SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment
The boy group become the first K-pop act to headline Lollapalooza Berlin
K-pop superstars SEVENTEEN headlined Lollapalooza Berlin on Sunday (September 8), causing the city to be taken over by a sea of fans clad in pink and blue that ranged from clothing and dyed hair to hijabs.
This landmark event is the latest installment in the 13-man group’s, whirlwind ride to success. In the last two years their EP, "FML", was named the biggest-selling album globally of 2023 by IFPI, they became the first K-pop group to perform at Glastonbury in 2024, picked up three MTV awards in 2022, and won the prestigious album of the year award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in 2024.
Now the “Super” singers join the likes of Sam Smith, Burna Boy, The Chainsmokers, and Martin Garrix as some of top-billed artists on Lollapalooza Berlin’s headlining roaster. With Carats (the name of SEVENTEEN’s fanbase) having travelled from countries such as United Kingdom, Finland and Italy, the performance served as a fitting opportunity to make it up to their European fans who had never seen the group due the “Ode to You” tour being foiled by the pandemic.
“We know how much you have waited for us. Not only is it our first time in Berlin, it’s our first time to perform at Lollapalooza, and it’s our first time to headline it,” Vernon said to fans. “It’s all thanks to you guys.”
Despite being down a member, since Jun had previously confirmed not to be participating due to scheduling conflicts with his acting job in China, and the show marking member Jeonghan’s last performance before mandatory enlistment – SEVENTEEN left no room for sadness. The 12 singers dominated the stage with ferocity, finesse and synchronization, making it clear that this is SEVENTEEN’s world and we just live in it.
Here are the seven of the best moments from SEVENTEEN’s Lollapalooza Berlin set.
“I love my team, I love my crew”
The group descended upon the stage like an army in denim, prepped for battle. What better way to win over fans and onlookers alike than starting the setlist with the war cry that is their smash hit “Super”. The power anthem was packed with intricate choreography that could only be executed by a group who have nine year’s worth of teamwork under their belts. There is something almost akin to a religious experience about being able to get thousands of people to chant “I love my team, I love my crew.”
SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment
Crowd interaction
If one was expecting that the members would portray nervousness in the presence of their first German festival crowd, you thought wrong. The gentlemen exuded unwavering confidence and an impressive level of crowd control. Whether it was dividing the crowd and getting them to chant “Left” “Right” leading into the song of the same title or getting the crowd to put their paws in the air in allegiance to Hoshi’s “horanghae” agenda.
SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment
Unexpected Subunits
Joshua announced that, “for those of you guys that don’t know, SEVENTEEN, our group as units” (as if we didn’t know). The group went on to split into their respective teams that included “Cheers to Youth” by the group’s Vocal Unit (made up of Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua, DK and Seungkwan), “Spell” (Performance Unit – Dino, The8, and Hoshi), and “Fire” (Hip-Hop Unit consisting of S.coups, Vernon, Wonwoo and Mingyu). However, they deviated from their expected formula by adding the rambunctious hit that is “Fighting” by BooSeokSoon (made of members Hoshi, DK & Seungkwan) and “Cheers”, the Hip-Hop party-starter by SEVENTEEN’s leaders (S.coups, Hoshi & Woozi). The audience was even treated to an OT12 version of shaking your “pang pang”.
SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment
“Hot” turned up the heat
One would not think that it could get any warmer standing under the sun in 32-degree heat and yet SEVENTEEN managed to blaze with the fires of a thousand suns when they performed their 2022 hit “Hot”. The group whipped up the crowd into a feral state with their audacious, raw energy, an exceptional live band on hand, an extended dance break, and sensual body rolls that should be illegal.
SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment
Clapping on beat
The track “Clap” turned out to be one of the biggest crowd pleasers of the evening, with jumping, chanting, and, obviously, ear-deafening clapping. The 2017 title track was a fan favourite.
SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment
“Maestro” with no group in sight
It is one thing to be able to get a crowd to sing along to your songs, is another to manage to get a football chant level of enthusiasm before the artist has even set foot on stage. Yet Carats were singing along to the audio of SEVENTEEN's latest single "Maestro" before the group had even made an appearance. It is a testament to the dedication of their fanbase.
SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment
The never-ending “Aju Nice”
Anyone who is familiar with SEVENTEEN knows that it’s not a question of if they will close their set with their megahit “VERY NICE (Korean title Aju Nice)”, but how many times the group is going to perform the song. The night was concluded with confetti, the members spraying the fans with water, and the crowd united in a more friendly version of moshing. Naturally it wouldn’t be an “Aju Nice” set without Seungkwan jumping off the stage to get members of the audience to sing with them. A delightful end to a long-awaited performance.
SEVENTEEN Credit: Pledis Entertainment