These rookies may be called Seventeen but don’t be deceived – there are thirteen guys currently in the band, and only three of them are actually seventeen years old. They made K-pop history earlier this year as they were the first band to debut via an hour-long live showcase on a major channel.
The 13 guys are: S.Coups (leader), Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon and Dino (maknae).
The name comes from the original concept that there would be seventeen members, but it’s also explained this way: the thirteen members split into three sub-units (hip-hop, vocal and performance) but they still make one team. So, 13+3+1 = 17!
Although the band only officially debuted in May 2015, the smart folks at Pledis Entertainment have been building up their profile by showing us sneaky rehearsal footage of them for the last two years. A TV show called 17TV was aired on UStream, allowing viewers a peek at the practice room and a heads-up on the potential band members.
Then MBC aired the guys’ reality show Seventeen Project: Big Debut Plan throughout May 2015, culminating in a debut performance featuring Lizzy and Raina from AfterSchool. Their first EP 17 Carat was released just a few days later. It was partly composed and produced by the members and featured debut track Adore U. Boys Be is the second EP, and you may have caught the guys recently promoting their new track from this, Mansae. With an international mix of American, Chinese and Korean members, and established sub-units on debut, you’re sure to see a lot more of Seventeen in the future!
Recommended viewing
Mansae
Adore U
Meet the members here on The Show (fan subbed)
