On the 10th anniversary of their debut, the time for the group SEVENTEEN (S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, Doyoung, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino) continues.
Starting as a 'self-produced idol,' SEVENTEEN has become an irreplaceable entity by claiming numerous K-pop titles, both most and first. With annual album sales of 10 million copies, the highest first-week sales in K-pop history, along with a global stage 'Nail Up,' they have set landmark records in K-pop history.
Even at the peak, SEVENTEEN's run continues. The release of their 5th studio album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' in celebration of their 10th anniversary is a declaration of SEVENTEEN's rebirth and a challenge towards eternity. On the 26th, the members releasing the new album shared their sincere thoughts through Pledis Entertainment.
Q. Your thoughts on releasing the new album on the 10th anniversary of your debut
Joshua: Since this album is being released on SEVENTEEN's birthday, it holds significant meaning. I hope CARATs (the fandom) will enjoy it joyfully.
Doyoung: First of all, I am thankful that we could be together as SEVENTEEN for 10 years. I prepared this to be a monumental album for us and a gift filled with good music for CARATs. I would appreciate it if you love it a lot.
Vernon: It feels strange that we are already celebrating our 10th anniversary when it seems like just yesterday we debuted. I'm curious about everyone's reactions to an album that captures new aspects musically.
Q. Key points to appreciate in the 5th studio album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY'
DK: For the first time among SEVENTEEN's albums, we've included personal songs from all 13 members. You should be able to feel each member's unique color.
Mingyu: I think the biggest point of appreciation is the title track 'THUNDER.' It's a song that once again gives SEVENTEEN new inspiration after 10 years of activities!
Q. Key points to appreciate in the title track 'THUNDER'
S.Coups: As reflected in the lyrics, I hope listeners can feel SEVENTEEN's new charm. Although we've taken many challenges as SEVENTEEN, we wanted to convey confidence that we can show another side of ourselves.
Jun: I think the addictive melody and corresponding performance are the points of observation.
Doyoung: Although 10 years have passed, the passion on stage remains the same as it was at our debut. I want to prove that SEVENTEEN can continue to show new aspects by using this energy as our driving force. I want to showcase SEVENTEEN's rebirth.
Dino: 'THUNDER' is a song with really cool performances. Please pay attention to the three-dimensional composition of the choreography and the free movements of each member.
Q. Your thoughts on collaborating with Pharrell Williams and Timbaland
Hoshi: Both Pharrell and Timbaland are artists who have greatly inspired me, so every moment of working with them was truly meaningful. When I first heard about the collaboration with Pharrell, I was so excited, and it was an honor to work with Timbaland even on solo tracks. I hope you can feel how wonderful the end product is.
Woozi: It was a great honor to work with producers from whom I learned through music since childhood. I tried to express myself honestly as a player and draw synergy with the members. By deeply listening to and studying their music, I learned that 'the most important thing in music is ultimately being oneself.' So, I tried to express myself in this album as well.
Q. The new aspects that the reborn SEVENTEEN will show
Mingyu: Thoughts change every minute, and situations change too. I am also curious about how SEVENTEEN's growth accumulated over 10 years will be reflected on stage.
Seungkwan: We have captured all the energy that SEVENTEEN has presented over the past 10 years. You will see a contrasting aspect compared to the innocent charm of SEVENTEEN in the early days.
Q. If you had to express the past 10 years of SEVENTEEN in one word
DK: 'Youth.' SEVENTEEN has been my youth. Knowing how difficult it is for 13 of us to reach this point together, I am very grateful to CARATs.
Joshua: 'Love.' Without the love of CARATs, we would never have made it this far. I am always thankful and love the members. Recently, while having conversations together, I feel that our bond has become stronger, which makes me very happy.
Q. The experience of the challenge that helped SEVENTEEN grow the most
Woozi: SEVENTEEN has always been a series of challenges. Even now, I think that creating albums ourselves and promoting is not an easy task. This 10th anniversary was also a time where we did not rest but worked hard to musically take another step forward. So, I believe we are a team that always has the potential to grow.
Jun: With the desire to show CARATs even better sides, all 13 members are continuously trying and challenging themselves. I think the love from CARATs is our greatest driving force.
Q. Areas you'd like to challenge further
S.Coups: I want to create more opportunities to repay our fans' love. While it is important to move forward as SEVENTEEN, the time spent with our fans who have been with us is valuable, so I want to continue activities that are worthy of that. All 13 of us will show you our wonderful sides!
Hoshi: I want to create more opportunities to communicate more deeply with as many fans as possible. If I can show that communication with fans is the driving force of our lives through new challenges, that alone could be fulfilling and valuable. Personally, I want to convey more of the 'all-rounder artist' aspect.
Q. A message to CARATs and SEVENTEEN
S.Coups: I hope we can fill our times with love, care, and happiness for one another. I was happy for 10 years, and I hope we create many wonderful memories in the future.
Joshua: CARATs! We will release many good albums, so please show us your love, just like now ♥.
Jun: I want to continue challenging ourselves and show many new sides as much as I love CARATs.
Hoshi: This is an album that we prepared very hard, thinking of CARATs. Please make sure to listen to the members' personal songs, which contain each of their voices and emotions. I am always grateful for the love you've given without reservation, and I will become Hoshi who continues to grow and develop to repay that love.
Woozi: I want to tell the members that I appreciate them for creating such a wonderful team, and I want to tell CARATs that I hope they can continue healthily and without tiring for a long time.
DK: Thank you for being with us for 10 years. I will work hard so that we can continue together for a long time.
Mingyu: I want to say to the members that they are really 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 run. Thank you always, CARATs, I love you.
Doyoung: I hope this 10th anniversary becomes a happy and joyful gift for CARATs. We wouldn't have come this far without you. Once again, I sincerely thank you, and we will continue to show you good stages and music.
Seungkwan: I am truly grateful and happy to be able to make a comeback on our 10th anniversary. I will work hard with the mindset of debuting again. Let's do our best~!
Vernon: CARATs, you've worked hard until now, and I hope we can do even better in the future. Thank you, and I hope you stay healthy. I love you.
Dino: I sincerely thank and love SEVENTEEN, who worked hard together on this album, and CARATs, who cherish and love us. I want to repay the love we built together through this album.
[Photo] Pledis Entertainment
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