[Dispatch=Reporter Yu Ha Neul] "Still, we will continue to move forward as SEVENTEEN." (THE 8)

SEVENTEEN and CARAT (official fanbase name) met once more. A total of approximately 58,000 people boarded the express train heading toward "CARAT LAND." They ran for 210 minutes with passion and energy.

This marks the 10th fan meeting of the year. However, SEVENTEEN's time still remained at their debut era. On stage, they showed more sincerity than anyone, and in front of fans, they were still playful boys.

SEVENTEEN faces another military enlistment period ahead. Mingyu, Dohyeom, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino are scheduled to fulfill their military service obligations in turn. The members emphasized a new beginning rather than regret.

SEVENTEEN held a fan meeting "SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND" on the 20th and 21st at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. Dispatch attended the final performance.

◆ "CARAT LAND, let's go together"

An express train appeared against the backdrop of a grand castle. Cheers erupted from the audience. Members emerged from the train, signaling the start of the fan meeting. Large fireworks burst as the song played.

"Welcome to CARAT LAND! CARAT, let's go together!" (SEVENTEEN)

They then presented stages of "Heaven's Cloud" and "My My." SEVENTEEN's signature refreshing energy and warm harmony filled the venue.

Members moved across the stage, making eye contact with fans. They waved and sent hearts, breathing together with the audience. The entire performance hall became one playground.

Challenge stages for CARAT were prepared as well, with solo performances elevating the atmosphere.

◆ "Comedy SEVENTEEN does not stop"

The next stage featured a Japanese best album title track reinterpreted in Korean version. Before game start, the energy heightened.

SEVENTEEN then entered the game world with CARAT. The game involved three teams guessing the number of members wearing flower headbands. Members served as judges.

MC Seungkwan's hosting shined. While giving their all in games, they did not miss fan service. Members were asked to wear various animal headbands and take poses. CARAT continuously pressed their camera shutters.

A mole game also brought laughter. Challenge team members became moles, avoiding hunter attacks to answer questions. They also revisited memories by watching past performance posters and choreography videos with CARAT.

In the block-stacking game, each team's competitive spirit exploded. Fouls and jokes continued, with members even tattling on each other to CARAT over minor tricks. The venue became a sea of laughter as they toppled each other's towers while bickering.

◆ "You've never seen this before, right?"

CARAT LAND's signature "Reverse Stage" received an upgrade. Going beyond existing unit stages, it was newly arranged with members reinterpreting each other's solo songs.

Seungkwan opened with Dino's track. With all-black styling and intense performance, he dominated the audience. CARAT responded with reactions matching the lyrics.

Vernon presented ethereal vocals and visuals. Mingyu reinterpreted Vernon's track in band version. Dino sang Joshua's track enthusiastically, displaying affection toward CARAT.

S.Coups digested Dohyeom's song with his own charm. THE 8 conveyed deep emotion with Seungkwan's track, and Dohyeom reinterpreted THE 8's track in his own style.

Jun's stage (original by Mingyu) and Joshua's stage (original by S.Coups) followed. Members drew cheers with unexpected charms different from their existing images.

◆ "11 years, the beginning of a new chapter"

Soon came the final station heading to "CARAT LAND." A medley of SEVENTEEN's representative songs played. Fans responded with waves of light sticks filling the venue. Large fireworks burst in the night sky.

"We're doing fan meetings all over the neighborhood!" (SEVENTEEN)

Wonwoo and Hoshi also cheered from the audience. They performed vigorous dancing. They playfully encouraged fans with insufficient response, bringing laughter.

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN boarded a truck heading outside the stage. Jun expressed affection, saying "seeing you up close is so wonderful. CARATs are so beautiful." CARAT responded with record-breaking cheers.

SEVENTEEN's first chapter is approaching its period. However, their story has not ended. They are preparing for the start of a second chapter, passing through a pause called military service.

Toward the end of the performance, SEVENTEEN shared honest feelings facing another military enlistment period.

"Since trainee days, I've been greatly inspired watching members run toward their dreams. Without them, I wouldn't be here today. I love all the members and CARATs. It will be difficult to meet as a group for a while, but it will pass quickly. Please wait a little." (Joshua)

"I seem to have become something I couldn't have imagined as a child. I'm proud to belong to such a team. Until the day we meet again, I hope everyone stays healthy." (Vernon)

"I want to remain like a vitamin to CARAT. I promise to return as an even more wonderful Seungkwan. Please continue to watch, support, and love our members." (Seungkwan)

"I see many signs written 'I will wait.' Thank you so much. I will complete my military service and return. I will come back as a better man and bring you good music." (Dohyeom)

"It's a fun performance with CARAT, but I suddenly wondered, 'when did I become someone who could enjoy the stage without tension in such a large venue?' It seems we've closed one chapter of the past 11 years well. I'm grateful to CARATs, members, and all staff." (Mingyu)

"It seems it's time to show you the second chapter now. There will be growing pains, but growth always comes with lessons to learn. As someone waiting, I want to create something I can consistently show CARATs. I will continue to grow as THE 8." (THE 8)

"Thanks to you, I've achieved so many dreams. I want to show you growing and working even harder in the future. I will repay you with better works and stages. I hope to be with you in that new world as well." (Jun)

"Before, popularity and achievements were most important. I was competitive too. But at some point, I started to think about how to repay the love I received from CARATs. The reason for this change is thanks to the love of members and CARATs. I hope we can grow old together going forward." (S.Coups)

"I will return with a better appearance. Wherever CARAT is, I will run and dance and sing. Because CARAT is my reason for existing." (Dino)

<Photos provided by Pledis Entertainment>