“I feel like I’ve met a new genre through SEVENTEEN.”
K-pop music resonated loudly along the Han River in Banpo, Seoul. The group SEVENTEEN, celebrating their 10th anniversary, called global fans to this location.
On the 25th, a large offline event 'B-Day Party' was held at the Sebit Island area in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, to commemorate SEVENTEEN's 10th anniversary. This event, which took place over three days from the 23rd to this day, was designed as a party that could be enjoyed by not only domestic and international fans but also ordinary citizens and tourists.
Many fans who have walked alongside SEVENTEEN for the past 10 years promised to celebrate their achievements while also committing to share their future.
The event was divided into two main parts: the various experiential pop-up space related to SEVENTEEN, 'B-Day Party', and their performance stage, 'Burst Stage'.
Fans' excitement was palpable as they stood in a long line to enter the on-site pop-up experience space. One fan from Singapore said, “This is my first visit to Korea for this event,” adding, “I like SEVENTEEN and BTS. I was introduced to K-pop music through both groups and feel like I’ve met a new genre.” They continued, “I wanted to learn more about K-pop culture, which is why I came to Korea.”
Fans from the United States, who couldn't stop smiling, also caught the eye. Currently residing in Korea, they shouted that they are fans of SEVENTEEN members Dino and Dokyeom, saying, “I fell for their charming and cute looks and have been a fan ever since.” Although they started liking SEVENTEEN in 2022, their hearts have been with them for nearly 10 years. The two expressed, “Since they have maintained their presence for 10 years, we hope they continue to sing for a long time.”
A mother-daughter fan duo living in Gangnam-gu appeared united through SEVENTEEN. The mother, Ms. Park, said, “I got to know SEVENTEEN through my daughter. I don’t know all the members, but I gained strength from listening to the songs of the unit group 'BooSeokSoon' (SEVENTEEN's unit group). Since we live close, I wanted to connect and share more with my daughter.”
This pop-up featured various programs, including a 'SEVENTEEN History Zone' to explore SEVENTEEN's history, an 'Interactive Message Zone' to leave congratulatory messages for the members, a 'Regular 5th Album Merch Zone' selling merchandise from their 5th album and the official light stick for the 10th anniversary, and a photo card exchange for those who completed the stamp tour.
Fans were busy taking photos to share all their memories and records related to SEVENTEEN.
The reporter who visited the site also had the opportunity to get closer to SEVENTEEN by experiencing the pop-up booths with fans. In particular, they were moved by the words conveyed by SEVENTEEN members in the 'Interactive Message Zone': “Even if my love is only this much, I will be your spring in any winter.”
Fans also left unwavering support for SEVENTEEN with notes they wrote themselves.
Due to the nature of the event location at Han River Park, fans were seen enjoying the atmosphere by spreading mats everywhere rather than struggling to participate in the pop-up. The large light stick structure installed in the middle of Sebit Island seemed to gather fans' hearts towards SEVENTEEN.
The conclusion of all events will be marked by the 'Burst Stage' performed by SEVENTEEN. The stage will take place at the Jamsu Bridge on the first floor from 7:30 PM for about an hour, with around 6,000 fans in attendance. Fans who could not secure seats for the performance can also enjoy it from the relay seats set up in Banpo Han River Park (Yebit Zone, Standing Zone, Picnic Zone).
This is the first time a performance is being held at the Jamsu Bridge. Aside from the luxury brand Louis Vuitton fashion show held in April 2023, no K-pop artist has performed here. For the performance, access to the Jamsu Bridge will be completely restricted from 7 AM on the day until 4 AM the next day.
To celebrate SEVENTEEN's 10th anniversary, not only Sebit Island but also the Wonhyo, World Cup, and Haengju Bridges will be illuminated with rose quartz and serenity until the 1st of next month. The exterior wall of their agency HYBE's building is wrapped with the phrase 'SEVENTEEN WILL CHALLENGE ETERNITY', and nearby parks have transformed into photo zones. Large outdoor advertisements announcing their 10th anniversary and comeback are also displayed in various urban areas, including the Iconic Zone of The Hyundai Seoul, major cities in Korea such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and tourist attractions in the United States, Japan, and China.
Along with this, SEVENTEEN will release their 5th regular album 'Happy Birthday' on the 26th at 6 PM.
'Happy Birthday' is an album that showcases SEVENTEEN's rebirth with exploding new possibilities, featuring a total of 16 tracks including the title song 'Thunder'. For the first time since their debut, all 13 members will have solo tracks included, and they are expected to collaborate with various musicians, including world-renowned artist and producer Pharrell Williams, signaling unique musical attempts.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
