Seventeen Right Here Baby!
Mark this as a bucket list concert- I’ve always loved Seventeen (though finally setting my mind on learning everyone’s names WAS intimidating but worth it) and seeing them live is something I will never forget. Sadly Jeonghan decided to join his military desk job for mandatory service right before tour and Jun peaced back to China to start in a new drama (it better be good Jun) so we only got to see 11/13 of them- but I’m hoping that eventually when they are 13 again I can see them- and to be honest I’m interested in what they decide to do sub unit wise when the other Korean members- start enlisting, with so many members I think I they have the best potential to make some really amazing work even with smaller sub units than the OT13! They decided to drop tour dates with little to no warning and decided to only do a few cities, so we geared ourselves up for a ticketmaster battle like no other- and that it was. Thankfully all 7 of our collective secured tickets, and even another ticket for a satellite collective member!
Shocker we found ourselves back at UBS arena and boy this time it was really above and beyond anything we ever experienced. Silver parking lot is the go to if you can’t get into the garage, but this time the Emerald lot on the other side of the racetrack had a shuttle running which makes it way better than the HELLISH walk otherwise.
Outside in the Quad area they had things set up not related to Seventeen but available for us to do- ice skating rink, hockey, fire pits, food trucks- it was a cool layout! But because Seventeen doesn’t do anything half assed, there was a photo op with a tour sign and another photo op with a phone to leave the band a message. There was a 360 picture set up and even Cornhole set up to play! But best of all was the amazing group of CARATS out with freebies to trade, lightstick accessories to buy, and PC trading as well as selling. Needless to say I bought a cute tiger caratbong accessory… And some PCs.
The CARAT Zone was a lot like ATINY zone, though I’m bummed we only got 1 Photocard instead of 2. Everyone was trying to trade for their biases which is where I really lucked out- I have 5 in my bias lineup but I alternate between Hoshi and Vernon, and good for me Vernon is not always a popular member so I easily traded my way to obtain his PC. The group I went with was able to keep trading until we almost all had our biases- and were happy to walk out with Vernon, Woozi, Wonwoo, Mingyu, Hoshi, DK (times 2), and The8.
Now, onto the most important part- the show itself! I felt like I was finishing the evening the best way after meeting so many fun people and having fun with my friends. I did know the setlist prior and was sad some songs I was really looking forward to were not on the list but it was still AMAZING. Not only do they dominate the stage as a cohesive team but each unit brought their own energy and vibe to the stage. I’m bummed we didn’t get Spell or Lalali live but we still got to Aju Nice 9 times. Lighting, sound, stage all 100%. Outfits were next level, dance was (as always) on point and I was really impressed and touched that they interacted with fans so much with the Carat Karaoke and the dance battle challenges. The whole group seemed involved and interested in our signs and flags and that made me feel like they like their job and truly enjoy what they do- and their health and well being is important to me!
Needless to say this was one of the most memorable concerts I’ve been to so far and will forever be one of my favorites. If you ever get the chance to see Seventeen live- DO IT. Horanghae my fellow CARATS!
