Following the heart-warming Summer release, You Make My Day, SEVENTEEN holds the runner-up spot for Korea’s top-selling album of the first half of 2019 with their Winter release, You Made My Dawn. With lead single “Home,” the group reached number four on the Billboard World Albums chart showing a softer, serene side of SEVENTEEN. Before opening BUILD Studios’s weekly programming this Monday, the group headlined KCON New York Day 2 with an exciting, crowd-stopping performance. Joining them was journalist Jeff Benjamin talking about the group’s path to global stardom and what’s still to come.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO!

Despite June 8 being a rainy morning, CARATs packed their Carat Bongs and lined up on Broadway and W 4th to wait for their favorite boys. Those three minutes before the interview spent sitting across from your bias while their music video plays present a whirlwind of emotions. CARATs were the perfect crowd, greeting the members as they walked in and singing along to “Home,” fan chants included, as the boys took their seats and proudly watched their fans perform for them. It might be a result of the SEVENTEEN members being too sweet and caring themselves, but with every verse, CARATs sang their passion, and love for both the group and the song was undeniable. While the members were muttering a few words here and there, the attention was all on their fans, watching CARATs sing along with grins and “wows.”

After the previous night’s energy-filled performance, one could assume that SEVENTEEN would justifiably be a little under the weather. Boy, was that wrong. All twelve members (Seungkwan, unfortunately, stayed in South Korea due to an injury) were all giggles and smiles, evidently more than happy to be sitting across from their fans. The USA natives Vernon and Joshua acted as translators for questions and answers, taking the lead of the interview. It wouldn’t be surprising if answers got messy with twelve members holding mics, but SEVENTEEN’s chemistry and synchronization proved to be impeccable even during interviews. Through some telepathic communication, everyone seemed to know exactly whose turn it was to speak while each member rightfully waited for their own spotlight.

CARATs also joined in on that slice of cosmic energy surfacing the room, interacting with their favorite boys just when the time was right. After singing happy birthday to Wonwoo, an excited CARAT joined in screaming, “That’s my baby!” Her genuine reaction was met with laughter from the entire room and an unforgettable reply from Hoshi. The Performance Team Leader screamed right back, “Mom!” making the entire room, especially Joshua erupt in laughter again. DK was also one to get everyone laughing. When asked about which concept was their favorite, DK gave a long reply with different ways of saying he liked sexy concepts. While everyone gave a song or era they had enjoyed most, DK’s only answer was that he liked being sexy. Go off, king, we have no complaints!

SEVENTEEN was great at teasing the crowd about what’s still to come for the group. S.Coups and Jun answered with ease that their favorite concept is the one that’s still to come. The Hip-Hop Team Leader even added that their next release is about to exceed any expectations their fans could have! Woozi, Vocal Team Leader, proudly answered that all of the group’s albums are his favorite. Being so present in the writing and producing processes of all of their releases, that’s the only answer to be expected from the producing powerhouse. They have the numbers to prove it, but SEVENTEEN’s success is a clear product of their passion and dedication for what they do and it shows. It’s hard not to love a group that makes it so easy to be adored and appreciated, artistically and personally.

KCON New York was a big night for SEVENTEEN. Their KCON 2016 performance was their U.S. debut stage, having the group join the KCON madness once again three years later headlining Day 2 at Madison Square Garden. When asked to think back on that first stage, Vernon explained that there isn’t much he remembers. Being so nervous, he blanks out, lyrics and choreography coming naturally to him due to their practices. Their 2019 KCON New York performance, however, was particularly special for Vernon: as a New York native himself, taking the stage at MSG had that extra layer of honor, especially with his cousins watching from the crowd!

Before answering Twitter and crowd questions, SEVENTEEN watched two testimonials from two CARATs thanking them for their music and consequently helping them in finding their own talents. The members watched attentively, thanking both. The Kraze got to ask a question of our own and SEVENTEEN did not disappoint! After last night’s performance, we had a few guesses as to what their answer would be, but the group unanimously agreed that “VERY NICE” is their song that will get everyone up on their feet dancing along with them. They even humored us with the classic “WOAH~” in the second chorus.

The question that got everyone’s attention was the last audience question. The CARAT asking started by thanking them in the name of their LGBTQ+ fans for their music and asked if they had a message for the community. Vernon was very happy to translate this question to the other members, who listened very attentively. After sharing a few words among themselves, Vernon proudly answered that SEVENTEEN is thankful for their LGBTQ+ fans and expressed support of equal rights for all. The answer was greeted with applause, rightfully so. Being hit with such a question may come as a surprise to any artist and, being that South Korea is a very conservative country, answers are often very carefully crafted with some artists avoiding the question all together. Not SEVENTEEN. The group was happy to answer and did not skip a beat when showing their support for those who support them, despite their gender or sexual preference. SEVENTEEN is a group overflowing with talent and charisma, deserving of every compliment they get, honor they hold, record they break, and yet they remain a group so modest and thankful for those who cross paths with theirs.

Check out more photos from the event!