For K-pop group Super Junior, going viral is nothing new. But this time, it’s not for a new song or comeback—it’s for a 2019 cover of a classic Latin hit that has resurfaced amid the controversy surrounding Selena Gomez’s Spanish in the film Emilia Perez.
Emilia Perez Under Fire
The movie Emilia Perez has been embroiled in controversy, from criticisms of the cast’s personal lives to accusations of being offensive to Mexicans. However, one of the most talked-about issues has been Selena Gomez’s Spanish, with many netizens finding her pronunciation and delivery lacking in a film that is entirely in Spanish.
A viral tweet even highlighted the issue, stating, “I’ll let Selena Gomez’s abysmal attempt at the Spanish language, in a movie that’s entirely in Spanish, speak for itself.”
Super Junior Becomes the Unexpected Comparison
As the debate raged on, a surprising post on Facebook took the internet by storm. The post featured screenshots from Emilia Perez alongside images of Super Junior’s Donghae and Eunhyuk from their 2019 cover of Ahora Te Puedes Marchar, originally by Mexican singer Luis Miguel. The caption indirectly shaded Selena Gomez’s Spanish skills, sparking a flood of reactions.
Fans quickly took notice when the music video of Super Junior’s cover was suddenly met with an influx of Spanish-speaking comments. Many praised the group for their pronunciation, effort, and respect for the language and culture, contrasting it with the perceived lack of authenticity in Emilia Perez.
One fan posted, “SJ is being praised because they really studied Luis Miguel’s MV, and their pronunciation & meaning are truly well conveyed.”
Another netizen, who identified as Mexican, shared, “As a Mexican who watched (and hated) Emilia Perez, I can confirm Super Junior’s Spanish is so good. Especially Shindong, Siwon, and Donghae. Even Kyuhyun, who wasn’t in the MV, spoke amazing Spanish in Mexico City.”
Super Junior’s Strong Latin Connection
Super Junior’s viral moment isn’t completely random. The group has long been popular in Latin America and has incorporated Latino influences into their music for years. Hits like MAMACITA, One More Time (with Mexican band Reik), and Lo Siento (featuring Latin Grammy-nominee Leslie Grace) solidified their reputation as one of the few K-pop acts deeply connected to the Latin music scene.
A Latin American fan weighed in on the Emilia Perez debate, stating, “I watched clips of Emilia Perez, and I couldn’t understand Selena without subtitles. But Super Junior’s Spanish? Perfectly understandable. Especially Donghae—he sounds like a native speaker.”
As the controversy continues, Super Junior’s unexpected resurgence in the spotlight once again proves their global reach. Whether intentional or not, their 2019 cover is now enjoying a second wave of recognition, thanks to an entirely different debate.
