How Seventeen's friendship fuels long-lasting K-pop success

Boy bands breaking up or losing members happens frequently, almost becoming a cliché. 

But the Korean pop sensation Seventeen is proving that 13 individuals can successfully work together for over a decade.

The ensemble concluded two sold-out performances at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium in Incheon, Korea, this weekend, celebrating a return to their roots with great success.

On Sunday night, they delivered a spectacular three-and-a-half-hour performance of their biggest hits. 

At the concert's end, band leader S.Coups shared that the group made the unanimous decision to renew their contract with their agency, Pledis Entertainment, part of the larger K-pop enterprise, Hybe.

Seventeen is among Hybe's top earners. Their album "FML" from 2023 set the record for first-day sales for a K-pop album, selling over 6.4 million copies.

Their 10th anniversary release in 2025, "Happy Burstday," debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, with 2.52 million copies sold in the first week.

Speaking as the band's spokesman, S.Coups — known by his real name Choi Seungcheol — hinted that the group is approaching "something significant" in the upcoming months, wishing to make this announcement before their June fan gathering, "Carat Land."

For those unfamiliar: Bands like Seventeen often agree to contracts with a set duration. 

They last renewed their contracts in 2021, and this year marked their 11th anniversary in the industry.

Currently, only nine of the 13 members are actively on tour due to South Korea’s compulsory military service. Over the next years, five more members will be required to enlist.

However, the entire group renewing means they plan to reunite once every member finishes their service.

Joshua Hong, one of the group's two Korean-American members, mentioned their fans play a major role in their decision to stay together.

Since their debut in 2015, Seventeen is noted for being close-knit beyond their work environment — securing apartments, traveling both for business and pleasure, and spending leisure time, including capturing some moments on video.

Choi, who was the first to join the team, has been affiliated with the label since 2009, beginning at the age of 14. 

The other members joined from 2010 to 2014. Initially, they lived closely together in dorms — attending classes together, sharing rooms in bunk beds, quite like their famous BTS contemporaries did in their early days.