Hey, there. We bet you tried counting the members in the photos and wondered: “Why are they only 13 when they're called SEVENTEEN?” Don’t worry—we’ve been there and were also extra *shooked* to find out the meaning behind their name. Now, allow us to explain everything for you.
SEVENTEEN is a 13-member male K-pop group with three sub-units, namely: The Hip-hop unit, Vocal unit, and Performance team. Now, do the math: 13 members + 3 units + 1 group as a whole, and you have SEVENTEEN. Also, it was the average age of the members when they were formed!
There are also two special units: One is the Seventeen Leaders formed by the leaders of each sub-unit. Another is the hilarious BSS, an acronym for BooSeokSoon, or Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi. Don’t worry, you’ll know more about them later on.
When they debuted in 2015, SEVENTEEN already made an impact in the music industry for having the longest-running album (it stayed for 11 weeks!) on the Billboard World Albums chart during that year.
SEVENTEEN’s songs range from club party beats, mesmerizing ballads, anime-like tracks, and chill singles. Everything's just a sweet reminder that they are bound to do more in the coming years.
These “self-producing” idols are known for being versatile in the industry as a group that can sing, produce their own songs, create their own choreographies, set the fire on stage with their synchronized dance steps, and be *super* funny and entertaining during reality show guestings. In short, SEVENTEEN is *almost* close to perfection.
We know how curious you are now about the members that form this exceptional group, so here’s what you need to know about SEVENTEEN (and why their fans’ hearts go boom boom).
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S.Coups, 24 - SEVENTEEN Leader, hip-hop team leader, main rapper, sub vocalist
Unit: Hip-hop Team
S.Coups leads SEVENTEEN as a group as well as the hiphop unit. The S in his stage name stands for Seung Cheol, and the Coups for “coup d’etat”—meaning that his strong presence when he starts rapping and dancing will make you go whoa. And did we mention he has a black belt in taekwondo? Double whoa. And that he has cute dimples? Triple whoa.
2. Jeonghan, 24 - SEVENTEEN Lead Vocalist
Unit: Vocal Team
The mischievous Jeonghan is a sight to see especially in SEVENTEEN’s variety shows! Aside from that, we can’t deny the fact that his long hair in the group’s past eras is something that we can’t move on from. That and his soothing voice that will lull you to sleep (which btw, he loves doing). Feeling gloomy today? Watch this video that will make you LOL when EXO’s Sehun mistook Jeonghan as NCT’s Johnny (maybe it’s the hair??).
3. Joshua, 24 - SEVENTEEN Lead Vocalist
Unit: Vocal Team
Born in the US, Hong Jisoo or Joshua is the soft-spoken, English-speaking member of SEVENTEEN. We swear, he has the voice of an angel! Joshua also plays the guitar, which started when he joined a musical worship group in church.
4. Jun, 24 - SEVENTEEN Lead dancer, sub vocalist
Unit: Performance Team
Wen Junhui, who’s also called Jun, is of Chinese descent. He started early in the entertainment industry as a child actor, and was cast in various films and TV series before he became a member of SEVENTEEN. Jun is one of the tallest in the group, and he also resembles Super Junior’s Heechul! Don’t believe us? Go and Google it.
5. Hoshi, 24 - SEVENTEEN Performance team leader, main dancer, lead vocalist, sub rapper
Unit: Performance Team
The adorable Kwon Soonyoung a.k.a Hoshi is all fluffy and cute behind the scenes, but when he starts dancing on stage, prepared to be stunned. He’s in charge of doing most of SEVENTEEN’s choreographies. Just watch the group’s choreography videos on YouTube and prepare to be blown away. Here’s something that will make you go aww: Hoshi doesn’t like boiled chicken, because it reminds him of one that he used to raise. Okay, we’re soft.
6. Wonwoo, 24 - SEVENTEEN Lead rapper, sub vocalist
Unit: Hip-hop Team
If looks could kill, we’re probably dead by now because of this gorgeous human being. Jeon Wonwoo may look cold on the outside (and his recognizable deep voice might also add to this impression—watch out for his iconic opening and closing parts in SEVENTEEN’s songs) but he’s actually a softie! He’s a bit reserved (same) and loves reading books (also same).
7. Woozi, 24 - SEVENTEEN Vocal team leader, lead vocalist, producer
Unit: Vocal Team
Please all rise for SEVENTEEN’s music genius, Woozi! Born Lee Jihoon, this member co-composed most of the group’s songs, and has also penned tracks for other Korean artists (IOI’s “Downpour” will remain as our fave). At a young age, Woozi started playing musical instruments and has a background in classical music. He’s calm and serious, and also seriously good in songwriting and singing.
8. DK, 23 - SEVENTEEN Main vocalist
Unit: Vocal Team
SEVENTEEN’s own ~happy virus~ will surely make you happy just by the sight of his bright face. Lee Seokmin or DK (or Dokyeom) is one of the group’s mood makers with his goofy personality paired with his comical banters. Apart from being a natural comedian, DK is also known for his rich and caramel-like voice. He loves doenjang jjigae (or Korean soybean paste stew), which he mentioned in a hysterical introduction video. You’re welcome.
9. Mingyu, 23 - SEVENTEEN Lead rapper, sub vocalist, visual
Unit: Hip-hop Team
Kim Mingyu towers above the rest of his teammates which is why you're bound to notice him first. That and his optimistic personality and superb rapping skills! He loves to eat (and is called the shikshin of SEVENTEEN for his huge appetite), can paint, repair stuff, catch fish, cook, clean the entire house...now where did I put my list of ideal husband traits…
10. The8, 23 - SEVENTEEN Lead dancer, sub vocalist, sub rapper
Unit: Performance Team
The fashion-forward Xu Minghao or The8 (with the number connoting the infinity sign, which is considered lucky in Chinese culture) was born in China and brings so much hip-hop vibes with just one look. When he’s not busy donning the latest street OOTD, The8 is seen being the pro that he is in Wushu, b-boying, and nunchucks.
11. Seungkwan, 22 - SEVENTEEN Main vocalist
Unit: Vocal Team
We believe that Boo Seungkwan isn’t just destined to be a SEVENTEEN member, but he'll probably also succeed as a variety show host! The resident joker will make any dull show alive with his jokes and skits, and will make the crowd laugh their hearts out. This talented baby boo is from Jeju Island, which he would often mention in interviews. Aside from being funny, Seungkwan is also known for being kind—he once handed out tangerines to reporters in a show to give thanks to them for working early. Sweet!
12. Vernon, 22 - SEVENTEEN Main rapper, sub vocalist, visual
Unit: Hip-hop Team
Don’t let Hansol Vernon Chwe’s laidback character catch you off guard: He’s passionate about his craft, as seen on how he raps on stage and practice behind the limelight. This SEVENTEEN member is born in New York, and speaks fluent English. His dad is Korean, while his mom is American. Vernon is dubbed as the group’s Leonardo DiCaprio with his uncanny resemblance to the actor. Alexa, please play "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion.
P.S: He has an adorable sister named Sofia who’s a YouTube vlogger!
13. Dino, 21 - SEVENTEEN Main dancer, sub vocalist, sub rapper
Unit: Performance Team
SEVENTEEN’s maknae (youngest member) doesn’t disappoint in delivering the best stage performances whenever he busts out a move. We wouldn’t be surprised: His parents are also dancers, which totally explains how skilled he is. Dino's a big fan of Michael Jackson, and his own version of the moonwalk? Smooth.
This way to more SEVENTEEN music videos that will make you say oh my~
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