas contributed to SuperM's early releases, including prominent features in the debut single "Jopping" (2019), where he delivered rap verses emphasizing the group's high-energy concept, and the 2020 track "100" from the album Super One, showcasing his vocal and performance skills in promotional stages. Lucas went on an indefinite hiatus from group activities in August 2021 following personal allegations of misconduct, including gaslighting and infidelity in past relationships, as detailed in anonymous online posts by individuals claiming to be his ex-girlfriends; SM Entertainment confirmed the hiatus to allow him time for self-reflection. On May 10, 2023, SM Entertainment announced his official departure from NCT and WayV to focus on solo endeavors, though he remains signed to the agency as an individual artist, effectively ending his involvement with SuperM.[39] Post-departure, Lucas released the independent documentary series Freeze in February 2024 on his personal YouTube channel, where he addressed the 2021 scandals, discussed his mental health struggles including depression, and expressed remorse for his past actions.[65] He has not participated in any SuperM activities since 2021. His exit reduced SuperM's lineup to six members and further extended the group's overall hiatus, compounded by military enlistments among the remaining members.[39]Artistry
Musical Style and Influences
SuperM's music is defined by a high-energy fusion of EDM-pop, hip-hop, and rock elements, often categorized under the group's use of SM Entertainment's "SMP" (SM Music Performance) style, which emphasizes dynamic production for dance-oriented tracks.[21] This blend draws from the members' backgrounds in established K-pop acts like EXO, NCT, SHINee, and WayV, incorporating the polished vocal harmonies and rhythmic complexity typical of SM Entertainment's output while amplifying global appeal through bold, anthemic compositions.[66] The debut single "Jopping" exemplifies this core style, combining trap beats, orchestral horn samples in the introduction, and explosive electronic dance elements with rap verses and energetic vocals to create an electrifying electric pop sound.[67] Produced by SM's Yoo Young-jin alongside the British duo LDN Noise, the track highlights SuperM's emphasis on Western-influenced production techniques fused with K-pop's intricate layering.[68] Influences from Western pop and electronic acts are evident in the group's broader sound, as SM Entertainment has long integrated global musical elements like R&B grooves and hip-hop flows into Korean frameworks.[66] Over time, SuperM's style evolved to showcase greater versatility, particularly in their first full-length album Super One (2020), which expanded beyond the debut EP's uniformly bold, superhero-themed anthems to include subunit-inspired tracks highlighting individual strengths.[69] For instance, "Tiger Inside" leans into rap-heavy dynamics with dubstep-inspired drops, herky-jerky percussion, and mystical synth overlays, reflecting a shift toward edgier, textural electronic experimentation while maintaining the group's high-octane energy.[70][71] Production choices further underscore SuperM's global orientation, with collaborations involving international talents like LDN Noise and emerging K-pop producers such as Alawn on tracks like "100," which delivers a punchy, futuristic EDM-pop vibe.[72] Lyrics across releases frequently mix English, Korean, and Chinese to broaden accessibility, aligning with the group's "Avengers of K-pop" positioning that draws conceptual inspiration from Marvel superhero narratives for empowering, larger-than-life themes.[73][74]Choreography and Live Performances
SuperM's choreography emphasizes high-precision group synchronization and athletic execution, most notably in their debut single "Jopping," where robotic formations and explosive, synchronized jumps convey a sense of superhero power and futuristic intensity.[75] This routine draws on the technical prowess of the group's dancers, with Taemin and Kai infusing fluid, wave-like transitions and acrobatic flourishes inspired by their contemporary and ballet backgrounds, adding layers of elegance to the otherwise high-energy hip-hop framework.[66] In live settings, SuperM adapts choreography for enhanced visual impact, as seen in their 2020 virtual concert SuperM - Beyond the Future, which integrated augmented reality effects like animated tigers and dynamic virtual backdrops to complement the dancers' movements on physical stages.[32][76] The group frequently employs member rotations during performances, allowing individuals to take center stage for personalized flair while maintaining seamless transitions that underscore collective unity.[77] SuperM's overall performance style merges robust vocal and rap delivery with demanding physical choreography, demanding exceptional stamina that has been highlighted in their U.S. television outings, such as the explosive "Jopping" rendition on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where the septet executed sharp, emphatic moves without faltering.[78] This athletic approach ensures high-energy delivery across extended sets, blending precision with charisma to captivate audiences.[79] A key element of SuperM's presentations is the spotlight on their dance line of Ten, Taemin, and Kai through subunit-style performances, fusing hip-hop's sharp isolations with contemporary's interpretive flows to diversify routines and emphasize individual virtuosity within the group dynamic, as showcased in their 2019 performance video.[80]Discography
Studio Albums
SuperM released its debut and only studio album, Super One, on September 25, 2020, through SM Entertainment, Capitol Records, and Dreamus.[81] The full-length project comprises 15 tracks that blend pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements, with a significant emphasis on English-language content to target global listeners.[82] It incorporates full-group performances, subunit collaborations such as "Tiger Inside" featuring Taemin and Kai, and remixes like "Jopping (Big Room)," alongside new material including the title track "One (Monster & Infinity)." Thematically, Super One explores empowerment, unity, and futuristic heroism, building on the group's "super" motif to convey messages of hope and collective strength amid challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.[83][84] Tracks like "100" and "Infinity" highlight uplifting, high-energy vibes with electronic beats and Asian-inspired motifs, while subunit songs provide spotlight moments for individual members' talents.[85] Commercially, Super One achieved strong initial performance, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 104,000 equivalent album units in its first week, primarily driven by 101,000 traditional album sales.[86] It also topped the Billboard World Albums chart, marking SuperM's second leader there following their debut EP.[31] The album's global reach was bolstered by pre-release singles "100" and "Tiger Inside," which generated buzz and contributed to over 200,000 cumulative pure sales in the U.S. by early 2021.Extended Plays
SuperM released their debut extended play, titled SuperM (also known as The 1st Mini Album 'SuperM'), on October 4, 2019, through SM Entertainment, Capitol Records, and Dreamus.[87] The EP consists of five main tracks, led by the title track "Jopping," which features high-energy production blending hip-hop, EDM, and rock elements. Other notable tracks include "I Can't Stand the Rain," a melancholic R&B-infused ballad, and "Super Car," an upbeat dance track emphasizing speed and rhythm.[87] The EP's structure highlights the supergroup's collaborative dynamics, balancing vocal performances, rap verses, and intricate dance routines across members from EXO, NCT, SHINee, and WayV. Tracks like "Jopping" showcase genre-mixing with explosive beats and multilingual lyrics, while "2 Fast" and "No Manners" incorporate trap and funk influences to distribute spotlight evenly among the seven members. This approach underscores SuperM's concept as a "Avengers of K-pop," prioritizing synergy over individual dominance. Commercially, SuperM debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking the first K-pop album to achieve this for a debut act and driven by 168,000 equivalent album units (including 164,000 in pure album sales) in its first week.[4] The release sold over 150,000 copies in its first week in the United States alone, introducing the group's high-octane, genre-blending style to global audiences and establishing their viability as a supergroup.[88]Singles and Promotional Singles
SuperM's debut lead single, "Jopping", was released on October 4, 2019, as the title track from their self-titled extended play. The track, blending hip-hop and EDM elements, topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart in its debut week, marking the group's first number-one hit on any Billboard songs ranking.[26] The group's second lead single, "100", arrived on August 14, 2020, serving as the primary promotional track for their debut studio album Super One. Featuring intense electronic beats and themes of self-empowerment, it debuted and peaked at number seven on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The release coincided with SuperM's broader collaboration with Marvel Entertainment, which included limited-edition merchandise tied to the album's launch.[89][90][74] "Tiger Inside", released digitally on September 1, 2020, functioned as a pre-release single ahead of Super One. The song's dynamic fusion of rock and pop, centered on unleashing inner strength, also peaked at number seven on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.[91][92] "One (Monster & Infinity)", released on September 25, 2020, as the title track from Super One. The song debuted and peaked at number seven on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.) As a promotional release, "We DO" debuted on April 9, 2021, in partnership with insurance company Prudential to promote health and wellness initiatives. This upbeat, English-language track emphasized positivity and resilience but did not chart on major Billboard rankings, reflecting its digital-only distribution and non-commercial focus.[34]Concerts and Tours
Headlining Tours
SuperM launched their debut headlining tour, titled We Are the Future Live, with a North American leg spanning late 2019 and early 2020. The tour opened on November 11, 2019, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, near Dallas, and featured 10 arena shows across major cities in the United States and Canada, including the United Center in Chicago on November 13, Infinite Energy Arena (now Gas South Arena) in Atlanta on November 15, and Madison Square Garden in New York on November 19.[93][94] This leg was followed by a Latin American show in Mexico City on February 9, 2020, at Arena Ciudad de México, and European dates later that month. The North American leg concluded on February 6, 2020, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, with the full tour ending successfully at The O2 Arena in London on February 28, 2020, and receiving positive reception for the group's high-energy performances at sold-out venues like Atlanta's show.[95][96] In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SuperM shifted to a virtual format for their next major live event, the Beyond the Future concert streamed on April 26, 2020, via SM Entertainment's Beyond LIVE platform. This online performance incorporated augmented reality elements and real-time fan interactions, attracting 75,000 paid viewers from 109 countries and generating significant earnings equivalent to multiple in-person shows.[97][76] A planned physical extension of the tour to Asia, including a Japan stop at Tokyo Dome originally set for April 23, 2020, was postponed indefinitely on March 27, 2020, by SM Entertainment due to entry restrictions and health concerns, and officially cancelled in November 2020 without rescheduling.[98][99][100] Following the European dates in February 2020, SuperM has not conducted any headlining tours since 2021, as the group entered an indefinite hiatus amid members' commitments to their primary acts and mandatory military service.[3]Set Lists and Notable Performances
SuperM's concerts during their inaugural "We Are The Future" world tour from late 2019 to early 2020 typically featured a dynamic set list exceeding 20 songs, blending high-energy group anthems, solo showcases, and subunit performances over an approximate two-hour runtime.[101] The structure often opened with a dramatic dance performance to "I Can't Stand the Rain," followed by Taemin's solo medley of "Danger" and "Goodbye," incorporating elements from SHINee's "Sherlock."[102] Key group tracks like "Jopping," "100," and "Tiger Inside" from their debut EP served as anchors, alongside Taeyong's rap showcase "GTA" and the Kai-Ten-Lucas unit's fusion of "Dream in a Dream" and "New Heroes."[103] Subunit covers highlighted the members' origins, such as Ten and Taeyong's "Baby Don't Stop," while encores emphasized crowd favorites like "No Manners" and a reprise of "Wish You Were Here" to sustain the electric atmosphere. Notable performances underscored SuperM's innovative stage presence and rapid rise. Their debut live showcase on October 5, 2019, outside the Capitol Records building in Hollywood marked the group's first public concert, drawing thousands for a high-octane set that previewed tracks like "Jopping" amid a KCON-inspired setup with rising video panels adapting to each song's theme.[28] A standout moment came during the North American tour leg finale at Madison Square Garden on November 19, 2019, where the group delivered a sold-out spectacle blending synchronized choreography with pyrotechnics, captivating 20,000 fans through seamless transitions between intense rap battles and vocal harmonies.[104] In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SuperM adapted their live format through virtual concerts, most prominently the "Beyond the Future" online show on April 26, 2020, streamed via Beyond LIVE on the V Live platform to over 75,000 paying viewers across 109 countries.[97] This event featured augmented reality (AR) enhancements, including a mesmerizing dance break for the unreleased "Tiger Inside," where virtual tigers prowled the stage amid 3D effects, amplifying the song's fierce energy.[32] COVID-era streams like Beyond Live emphasized real-time fan interactions via the app's chat and virtual heart features, accumulating 120 million engagements, while high-energy encores such as "Jopping" maintained the group's signature intensity despite the digital format.[76] The group's final major live event before hiatus was the "We DO" Virtual Concert & Fan Meet on September 14-15, 2021, in partnership with Prudential. This paid online show, accessible to fans in Asia and beyond, included full performances of hits like "Jopping" and "Tiger Inside," interactive fan segments, and behind-the-scenes content, drawing significant viewership and highlighting wellness themes amid ongoing pandemic restrictions.[105][106]Cancelled or Postponed Events
SuperM's inaugural world tour, titled We Are the Future, faced significant disruptions in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the postponement or cancellation of all remaining physical concert dates after the European leg. The North American, Latin American, and European portions concluded successfully by late February 2020, but planned Asian extensions were halted as cases surged worldwide. Specifically, the Asia leg's Japan stop at Tokyo Dome, originally set for April 23, 2020, and announced on February 13, 2020, was indefinitely postponed on March 27, 2020, by SM Entertainment, citing entry restrictions and health concerns related to the virus, and officially cancelled in November 2020.[98][99][100] In response to the cancellations, SuperM pivoted to a virtual format, hosting the Beyond LIVE: SuperM - Beyond the Future concert on April 26, 2020, via SM Entertainment and Naver's streaming platform. This paid online event, performed without a live audience at Olympic Hall in Seoul, served as a substitute for the unfulfilled tour dates and drew approximately 75,000 ticket buyers from 109 countries, generating an estimated $2 million in revenue. SM Entertainment emphasized health protocols as the primary reason for forgoing physical gatherings, with ticket policies for the postponed shows handled through standard refund processes rather than direct upgrades to the virtual show.[32][107] Following the group's entry into hiatus in mid-2021, driven by mandatory military enlistments among several members—including Baekhyun and Taemin in 2021, and Kai in 2023—no further attempts to reschedule the affected tour dates or announce new events have occurred as of November 2025. Enlistment obligations, which typically last 18 to 21 months, have fragmented the members' schedules, with additional challenges from some departures from SM Entertainment, rendering group activities unfeasible in the near term.[3][108]Impact and Recognition
Endorsements and Commercial Ventures
SuperM has participated in several notable group endorsements and commercial partnerships, leveraging the members' collective star power to promote major brands. In November 2019, the group was named global ambassadors for Korean Air, the flag carrier airline of South Korea, and featured in a promotional campaign that included a custom livery of SuperM on a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to highlight the airline's international routes.[109] This endorsement underscored SuperM's role in bridging K-pop's global appeal with South Korea's aviation industry. In 2020, SuperM collaborated with Marvel Entertainment through a partnership between SM Entertainment and the comic giant, resulting in limited-edition merchandise bundles tied to their debut studio album Super One. The tie-ins included Marvel-themed packaging and accessories for the lead single "100," available exclusively via pre-order on the official store, enhancing the album's thematic "Avengers of K-pop" concept with superhero-inspired visuals and collectibles.[74][30] The following year, SuperM entered a sponsorship deal with Prudential, a multinational insurance company, releasing the digital single "We Do" in April 2021 as part of the brand's financial wellness campaign targeting younger demographics in Asia. The track and accompanying music video emphasized themes of empowerment and protection, aligning with Prudential's messaging.[110] These ventures contributed to SuperM's commercial footprint, with their debut EP topping the Billboard 200 chart in October 2019 and generating promotional features in Billboard magazine, which amplified SM Entertainment's U.S. market penetration.[21] Following the group's hiatus after 2021, individual members secured personal endorsement deals with various luxury and consumer brands.Awards and Nominations
SuperM has received several awards and nominations since their debut in 2019, primarily recognizing their innovative supergroup concept and international appeal, though their activity slowed after 2021 due to members' individual schedules and a group hiatus. Their early accolades highlight their rapid rise in both Korean and global markets, with wins focusing on cultural contribution and special recognition. The group secured their first major honor at the 2020 Newsis K-Expo Cultural Awards, winning the Seoul Mayor Award for their role in promoting K-culture globally.[111] Later that year, SuperM received the Special Award at the Indonesian Television Awards, acknowledging their popularity and contributions to international entertainment exchanges.[112] SuperM has also earned nominations in prominent K-pop ceremonies, reflecting their chart success and fan support. They were nominated for Best Male Group at the 2020 APAN Music Awards, competing alongside top acts like BTS and NCT 127. Additionally, their album Super One was nominated for Album Division Bonsang at the 35th Golden Disc Awards in 2021. No further awards or nominations have been reported since 2021, aligning with the group's reduced promotions.| Year | Award Ceremony | Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Newsis K-Expo Cultural Awards | Seoul Mayor Award | Won | Recognized for global K-culture promotion.[111] |
| 2020 | Indonesian Television Awards | Special Award | Won | For international popularity and contributions.[112] |
| 2020 | APAN Music Awards | Best Male Group | Nominated | - |
| 2021 | Golden Disc Awards | Album Division Bonsang (Super One) | Nominated | - |