Seventeen: The Not-So-Silent Giant of KPOP Anymore
With their most recent accomplishment selling 4,550,214 physical copies worldwide in its first week and becoming the first K-pop album to surpass 6 million copies sold, ‘FML’ by Seventeen sent waves that they are not-so-silent anymore. It is about time that people discover the level of artistry that this music group excels at. Whether it is performance, music production, videography, lyrical writing, or being comedians, Seventeen is rare gem that I am so thankful to be a part of my youth.
To get a better understanding, please read all about their World Tour ‘Be the Sun’ in 2022 below.
BEST CONCERT
Overall rating: 5/5
The global phenomenon known as KPOP’s performance kings and self-producing idols, Seventeen, swept North America with their first world tour after the pandemic. With the announcement of the ‘Ode to You’ tour cancelled back in March 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak, fans were eagerly waiting for their return to grace our stages once again. Among the fans, called Carats, was our very own Maggie Diep ready to retell her account of the Fort Worth concert.
Seventeen had been a silent giant since their debut in 2015. With their steady growth in every comeback release, these 13 artists continue to prove time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with. With many naysayers commenting that the sheer number of the boy band would be it’s downfall, it is truly satisfying to say contrary to those comments 9 years later that they could not be more wrong.
I was ecstatic to not only attend this concert to see their chemistry and music on stage, but was lucky enough to obtain a VIP soundcheck opportunity for this tour. As I revisit my experience nearly a year and a half after, this is still my favorite artist interaction and concert to date.
Seventeen - Snapshoot
Pre-VIP Soundcheck
With Seventeen as my favorite artist, I could not pass up the opportunity to do a VIP soundcheck package. The VIP Soundcheck package for this tour included early access into the arena to grab merch, interact with artists, 1 premium reserved price level 1 ticket to the show, and have a preview of the songs to be performed.
Upon entering the arena, Carats could hear DK’s angelic vocals echoing off the walls. He must’ve been warming up backstage, but those vocal warm ups only added to the fans’ excitement. With fellow Carats all around me, I really did not feel alone at all. As we were on stand by in lines with venue staff leading us to our chairs, the entire stage was dark and silent.
VIP Soundcheck
rating: 4/5
Suddenly, the lights flicker on and out came the Seventeen members one-by-one. As it was more than an hour until the concert, they were still in their normal attire with no makeup on. Fellow VIPs were counting the members noting that Mingyu, who was diagnosed with contracting the Coronavirus just days before, was unfortunately unable to recover in time for the concert.
I could not help but notice one particular member, Vernon. He was magnetic and seeing him for the first time in real life made me understand why so many people were attracted to him - it is not just appearance alone but rather the aura he exudes. Since no phones were allowed for the soundcheck experience, interactions can only be recounted through memories of that day.
Overall, for the VIP soundcheck, I would rate it a 4/5.
Why is that?
It was a relatively short 20 minutes as the 12 members sang 2 songs - both of which were requests and not on the setlist for the concert later that night. As this pre-show is only limited to about 100-200 fans, concert outfits and posters created were more likely to get noticed by artists than during the show. This elevated the VIP soundcheck, which costs an additional average of $150 more.
Do I regret purchasing this package?
NO. I was thrilled to have been a part of smaller fanbase that got personal interactions with Seventeen. However, the soundcheck was too short and was not worth the extra money as the rest of the concert was even more enticing in interactions. If you do not have the money for the VIP experience, I would not be worried as Seventeen is known at making these concerts feel super personal for fans.
Seventeen - Hot (intro remix)
Concert
rating: 5/5
Now onto my review of the Seventeen ‘Be the Sun’ World Tour…
As the latest full album release ‘Face the Sun’, HOT was the first title track Seventeen played. It got the crowd on their feet and really set the tone of high-energy that was going to continue throughout the end of the night. The stamina that comes with dancing, singing, and talking for 3 hours straight requires meticulous planning to ensure the safety of the boys to not overheat as well as a good setlist for fans long awaiting their return. This concert was planned perfectly with their best title tracks and most difficult choreography being the first set of songs before the 3-minute VCR break. The intro alone would’ve set it at 5/5, however to maintain at such a high standard is difficult…Seventeen had no issues.
Seventeen - Rock wih You
After the VCR break, Seventeen then broke into their units, which work in their favor when holding 3 hour concerts. As mentioned prior, Seventeen is a large group consisting of 13 members. If you were wondering why the group is named Seventeen when they have 13 members, it is because 13 members + 3 units + 1 overall group = 17.
Now that is a lot of numbers to remember but for this part of the concert, all you need to know is there are 3 units: vocal, hip hop, and performance. With the tour manager, production company, and the members being involved in the planning of the concert schedule, it is no surprise they utilize the 3 units to their advantage. With each unit performing 2 songs after the other, it allows ample time for each member to rest after an intense production in the intro. It also gives fans a chance to listen to songs they normally might not encounter in the Seventeen discography.
While the world seems to deem KPOP as one singular genre, Seventeen does not fit in with that generalization. Therefore a SVT concert will encapulsate music comings from many genres inspired and designed from the group itself. With the 3 units being very different from one another, it should be no surprise you get all the flavor from ballads to hip hop to experimental pop.
Was there a particular unit you enjoyed more than the rest?
It is so challenging to choose just one, but the song choices for the Performance team were more my taste for this concert. I had been dying to see Dino, Hoshi, Jun, and The8 perfectly execute ‘Wave’ and "‘Moonwalker’. If you ask me for another concert, the answer will most likely change.
What was the most unique aspect of this concert?
Very true to Seventeen’s character, the remainder of the concert was dedicated to fans in getting them involved whether that was spotlights pointed to random fans to dance in the stands, sharing the mic to allow fans to sing the high note, or having conversations regarding their experience with local culture thus far on their tour stop. It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet another fellow Carat and take in all the prepared banners and themed outfits everyone coordinated.
What was my favorite part of the concert?
Of course, you cannot go to a Seventeen concert without being informed of the ‘Aju Nice’ tradition. For those who aren’t familiar, Seventeen has a long standing tradition of ending the concert with their most famous song ‘Aju Nice’ on repeat for an x amount of time. As the members and fans themselves are unaware when it will end, the jumping never stops and the “goodbyes” are said more than enough times. For this very reason, please wear good shoes if you want to have a good ‘Aju Nice’ jumping session. I did ‘Aju Nice’ about 8 times that night. The knee pain the next morning was so worth it!
Ending Comments
This remains my best concert experience! If you are going to see Seventeen, you know you are in for a show. Their theatrics and dynamic on stage further enhance your view! No matter where you were sitting in that arena, you felt appreciated and seen by the members. I came in being a Carat and walked away finding a forever home. In every sense of the most perfect concert you could hope for, it was a nonstop show that only got better as the night went on! If I could rate it higher than 5/5, I absolutely would.
Since 2022 when I attended the concert, Seventeen’s fanbase has only grown as the public become aware of this now not-so-silent giant. From their poor upbringing, Seventeen has really been the driving force behind their success. Even now as one of the biggest artists out of South Korea, these 13 men remain extremely humble and eager to improve even after 9 years as an artist. You cannot help but admire them who are now at the peak of their career.
Some of their most recent accomplishments are below:
MAMA Artist Awards 2023
Best Dance Performance
Best Male Group
Album of the Year - “FML”
Circle Chart Music Awards 2024
Artist of the Year (Album) – “SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN”
Golden Disc Awards 2024
Album Bonsang – “FML”
Album Daesang (Album of the Year) – “FML”
If you have yet to discover Seventeen, I promise you are in for a good time!
Catch them at their next upcoming event as a headliner for Lollapalooza Berlin in September 2024!
