Ascending once again to the zenith of K-pop stardom, the dynamic ensemble SEVENTEEN has made a grand entrance with their much-anticipated album, 17 IS RIGHT HERE. The unveiling of their latest work was marked by the release of the music video for their lead single “MAESTRO,” drawing the eyes of the media and global fanbase affectionately known as CARATS.
“We are back after six months and making this new album has been a nervous experience. I hope CARATS are happy, and it’s a new beginning for us,” S.COUPS, the group’s leader, articulated during a press gathering.
SEVENTEEN, consisting of members S.COUPS, JEONGHAN, JOSHUA, JUN, HOSHI, WONWOO, WOOZI, THE 8, MINGYU, DK, SEUNGKWAN, VERNON, and DINO, have eclipsed expectations yet again. With a staggering initial sale of 2,260,906 copies, their album dominated the daily album charts immediately upon release, signifying another historic moment for the group.
The album, 17 IS RIGHT HERE, not only stands as a testimony to their innovative spirit but also solidifies their status in the global K-pop landscape. An exploration through their rich discography reveals not just a celebration of their artistic journey but also conveys their unyielding ambition for the future as indicated by the novel tracks joining the ensemble’s musical repertoire.
The single “MAESTRO” is a compilation of risk and tradition, interlacing the essence of past hits such as “Adore U,” “VERY NICE,” “Oh My!”, “Fear,” “Rock with you,” “CHEERS,” and “Super” – all while carving out a niche that’s distinctly its own. The track, an entrancing dance R&B masterpiece, exemplifies the group’s collective ethos – that in unity, we harness the power to conduct the symphony of our lives.
“It is one of our best albums, and it has the best songs starting from our debut. It means a lot, as we look back on what we’ve done and also look ahead to a new beginning with this best album. It’s a good phase, a sort of a turning point,” MINGYU shared passionately.
The “MAESTRO” music video transports viewers to a near-future dystopia where art and melody are forcefully manufactured, challenging the meaning of authentic creativity. It follows the 13-member constellation as they navigate a reality cluttered with artificiality, culminating in the evocative inquiry, “Who is the real MAESTRO?”
Alongside “MAESTRO,” the group also flaunts their range with three distinctly flavored unit tracks. “LALALI” manifests the Hip-hop Unit’s effortless swagger, “Spell” entraps listeners with the Performance Unit’s sensual declarations, and “Cheers to Youth” serves as a heartfelt anthem from the Vocal Unit extolling life’s simple pleasures.
Reflecting on their journey, leader S.COUPS recalled, “The most memorable time for us was when we won the grand prize at MAMA (The band took home best group in the 2023 MAMA awards). In 2018/19 we used to wonder if we were even worthy of it, since Korea has such amazing artists, and thought we would never be able to get the big prize. But that award gave me the confidence and a boost for all of us.”
Teasing future interactions on the global stage, SEVENTEEN divulged plans for a U.S. tour come fall and exclusive appearances in Europe, including a prime slot at Glastonbury and the honor of being the sole K-pop act at Lollapalooza Berlin this year. Anticipation swells as they also hinted at another album release projected for the second part of the year.
In a time when music transcends borders, SEVENTEEN’s triumphant return with 17 IS RIGHT HERE is more than just a musical milestone; it is a collective signal of their unending rise, and a resonant reminder that, in the vast universe of K-pop, they have orchestrated their success, emerging as true maestros of their craft.
