K-pop stars Seventeen bring power in numbers to Scotiabank Arena

Attention all citizens: a tidal wave of funky fresh rhythm has been forecast to hit Toronto early next month. Residents can expect a mix of blazing onstage energy combined with razor-sharp synchronization and deadly earworms that will linger for weeks regardless of the listener’s language or background.

Crashing down at Scotiabank Arena Sept. 3 is not a literal weather phenomenon, of course, but explosive 13-member K-pop act Seventeen — part of the “Korean wave” of pop culture that has been building on these shores for decades. On just their second visit to Canada, Seventeen will step up to join an elite group of Korean artists who have broken through in this market to headline a concert at the venue.

Pioneer boy band BIGBANG cleared the way in 2015 at the then Air Canada Centre, followed two years later by BIGBANG member G-Dragon on his own, as well as fellow boy group GOT7 in 2018 and 2019.

Don’t let that short list fool you, though. K-pop has made a splash in other large venues across the city, such as the five-piece Red Velvet’s sugar-sweet performance at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2019 and solo powerhouse HyunA rocking it at the Danforth Music Hall in 2017. And even if none of these artists ring a bell, you’d have to be living under a rock to not recognize the name BTS, whose three appearances at FirstOntario Centre in September 2018 saw many Torontonians make the trek down the QEW to Hamilton.

But no other K-pop act can boast to have graced the stage at Toronto’s Massey Hall, which Seventeen did on their first overseas excursion, the “Diamond Edge” tour in 2017. Fans from that intimate yet fiery show have been polishing their lightsticks in anticipation of their return to Toronto on this year’s “Be the Sun” world tour.

Nowadays, you’re likely to find Seventeen albums prominently displayed at mainstream chains such as Sunrise Records, but any K-pop enthusiast from the GTA will happily refer you to beloved novelty shop Sarah & Tom in Koreatown, one of the prime locations downtown to socialize with like-minded fans and pick up your favourite group’s latest releases. Many of those are collector’s items due to their innovative packaging.

The group’s diamond theme, stemming from their early hit “Shining Diamond,” extends to the band’s logo, tour and album names — “Ideal Cut,” “17 Carat” — and even their fan base, named Carats, their number exceeding more than 10 million followers on both Instagram and Twitter.

Seventeen falls under the umbrella label of what’s known in Korea as an idol group, which prioritizes skill in performance over behind-the-scenes work, although many idols do have an active hand in production. But the band’s members have been intrinsically involved and invested in all aspects of the Seventeen brand from the group’s conception.

Known as “self-producing idols,” the members participate in everything from songwriting to choreography to directing music videos. Member Woozi has more than 100 songwriting credits, including tracks for other artists, and was named best producer at last year’s Asia Artist Awards, becoming the youngest to receive the honour.

So then, how does 13 equal Seventeen? Start with the three units that co-operate with one another as a finely oiled machine. The hip-hop team is composed of rappers S. Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu and English-speaking Vernon. Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua (from L.A. and also fluent in English), DK and Seungkwan make up the vocal unit. And Hoshi, Jun, The8 and Dino are the dance-focused performance squad. Do the math — 13 members plus three units plus one group — and you get Seventeen.

Their catchy title tracks have always included elements of English, as many K-pop hits do. But their most recent album, “Face the Sun,” features an entirely English single in “Darl+ing.” In addition, they joined forces with U.K. singer Anne-Marie for a new version of “_World.”

“All our international fans, even though they may not understand Korean, love us for who we are and love our music so much, so we just wanted to make a song they can easily listen to and understand,” Joshua said in a Rolling Stone article earlier this year.

But Seventeen — whose lineup has remained unchanged since their “17 Carat” debut EP in 2015 — stand out for more than just their signature music and performances. Their original web variety show “Going Seventeen” racks up millions of views on YouTube from fans and non-fans alike, showcasing their quick wits and hilariously entertaining group dynamic on a weekly basis.

For newcomers to the K-pop scene, the group will also turn heads with their elaborate interactivity in live settings, known as “fan chants.” Along with having props such as lightsticks, excited attendees of any K-pop concert will prepare for precise moments to shout in unison so as to become part of the show themselves.

Seventeen’s fan chants, though, have been taken to another level. Typically created and demonstrated by the band members themselves, the interactions have become increasingly complex throughout the years, serving as a fun challenge from artist to fan. During “Getting Closer,” Carats shout each member’s full name in order from oldest to youngest then back up again, interspersed with fervent cheers of the group name, the fan base name and the song title (“Sumi cha” in Korean). Talk about devotion.

But don’t let any perceived exclusivity over not knowing fan chants or barriers in communication make you think you wouldn’t be welcomed at Scotiabank Arena on Sept. 3. “I know that people whose native language is not Korean have to work hard to understand our message,” group leader S. Coups said in the same Rolling Stone interview.

But when that message of fun and inclusiveness is conveyed artistically through lockstep movements and heartfelt melodies, it comes shining through brighter than any diamond.

SHARE: