As many of you might already know, I have a deep passion for concerts. There’s something exhilarating about getting ready for them—choosing the perfect outfit, coordinating accessories, and planning every little detail of the experience. The anticipation builds as I think through the whole evening: from the moment I step out the door to the energy buzzing in the venue. It feels only natural that I found my way into the vibrant world of K-pop. In this genre, the attire is not just about fashion; it’s a form of art that reflects the unique personalities of the idols and the themes of their music. The energy at these concerts is something truly special—the excitement and sense of community among fans create an electric atmosphere that is simply unforgettable.

When I found out that Seventeen, one of my absolute favorite K-pop groups, was going on tour, I felt a rush of excitement. I immediately rearranged my entire schedule, juggling work commitments and personal plans to make it happen. With my heart set on it, I packed my bags and hit the road for a memorable road trip to Chicago, eager to experience their electrifying performance live. The thought of seeing them on stage and sharing that atmosphere with fellow carats fueled my excitement as I embarked on the journey.

Fueled by my deep love and passion for the vibrant city of Chicago, I had the incredible opportunity to share this enthusiasm with two of my closest friends as they explored the city for the very first time. Although I’m neither a native Chicagoan nor a Midwesterner, my affection for this city runs deep, and I find myself returning frequently—most recently just two months ago for the exhilarating Lollapalooza festival.

As we strolled through the busy streets, we stopped at all of my favorite spots. We couldn’t resist visiting Exile In Books, my beloved bookstore that feels like a hidden gem filled with character and charm. Of course, we had to see Cloud Gate, affectionately known as “the Bean,” its reflective surface is the place of my many photos.

For lunch, we made our way to Beatrix, one of my top restaurants, where the atmosphere is as delightful as the dishes. Being K-pop fans, we couldn’t miss K-Pop Nara, a lively spot that has the best place to unbox albums and exchange photocards. To wrap up our adventure, we wandered down to the beach and Navy Pier, soaking in the stunning views and the vibrant energy of the waterfront. Each moment was a joy, and I felt a renewed thrill in experiencing this amazing city through the eyes of my friends.

The following day was finally the day of the show, but instead of bustling with excitement, we found ourselves lounging around, waiting for the concert to begin. We had just completed an impressive 20,000 steps the previous day and now needed to conserve our energy.

Regarding my outfit, I took inspiration from their enchanting music video “Spell.” I use the term “inspired” loosely, as once I donned the ensemble, it felt more like I had transformed into a whimsical fairy. This was, without a doubt, the best makeup I had ever done for a concert (thank you Olivia and Pinterest), and the whole look was astonishingly last minute. In fact, my pants had only arrived an hour before I left for the trip. The top I chose embodied the music video’s essence, enhancing the feelings of euphoria and magic it evoked. Paired with delicate jewelry, my look made me feel like I could join the performance unit.

As I arrived to Allstate Arena I was met with the funniest parking situation (a under construction Target?) and truly stimulating environment. To provide some context for those unfamiliar with K-pop, attending a concert often means preparing for extended waits as you arrive at the venue—lines that seem to stretch endlessly before you. Honestly, I can’t recall a time when I didn’t find myself queuing up for ages to see a K-pop group. Yet, these long waits have transformed the experience into something special, fostering a sense of community among fans.

The excitement is palpable as fans exchange thoughtful gifts like handmade bracelets, heartfelt cards, vibrant posters, and a variety of other delightful freebies. Many enthusiasts even craft their own merchandise, drawing attention to small businesses or simply celebrating their love for fellow fans and their favorite groups.

In my experience, Carats—the fans of SEVENTEEN—may excel above all in this realm of creativity and kindness. Surrounded by an explosion of artistic expression, I was captivated by brilliantly designed banners and intricate bracelets adorned with song titles. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, making me feel like I was part of something much larger than myself—a vibrant tapestry woven together by shared love and passion. Carats truly embody a spirit of generosity and genuine camaraderie that makes every moment unforgettable. Just saying, groups/artists that foster good environments also create the best fans.

As we entered the venue, a wave of excitement washed over us, and we found ourselves standing in line for merchandise. If you lack patience, this process might appear overwhelming; having a friend by your side makes the wait feel much more manageable. Eventually, we were all set for the show to begin. Surprisingly, it’s taken me this long to describe the performance, but after much anticipation, it genuinely felt necessary to build up to it. Ever since I became a fan in 2022 with their catchy hit, “Hot,” I had been eagerly counting down the days for this moment.

For the purpose of describing the show, I am going to break the show into the different parts that the group did.

To kick off the show, Seventeen electrified the audience with their powerful performances of “Fear” and “Fearless.” These two tracks formed a dynamic duo that set the perfect tone for the evening. The palpable energy in the venue surged as fans sang along, their enthusiasm echoing the deep affection they have for the group. This opening set not only highlighted the excitement for these particular songs, which haven’t been performed in a while, but also illustrated the unwavering devotion of the fans, making it a truly memorable start to the concert.

As they continued their performance, they played one more song, “Maestro,” which happens to be one of my favorites, before transitioning into unit groups. Seventeen is uniquely organized into three distinct units due to the large number of members and their specialized talents. Usually, the thirteen members are divided into three groups: the Hip-Hop Unit, known for their rhythmic precision and charisma; the Performance Unit, celebrated for their captivating choreography; and the Vocal Unit, renowned for their powerful and emotive singing abilities.

Hip-Hop Unit

Kicking off this section was the Hip-Hop Unit featuring members, Vernon, Scoups, Mingyu and Wonwoo, my absolute favorites! Their performance radiated intense, energetic vibes that resonated deeply with the audience. You could feel the rush of serotonin surging as the electrifying beats filled the atmosphere. They began with their hit track “Water,” a song often dubbed the Korean counterpart to Travis Scott’s sound thanks to its catchy chorus synth, which creates a striking resemblance. The choreography was nothing short of mesmerizing, captivating fans with addictive movements that perfectly complemented the song’s playful spirit.

Next up was the electrifying track “Monster,” an essential addition to any “trick-or-treat tour.” The song featured a chilling production, opening with eerie scream ad-libs that set the perfect tone for the haunting ambiance of October. The excitement in the air was almost tangible as the crowd immersed themselves in a dynamic performance that interwove exhilarating visuals with deep, resonant rhythms. With each beat, the energy in the room surged, leaving everyone craving more. The stage design during this segment was nothing short of spectacular, with mesmerizing lights and effects that captivated the audience, creating an utterly spellbinding experience that was hard to tear your eyes away from.

PERFORMANCE UNIT

This group truly embodies a stunning fusion of breathtaking visuals and mesmerizing performances that leave you absolutely spellbound. As the standout dancers of Seventeen, they also deliver hauntingly beautiful vocal arrangements that pull you into a captivating experience. The performance unit comprises Hoshi, Minghao, Dino, and Jun (who is currently not on tour). If you had the chance to watch the video of “Spell,” you know exactly what I mean when I say they effortlessly command the stage.

During their performance, they enthralled the audience with two songs: the evocative “Rain” from their latest EP, alongside the nostalgic “Lilili Yabbay,” a fan favorite that hasn’t been showcased in ages. The combination of their electrifying choreography and rich harmonies created an unforgettable moment that truly highlighted their exceptional talent.

VOCAL UNIT

Some may argue that the vocal unit is the most relaxed of the three groups, but in truth, it is within this ensemble that the most energetic members truly shine. Their vibrancy radiates through captivating high vocal riffs and intricate extended melodies that enchant the audience.

After the unit performances, the group delighted everyone with a charming skit that accompanied their song. This playful presentation highlighted the infectious energy and sense of joy that defines the group. They have a remarkable ability to turn every moment into an opportunity for fun, crafting an engaging spectacle not only for themselves but also for the captivated audience. Their vibrant spirit and enthusiasm shine through, making the experience truly memorable for all.

Playing songs that reflect the fun nature of Seventeen and their reality show “Going Seventeen” with their outfits, the group poked fun at their members while also integrating past experiences and inside jokes in their performance. During this section they played “Oh My!,” “Snap Shoot,” “God of Music,” and “Home”. These songs feel like being given a warm hug and truly made me just want to smile the entire time.

Seventeen took center stage with an electrifying lineup featuring their songs “Love,” “Money,” “Fame,” “Super,” and “March.” These tracks represent the pinnacle of their performance before the highly anticipated encore, culminating in a vibrant showcase of some of their most powerful and entertaining pieces. Among these, “Super” particularly stands out, having claimed the #2 spot on my Spotify Wrapped for 2023. It’s hard not to feel a deep connection to the song; if “Super” has no fans, then I might as well not exist.

In a visually striking moment, the group donned outfits reminiscent of the “Love, Money, Fame” music video, opting for a more relaxed “boyfriend” attire that contrasted sharply with the high-energy choreography they executed. The sight of them performing intricate dance moves while in such comfortable clothing provided a humorous and endearing element to the show, amplifying the excitement and enjoyment for everyone in the audience.

To conclude the show, the group treated the audience to their renowned segment, “Aju Nice,” a lively encore that seems to have no end. This time, however, they took it a step further by seamlessly integrating fan-favorite songs suggested by the crowd into their performance. Hits like “Holiday,” “HIT,” “Fighting,” “HOT,” and others filled the air, creating a vibrant medley of the tracks they hadn’t been able to showcase earlier in the set.

The energy in the arena was palpable as the musicians engaged with the audience, inviting their song suggestions and creating moments of genuine connection. It was an exhilarating experience, unlike anything I had ever witnessed at a concert before. The atmosphere was charged with appreciation, as if the group was sincerely grateful for the opportunity to share this unforgettable night with their fans. The heartfelt interactions transformed the space into a collective celebration, leaving everyone with a sense of unity and joy.

Experiencing a Seventeen show is truly a one-of-a-kind event. The atmosphere is infused with an undeniable sense of camaraderie, as if the audience is surrounded by a close-knit group of friends basking in a perpetual glow of joy. The way the members connect on stage radiates warmth, showcasing their deep bond as they share the spotlight. Their interactions, both with each other and with fans, create an intimate and lively environment that feels electric. It’s as if they’re inviting everyone into their shared adventure, making each performance an unforgettable celebration of friendship and passion. I look forward to finding myself in that shared adventure again!