With 4 members enlisted and 5 more set to follow, Seventeen assures fans it will return stronger
INCHEON — K-pop sensation Seventeen’s 10th annual “Carat Land” fan meeting delivered the heartwarming experience fans anticipate, yet this year’s gathering resonated with added emotional significance.
Held Saturday and Sunday at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, this milestone event marked one of the popular K-pop group’s last major collective performances before more members commence their mandatory military service. With Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Hoshi, and Woozi already enlisted, nine members graced the stage. Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino are also expected to enlist in the coming months, marking a temporary hiatus for the full group.
The impending farewell cast a poignant shadow throughout the weekend. Nevertheless, amidst the lively games, captivating performances, and intimate fan interactions that define “Carat Land,” the members consistently conveyed a powerful message: they would return stronger than ever.
“When we return in two to three years, I believe that’s when our second chapter will truly begin,” Mingyu shared with fans. “We’ll come back having grown and changed, and I sincerely hope you’ll continue to love us then too.”
The highly anticipated fan meeting commenced with an express train journey bound for “Carat Land,” the cherished fictional paradise shared by Seventeen and their devoted fandom, Carat. Emerging dramatically on a train-shaped lift, the members immediately launched into dynamic performances of “Together,” “Heaven’s Cloud,” and “My My.”
The event soon transitioned into its signature variety-show format, delighting attendees with creative dance covers personally chosen by the members and the much-anticipated return of the popular “reverse stage.” This year, the segment expanded beyond simple unit-song swaps, with members reinterpreting one another’s solo tracks, showcasing their individual artistry.
These innovative performances brilliantly underscored the K-pop group’s immense versatility and each member’s significant growth as an individual artist. “Even with only nine members here today, we can fill an entire reverse stage with each other’s solo songs,” Mingyu proudly stated. “That truly shows how much each member has grown and developed.”
The second half of the fan meeting transformed into an electrifying rush of Seventeen’s greatest hits, with “Oh My!,” “Pretty U,” “Thinkin’ about you,” “Home:Run,” “God of Music,” and “Very Nice” bringing the entire stadium to its feet. Fans enthusiastically waved their iconic light sticks in unison as spectacular fireworks illuminated the night sky, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
As the night drew to an emotional close, the members took turns addressing the upcoming full-group hiatus.
Leader S.Coups reflected on how his priorities had profoundly shifted over the years, explaining that what once drove him was fierce competition and ambition. He shared that he now finds far greater fulfillment in performing alongside his beloved members and actively repaying the unwavering love he receives from Carats.
“I’d like to take this moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey, even those who may no longer be our fans, for consistently supporting Seventeen throughout its remarkable career,” he expressed, conveying his hopeful wish that fans would continue growing older alongside the group for decades to come.
DK shared that preparing for this “Carat Land” fan meeting had been particularly emotional, as he understood there would not be another one like it for a while. Referring to his own upcoming military enlistment, he deeply thanked fans for their touching messages of support and promised to return “as a better man” with exciting new music for everyone.
The memorable night concluded with heartfelt performances of “Tiny Light,” “Beautiful,” “Love Letter,” and “Us, Again,” bringing the significant event to an emotional and poignant close.
Though Seventeen’s full-group activities will naturally slow down as more members fulfill their mandatory enlistment duties, the K-pop powerhouse has no plans to disappear from the public eye.
The8 and Vernon will debut their highly anticipated new unit, V8, with their first EP titled “V8” on June 29, followed by a special concert in July. Dino is also set to launch an exciting solo project under his alter ego Picheolin on August 3, while the beloved “Going Seventeen” series will return with a brand new season, ensuring fans have plenty to look forward to from their favorite K-pop group.
