“If it weren't for Carats (Seventeen's fandom name), we wouldn't have been able to do this for the first time.”
The group Seventeen became the first K-pop artist to perform at the Banpo Bridge. The cool breeze over the Han River and the fireworks made it feel like everything was perfect for Seventeen.
On the 25th, a large offline event called ‘B-Day Party’ was held at the Sebit Island area in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, to celebrate Seventeen's 10th anniversary. This event took place over three days from the 23rd to this day, designed as a party that both domestic and international fans, as well as ordinary citizens and tourists, could enjoy together.
The event was divided into two main parts: the various experience pop-up space related to Seventeen called ‘B-Day Party’ and their performance stage called ‘Burst Stage’.
Following the pop-up event ‘B-Day Party’ that ran until 5 PM, the main event ‘Burst Stage’ started at 7:30 PM. Since this was the only time the members would appear in person, the fans waiting on-site could not hide their excitement.
Due to the congestion caused by the impromptu stage not being a formal performance venue, the entry of the audience was somewhat delayed. As a result, the performance started about 25 minutes later than scheduled. Some fans even rented yachts on the Han River to watch the performance. Additionally, to prepare for any unexpected emergencies, the Han River police patrol boats joined to secure the area around the event.
This is the first time a performance has been held at the Banpo Bridge. Aside from a luxury brand Louis Vuitton fashion show held in April 2023, there have been no other events, let alone performances by K-pop artists at this location. The significance of Seventeen being the first to do so is immense.
For the performance, HYBE decided to collaborate with the Seoul Future Han River Headquarters and Seocho-gu to hold the event at the Banpo Bridge. Consequently, the Banpo Bridge was closed from 7 AM on that day until 4 AM on the 26th.
The performance site was truly spectacular. Thousands of plastic chairs were laid out where vehicles and pedestrians used to pass, resembling a large concert venue. There were 6,000 seats for the audience, and fans who couldn't secure seats enjoyed the performance from the relay areas set up in Banpo Han River Park (Yebit Zone, Standing Zone, Picnic Zone).
Seventeen premiered the title track ‘Thunder’ from their upcoming 5th studio album ‘Happy Birthday’ as their first performance. Behind the stage, the members expressed their gratitude, saying, “If it weren't for the fans, there wouldn't have been a first performance at the Banpo Bridge.” Member Woozi, who produced the new song, added, “While making music for 10 years, I sometimes thought, ‘Am I done now?’ but at some point, inspiration struck like lightning,” and encouraged fans to listen to the music as it is.
Seventeen selected mostly bright songs, including ‘HBD’, ‘Hot’, ‘April Shower’, ‘Our Dawn is Hotter than Day’, ‘I’m Coming to Find You’, and ‘Rock With You’, to elevate the fans' spirits.
During their final remarks, the members exclaimed, “It feels like we just debuted yesterday, but it’s already the 10th anniversary. Performing here (at the Banpo Bridge) is truly a miraculous event. Let’s celebrate the 10th anniversary together!” expressing their gratitude to the fans.
Afterward, Seventeen concluded the event with encore performances of ‘Let’s Go Together’, ‘God of Music’, ‘Eyes On You’, and ‘Very Nice’ for the fans.
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 ‘5th Album Merch Zone’ selling merchandise from their 5th album and the official light stick for the 10th anniversary, and a photo card exchange booth for those who completed the stamp tour.
Debuting in May 2015, Seventeen is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Including their agency Pledis Entertainment, Seventeen has established itself as a core group within the parent company HYBE, enjoying popularity both domestically and internationally.
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 walls of the HYBE headquarters are 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 displayed in various urban areas, including the Iconic Zone of The Hyundai Seoul, major cities like Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and tourist attractions in the United States, Japan, and China.
Seventeen will release their 5th studio album ‘Happy Birthday’ on the 26th at 6 PM. ‘Happy Birthday’ is an album showcasing Seventeen's rebirth with exploding new possibilities, featuring a total of 16 tracks, including the title track ‘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, hinting at unique musical attempts.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
