Say the Name! SEVENTEEN: Rising Rookie Group and Star

By Daniela Calderon

SEVENTEEN–a group largely responsible for refreshing ingenuity and an energy long sought in today’s burgeoning generation of latest idol stars, newly debuted under After School’s own Pledis Entertainment. The boy group, consisting of an awe-inducing 13 members (S.Coups, Joshua, Jeonghan, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, Mingyu, DK, Minghao, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino), has captivated the attention of young and old alike, with an admirably dedicated fanbase rapidly growing in size. Intriguingly, the members were introduced long before their debut, quickly popularizing the idea of publicizing company trainees as a method of evoking anticipation among loyal followers. Potential members were first introduced through SEVENTEENTV, whereby streamers were granted exclusive access into the daily routine of a handful of Pledis trainees. It was through this curious method of promotion that love and admiration grew for the future members of SEVENTEEN. Detailed choreography routines and intensive periods of vocal training heavily influenced fans who in turn nurtured unparalleled fondness for each of the members. But what truly cemented well-deserved affection were the blossoming spirits of each trainee and a sense of brotherhood built on the obstacles they faced and those they would later overcome as a unit.

An official music program debut on May 27, 2015 truly encompassed hours of pure dedication and achievement for the group. “Adore U,” the title track for their debut mini-album 17 Carat displayed an exquisitely intricate array of fresh vocal talent, instrumental rifts, and a pull away from the heavier material lacing the current K-Pop industry. Which, in a sense, is exactly what SEVENTEEN has grown to become–an exhilarating combination of youth and its vivaciousness, finely pulled to result in ever-changing stage choreographies and the like, which always seem to amaze and astonish. The group greatly benefited from a crisp, lively concept, which focused primarily on emphasizing their boyish good looks and talents through rather impressive outlets. An innocent flair was later established through pastel stage outfits and an overall simplistic approach to styling makeup and hair. Nevertheless, the group succeeded in establishing public recognition for their quirky, on-stage antics and their energetic demeanor.

SEVENTEEN seemed to reap much of their initial success from sheer determination and gratitude to fans. This mutual recognition was, and still is, evident in their impressive number of published dance practice videos and homemade meals prepared in advance for queueing Carats, as their fan club name details. Long were their menpas–mention parties, as they noted–in which fans anticipated precious interaction with members through Twitter replies and posted photos. A series of livestream episodes named Andromeda, all approximately one hour long and broadcast through AfreecaTV, highlighted SEVENTEEN’s true goal in connecting with fans on a level never quite seen before. Viewers were awarded direct phone calls from members and an assortment of enticing goods hand-chosen by hosts Seungkwan and Hoshi. With the interests of viewers in mind, members were invited back to the broadcast based on high demand as the show continued to gain both momentum and tremendous popularity. The overwhelming support from Carats highly forecasts growing acclaim for SEVENTEEN as a powerful rookie group, capable of maintaining their deeply personal relationship with fans and expanding upon a riveting sense of affection.