MBC's special documentary "Magic Hour, The SEVENTEEN" captures the group's remarkable 9-year evolution, showcasing their growth from modest beginnings to global K-pop phenomenon.
A Decade of Dreams and Dedication
SEVENTEEN, the 13-member powerhouse group consisting of S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino, has carved out a unique space in the competitive world of K-pop. Their journey, from their debut in 2015 to becoming stadium-headlining artists, is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the unwavering support of their fanbase, known as CARAT.
From Small Venues to Stadiums
The documentary vividly illustrates SEVENTEEN's ascent from performing in intimate 800-seat venues to commanding massive stadiums. Their recent tour, spanning four cities across Korea and Japan, drew an impressive 380,000 fans over eight shows. The pinnacle of this tour was their two-day performance at Kanagawa's Nissan Stadium, Japan's largest concert venue, where they entertained a staggering 144,000 fans.
"I couldn't believe my eyes," Seungkwan shared, recalling the sea of lightsticks at Nissan Stadium. "I kept wondering if each light was really a person or if it was CGI. It was truly mind-blowing."
The Art of Performance
SEVENTEEN's reputation as 'performance masters' is well-earned. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at their meticulous preparation process. Members shared insights into how they adapt their performances to different stage sizes, constantly striving to enhance the audience experience.
Dino, known for his perfectionism, revealed, "I always aim to deliver the best performance within my capabilities. That's why there's always a lingering sense of what could have been better." This dedication to craft has been a key factor in SEVENTEEN's rise to the top.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
SEVENTEEN's hard work has translated into numerous accolades and broken records. They topped the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's 2023 Global Album Chart, a first for a K-pop group. Additionally, they set a new record for K-pop single album sales, further cementing their status in the industry.
Music critic Kim Young-dae offered his perspective on SEVENTEEN's unique position in K-pop: "It's rare to see a group maintain peak popularity as they enter their 10th year. SEVENTEEN's trajectory is almost unprecedented in K-pop history."
The SEVENTEEN-CARAT Bond
Central to SEVENTEEN's success is their deep connection with their fans, CARAT. The documentary showcases touching moments of interaction and gratitude between the group and their supporters.
"The love we receive from CARAT is immeasurable and incredibly precious," Dino expressed. "SEVENTEEN's existence is intrinsically tied to CARAT. Without them, we wouldn't have a reason to be."
Seungkwan and Hoshi echoed these sentiments, saying, "We wish we could personally embrace each and every CARAT. Our happiness stems from their support and love."
Global Impact and Future Prospects
SEVENTEEN's influence continues to expand globally. Recent milestones include their appointment as UNESCO Youth Ambassadors and their groundbreaking performance as the first K-pop act on the main stage of the UK's prestigious Glastonbury Festival.
Forbes magazine highlighted SEVENTEEN's growing international appeal, predicting, "SEVENTEEN's influence is set to increase significantly, not just in Europe, but worldwide."
Giving Back: The Bongbongi Font Campaign
Demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility, SEVENTEEN partnered with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO for the 'Bongbongi' font donation campaign. This initiative, inspired by SEVENTEEN's official lightstick, raised funds to rebuild educational infrastructure in Malawi, Africa, a region severely impacted by Cyclone Freddy in February 2023.
The campaign's proceeds have facilitated the restoration of classrooms, provided new educational materials, and improved basic facilities in Malawi's Community Learning Centers. This effort aligns with SEVENTEEN's ongoing participation in UNESCO's 'Going Together' campaign, aimed at reducing global educational disparities.
Looking Ahead
As SEVENTEEN enters the next phase of their career, they show no signs of slowing down. With upcoming fan meetings in Seoul, plans for a new album, and a world tour on the horizon, the group continues to push boundaries and exceed expectations.
Their journey from aspiring idols to global superstars, as captured in "Magic Hour, The SEVENTEEN," not only celebrates their past achievements but also builds anticipation for what's to come. As they continue to grow both as artists and as individuals, SEVENTEEN's story remains a shining example of the power of talent, hard work, and the unbreakable bond between idols and their fans in the world of K-pop.
