Seventeen Bids Farewell to Fans, Promising to Return Stronger

INCHEON — Seventeen’s 10th Carat Land fan meeting brought the warmth fans have come to expect from the annual event, but this year’s gathering carried added emotional weight. Held Saturday and Sunday at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, it marked one of the group’s last major collective events before more members begin mandatory military service.

With Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Hoshi, and Woozi already enlisted, nine members took the stage. Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino are expected to enlist in the coming months. The impending farewell lingered throughout the weekend, yet the members delivered a consistent message: they would return stronger.

Mingyu said, “When we return in two to three years, I think that’s when our second chapter will truly begin. We’ll return having grown and changed, and I hope you’ll continue to love us then too.” The fan meeting opened with an express train bound for Carat Land, the fictional paradise shared by Seventeen and its fandom.

Emerging on a train-shaped lift, the members launched into Together, Heaven’s Cloud, and My My. The event soon shifted into its signature variety-show format, featuring dance covers chosen by the members themselves and the return of the popular reverse stage. This year, the segment expanded beyond unit-song swaps, with members reinterpreting one another’s solo tracks.

The performances underscored the group’s versatility and growth as individual artists. Mingyu said, “Even with only nine members here today, we can fill an entire reverse stage with each other’s solo songs. That shows how much each member has grown.” The second half of the fan meeting turned into a rush of Seventeen hits, with Oh My!, Pretty U, Thinkin’ about you, Home:Run, God of Music, and Very Nice bringing the stadium to its feet.

Fans waved their light sticks in the air as fireworks lit up the night sky. As the night came to a close, the members took turns to address the upcoming group hiatus. Leader S.Coups reflected on how his priorities had changed over the years, saying that what once drove him was competition and ambition, but that he now finds greater fulfillment in performing with his members and repaying the love he received from Carat.

S.Coups said, “I’d like to take this time to say thank you to everyone who has been a part of our lives, even those who may not be our fans anymore, for supporting Seventeen throughout its career.” He expressed hope that fans would continue growing older alongside the group for decades to come. DK shared that preparing for the fan meeting had been emotional because he knew there would not be another one like it for a while.

DK said, “I knew there would not be another one like it for a while, and that made it harder to prepare. But I want to thank all the fans for their messages of support, and I promise to return as a better man with new music.” The night ended with Tiny Light, Beautiful, Love Letter, and Us, Again, bringing the event to an emotional close.

Though Seventeen’s full-group activities will slow as more members enlist, the group has no plans to disappear. The 8 and Vernon will debut their new unit, V8, with the EP V8 on June 29, followed by a concert in July. Dino is set to launch a solo project under his alter ego Picheolin on Aug. 3, while Going Seventeen will return with a new season.

Seventeen’s 10th Carat Land fan meeting was a celebration of the group’s journey so far and a promise of what’s to come. As the members take a temporary leave, fans can look forward to new music and projects from the individual members. With their versatility, growth, and dedication to their craft, Seventeen is sure to return stronger and more united than ever.

The fan meeting was a testament to the strong bond between Seventeen and their fans, Carat. Despite the impending hiatus, the fans remain committed to supporting the group and eagerly await their return. As Seventeen embarks on this new chapter, they can be sure that their fans will be right behind them, cheering them on every step of the way.

In the coming months, fans can expect to see more of the individual members’ projects and endeavors. With their unique talents and styles, each member is sure to bring something new and exciting to the table. Whether it’s through music, variety shows, or other projects, Seventeen’s members will continue to shine and entertain their fans.

As the K-pop landscape continues to evolve, Seventeen is well-positioned to make a lasting impact. With their dedication to their craft, their passion for their music, and their commitment to their fans, Seventeen is sure to remain a beloved and respected group in the K-pop world. Their legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of K-pop fans and artists alike.