Seventeen Rock the Stage “Right Here” in New York
After two years, K-pop group SEVENTEEN made their way back to New York for their “RIGHT HERE” world tour this past weekend. They brought a stage full of energetic performances to their third city stop and sixth show of the tour. The 13-member group has been booked and busy all year, from making history like being the first K-pop group to headline Lollapalooza Berlin to releasing their new albums SPILL THE FEELS, released this past month, and 17 IS RIGHT HERE, released in April of this year.
Though Jeonghan and Jun have been absent from tour activities, the rest of the group — S.Coups, Joshua, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino — made sure to make the night memorable for everyone in the audience.
Taking Over UBS Arena
At 7:30 p.m., the crowd’s energy quickly shifted toward the stage screens as the opening VCR played “Maestro.” The night had just begun yet everyone in the crowd jumped to the song. It felt like a warm up and segway into the rest of the night. Once the video was over the lights dimmed again and was followed by a mysterious beat. The stage began to flash red four times, revealing the dancers on the third flash. The anticipation began to grow as each beat reverberated through the whole arena.
With mesmerizing movements, the dancers seemed to have summoned three members as they rose above the stage amid the formation. The crowd’s cheers, even louder than before, intensified as Wonwoo, Hoshi, and Vernon were revealed. Wonwoo delivered his first line of “Fear” before the stage opened its “doors” to unveil the rest of the group. The song started off with a more calm tone before building up to a mystical beat, making their first appearance of the night exceptional.
The group went on to the next powerful and intense performances with “Fearless” and “Maestro.” By the end of their first segment, it was clear that SEVENTEEN made the stage their own and established their commanding presence.
During their first ment, the members made their rounds of opening remarks. SEVENTEEN’s tiger Hoshi went on to do his classic introduction, raising a “claw in the air” with fans following suit. Moments like this make apparent how engaged the group is with their fans. The rest of the members expressed their excitement for their second night and continued on to their next songs “Ash” and “Crush.”
The Triple Threat Units
The next stages were the unit performances, where the members broke out into their designated hip-hop, performance, and vocal teams. The crowds sprang to life as the hip-hop members — S.Coups, Wonwoo, Vernon, and Mingyu — kicked off the first performance with their new song “Water.” Charisma radiated from the members and quickly seeped its way into the crowd, the electrifying rap styles firing up the atmosphere. Waves of loud cheers rippled throughout the song as each member popped up on screen and delivered their lines.
Changing up the tempo, the hip-hop team brought on a spooky tone with their next song “Monster,” just in time for Halloween. The members stood with ghoulish bear masks before starting the song. Loud cheers erupted as the members threw their masks to the side and started riding the flow of the beat with their rap. Fans screamed between the lyrics “Scream out,” and “Both arms here and there, thriller,” adding on to the chilling ambience.
Coming in with a more moody and slower atmosphere, the performance unit, consisting of The8, Dino, and Hoshi, started off with their latest track “Rain.” The stage lights revealed the quartet with bane-like masks before they took them off to sing. Their dance moves were fluid and smooth like water and placed emphasis on their individual charm. A perfect night-time song, the graphics on screen took the crowd through city-like scenes that added on to the moody feeling.
They ended the song by getting into formation to perform “Lilili Yabbay,” a classic. The dreamlike lyrics were paired with a techno beat and sharp dance moves that contrasted their previous stage, which showcased the team’s dynamic in their performances.
Toning down the vibe, the vocal unit — Woozi, DK, Joshua, and Seungkwan — took the audience on a trip to the stars with their newest song “Candy.” Lightsticks blinked blue and white like an extended ocean of stars that filled the area. This ballad love song captured the hearts of everyone that night as people swayed along and settled down to listen. Their next song “Cheers of Youth,” also released this year, picked up an upbeat pace again as the intro played, the crowd waved their lightsticks faster, and confetti shot into the air. Pictures of SEVENTEEN popped up on the screen throughout the song as the unit melodically sang, adding on to the nostalgic feeling.
The group comes back together as eleven for their next stage “Oh My!,” one of the comedic moments of the night. The members walked out of a “time traveling” machine and got settled on the stage. Often breaking throughout the song to act out a skit, these moments built up to the bridge, where they were interrupted by a sudden time traveling moment to “Jumanji.” The stage had shown them being transported into a jungle when it opened up and unleashed “animals” (their back-up dancers dressed in inflatable costumes). The members acted scared during their dance battle until Joshua stepped in between the groups to sing his line. Both ended up making amends and dancing together. The crowd was filled with laughter and fans singing along, making this an unforgettable and comical moment.
No Place Like “Home”
“New York Carats always make me feel like I’m home,” Vernon said during their second ment, which prompted their next song “Home.”
The heartwarming song settled in Carats’ hearts as the lyrics touch on SEVENTEEN being there for fans in times of darkness. Lyrics like “’Cause I’m your home,” and “A place you can come to” serve as a reminder that fans can find comfort in them. It was one of the most connected moments of the night, where all the people in the crowd felt like one big family experiencing the same feelings of peace.
Continuing to showcase their versatile discography, SEVENTEEN heated up the stage with their next songs “March” and “Super.” In between these performances and their final ment, the Carat sing-along took place with fans never stopping for a break as each song, like “Darl+ing,” “Rock with You,” and more, popped up. The group then went back to their roots with their older songs “Adore U” and “‘Bout You.”
As the group settled down for their ending remarks, they expressed their gratitude for Carats coming out and making the night a great time. They made promises to come back soon.
“Until all thirteen of us come back, please stay with us until then,” S.Coups told fans, sending an emotional cheer throughout the arena.
The Party Goes On
It’s not a SEVENTEEN concert without a “Very Nice,” better known as “Aju Nice,” moment — except you never know when it’s really going to end.
“How are you doing tonight, New York City?” Hoshi asked the crowd, getting them ramped up for the final song.
“DK, how are you doing tonight?” Hoshi turned to DK, who replied, “Aju Nice!”
Then the 30 minute segment began and the energy instantly surged throughout the arena. Lightsticks flashed through an array of colors, confetti filled the air, and rays of light strobe throughout the venue. When “Very Nice” comes on, Carats know they’re in for an endless party. The members danced along to the song for about six times before turning to the audience and interacting with them. Fans were randomly picked out and projected onto the screens and danced to their song of choice. It was a memorable experience for all.
As SEVENTEEN lined up to wrap up the night, “Snap Shoot” unexpectedly started playing and caught the members off guard. They ran back out on stage and followed up with another few plays of “Holiday” and another few songs before officially ending the night.
It’s always a bittersweet feeling when a group gives their goodbyes for the night and the concert ends. For three hours, the arena became home to “Caratland” where everyone in the crowd gathered under one roof to share their mutual love for SEVENTEEN. Their ending encore was emblematic to SEVENTEEN’s presence with their fans and as a group — carefree, fun, and most importantly, creating connection.
SEVENTEEN’S New York activities haven’t stopped there. The members have been crusading around Manhattan, visiting the Empire State Building, stopping to pet dogs at Washington Square Park, and performing on Good Morning America. They will be making their way to San Antonio for their next stop on October 31.
Make sure to follow SEVENTEEN on tour by keeping up with their Instagram and TikTok!
Interested in more concert recaps? Check out our latest article about Atarashii Gakko! In New York City here!
