Seventeen Embarks on a Temporary Farewell, Promising a Stronger Return

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, throughout the games, performances, and fan interactions that define Carat Land, 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 addressing 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. Referring to his upcoming enlistment, he thanked fans for their messages of support and promised 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 August 3, while Going Seventeen will return with a new season.

Seventeen’s temporary farewell marks a significant turning point in the group’s career. As they embark on their individual journeys, fans can expect new music, solo projects, and unit debuts. The group’s commitment to their craft and their fans remains unwavering, and their promise to return stronger is a testament to their dedication and passion.

The K-pop industry is known for its highly produced music videos, choreographed dance routines, and fashionable clothing. Seventeen has been a major player in this industry, and their music has resonated with fans worldwide. As they take a temporary hiatus, fans can look forward to new music, collaborations, and solo projects from the members.

In the coming months, fans can expect to see more of The 8 and Vernon’s unit, V8, as well as Dino’s solo project. The group’s variety show, Going Seventeen, will also return with a new season, providing fans with more content and entertainment. While the hiatus may seem like a setback, it is actually an opportunity for the members to grow, learn, and develop as individual artists.

Seventeen’s legacy extends beyond their music. They have inspired a generation of young fans with their message of hope, love, and perseverance. As they take a temporary break, fans can reflect on the group’s achievements and look forward to their future endeavors. With their talent, dedication, and passion, Seventeen is sure to continue making waves in the K-pop industry and beyond.