Introduction

Last Saturday, January 25, the Singapore National Stadium was buzzing with excitement as the popular K-pop boy band Seventeen took to the stage for their much-anticipated concert. As a newcomer to the K-pop scene, my previous experience had been limited to Blackpink's concert in May 2023, so I was eager to see how Seventeen would captivate the audience with their unique style and electrifying performance.

The hype surrounding Seventeen is well-deserved. They're not just another K-pop group; they are trailblazers! Last year, they made waves as the first-ever K-pop band to perform at the illustrious Pyramid Stage of the Glastonbury Festival in England. Plus, they've recently been appointed as UNESCO's first-ever Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth, a title that speaks volumes about their influence beyond music.

FAN EXCITEMENT REACHES A PEAK

For many local and regional Carats—Seventeen’s dedicated fandom, inspired by their debut EP, *Shining Diamonds*—the long wait of three years finally came to fruition as the stars graced the stage on Saturday. As the band geared up for a second show on Sunday, the anticipation was palpable.

These concerts are part of Seventeen’s *Seventeen Right Here World Tour*, which includes stops in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. As the 11 members made a grand entrance, the stadium erupted with cheers, affirming that the wait was worthwhile.

It’s worth mentioning that although the group’s name suggests 17 members, they actually have 13 active members. The name represents 13 members plus 3 sub-units (hip-hop, performance, and vocal) and combines them into 1 cohesive group.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

The concert itself was a visual spectacle, featuring dazzling stage production replete with multiple confetti bursts and stunning pyrotechnics. Fans were treated to an interactive experience when the stage platform rotated around the stadium, allowing for intimate connections between the idols and the audience.

Even with a language barrier, the contagious energy radiating from the stage united all concert-goers. Iconic tracks like *Darl+ing* and *Adore U* had everyone singing along, while the members’ charismatic exchanges more than compensated for any lost translations.

DK stole the spotlight with his vibrant personality, saying, “Thank you for filling up such a large concert hall. Love you lah! When I first came to Singapore, I was shioked when I tasted chilli crab. It was very delicious. It was so shocking.” This moment was a hit, leaving the crowd roaring with laughter and joy.

Hoshi further ignited excitement with his signature gesture and catchphrase, 'horangehae,' meaning 'I tiger you.' The audience was ready to embrace this playful spirit as he asked, “Singapore, are you ready?”

FANS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES

As I mingled among fellow fans, I encountered Elizabeth, a new Carat who loved the vibrant chants, and long-time devotee Sahed, who was in awe of the overall show, especially the moving carts. Japanese fan Momo, who has been supporting the group for four years, shared that this concert was even more thrilling than the last one she attended in 2022.

Rina and her daughter Suliana described the concert as 'very wholesome' and appreciated the larger venue which allowed for more dynamic engagement.

So, did Seventeen exceed my expectations for a second-ever K-pop concert experience? While I may not yet be a full-fledged Carat, I left with cherished memories and a heart full of joy. The *Seventeen Right Here concerts* are sure to continue spreading magic, and fans across the region are left eagerly anticipating what comes next. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary phenomenon!