Even on their 10th anniversary, the time for the group Seventeen continues.
Starting as a 'self-producing idol', Seventeen has become an irreplaceable presence, claiming the most and first titles in K-pop. With annual album sales of 10 million copies, the highest first-week sales in K-pop history, and global stage achievements, they have set milestones in K-pop history.
Even at the peak, Seventeen's run continues. The release of their 5th studio album 'Happy Birthday' to commemorate their 10th anniversary is a declaration of Seventeen's rebirth and a challenge towards eternity. The members, who will release the new album on the 26th, shared their honest thoughts through Pledis Entertainment.
Q. Your feelings about releasing a new album on your 10th anniversary
Joshua: It's very meaningful because the album is released on Seventeen's birthday. I hope CARATs (the fandom name) will enjoy it as much.
Dokyeom: First of all, I am grateful to be with Seventeen for 10 years. We prepared this commemorative album hoping it would be a gift filled with good music for CARATs. I would appreciate it if you love it a lot.
Vernon: It feels surreal that it's already the 10th anniversary since our debut. I'm curious about your reactions to the album, which captures a new side of us musically.
Q. Highlights of the 5th studio album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY'
The8: For the first time in a Seventeen album, we included individual songs from all 13 members. You will be able to feel each member's unique color.
Mingyu: I think the biggest highlight is the title track 'THUNDER'. It's a song that has given Seventeen new inspiration after 10 years of activity!
Q. Highlights of the title track 'THUNDER'
S.Coups: As the lyrics reveal, I hope listeners can feel Seventeen's new charm. We have taken many challenges as Seventeen, but we have confidence that we can show another side of ourselves.
Jun: I think the addictive melody and the corresponding performance are the key points to watch.
Dokyeom: Even after 10 years, our passion on stage is the same as when we debuted. I want to prove that Seventeen can continue to show new sides of ourselves with this energy. I want to show Seventeen's rebirth.
Dino: 'THUNDER' is a song with really cool performances. Please pay attention to the three-dimensional composition of the choreography, the free movements, and the feelings of each member.
Q. Your feelings about collaborating with Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, etc.
Hoshi: Both Pharrell and Timbaland are artists who inspire me greatly, so the entire process of working with them was very meaningful. I was so excited when I first heard about the collaboration with Pharrell, and it was an honor to work with Timbaland on a solo track as well. I hope you can feel how wonderful the results are.
Woozi: It was a great honor to work with producers I learned from through music since I was young. As a player, I tried to express myself honestly and bring out synergy with the members. I learned that the most important thing in music is to be true to oneself. So I tried to express myself in this album as well.
Q. The new aspects of Seventeen that have been reborn
Mingyu: Every minute and second, thoughts change and situations evolve. I'm curious to see how the growth of Seventeen accumulated over 10 years will be revealed on stage.
Seungkwan: We have captured all the energy of Seventeen that we have shown over the past 10 years. You will see a side that contrasts with the fresh charm of Seventeen from our debut.
Q. If you had to express the past 10 years of Seventeen in one word
The8: 'Youth'. Seventeen was my youth. I know it's not easy for 13 of us to come this far together, so I am very grateful to CARATs.
Joshua: 'Love'. Without the love of CARATs, we would never have come this far. I am always thankful and love the members. Recently, I feel like our bond has become stronger after talking together.
Q. The experience that has helped Seventeen grow the most
Woozi: Seventeen has always been a series of challenges. Even now, making albums and promoting is not an easy task. For this 10th anniversary, we have worked hard to take another step forward musically without settling. I think that's why we are a team with the potential to keep growing.
Jun: We are constantly trying and challenging ourselves because we want to show CARATs a better side. I think the love from CARATs is our biggest driving force.
Q. Areas you want to challenge in the future
S.Coups: I want to work hard to create more opportunities to repay the love of our fans. While it's important for us to move forward as Seventeen, the time spent with our fans is also precious, so I want to continue activities that are worthy of that. All 13 of us will show you amazing sides!
Hoshi: I want to create more opportunities to communicate more deeply with more fans in the future. If we can show that communication with fans through new challenges is the driving force of our lives, I think that in itself will be rewarding and valuable. Personally, I want to further showcase my 'all-rounder artist' side.
Q. A message to CARATs and Seventeen
S.Coups: I hope we can fill our time together with love and happiness. I have been happy for the past 10 years, and I hope we can create many good memories in the future.
Joshua: CARATs! We will release many good albums, so please love us a lot, just like now ♥
Jun: I want to keep challenging myself as much as I love CARATs, and I want to show many new sides in the future.
Hoshi: This album was prepared with great effort while thinking of CARATs. Please listen to the individual songs of the members, which contain each member's voice and emotions. I am always grateful for the love you have given us so generously, and I will grow and develop to repay that love.
Woozi: I want to say thank you to the members for creating such a wonderful team, and to CARATs, I hope you stay healthy and continue to support us for a long time without getting tired.
The8: Thank you for being with us for 10 years. I will work hard to ensure we can be together for a long time in the future.
Mingyu: I want to tell the members that they are amazing and I am proud of them. If CARATs support and love our changes and growth, I am excited to see how far we can go. Thank you always, CARATs, and I love you.
Dokyeom: I hope this 10th anniversary becomes a happy and enjoyable gift for CARATs. We couldn't have come this far without you. Once again, I sincerely thank you, and I will show you good stages and music in the future.
Seungkwan: I am really grateful and happy to be able to come back on our 10th anniversary. I will work hard with the mindset of debuting again. Let's do our best~!
Vernon: CARATs, you have worked hard until now, and I hope we can do even better in the future. Thank you. Please stay healthy. I love you.
Dino: I sincerely thank and love the Seventeen members who worked hard on this album and the CARATs who cherish and love us. I want to repay the love we have built together with this album.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
