SEVENTEEN are looking ahead to the future, even as they prepare for a temporary chapter apart. The K-pop powerhouse celebrated its 11th debut anniversary at the 2026 SVT 10TH FAN MEETING SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, marking a milestone moment alongside thousands of CARATs.
While the annual fan meeting was filled with performances, games, and fan-favourite moments, this year's edition carried extra emotional weight as several members prepare to begin their mandatory military service.
Addressing fans during the event, the members reflected on their journey together and reassured CARATs that their story as a group is far from over.
Mingyu shared, "I didn't want to, and although I will have to take a break from performing with you all on such a big stage for a while, I believe I have successfully wrapped up a chapter of the past 11 years. Also, I want to say how incredibly grateful I am to the CARATs who have loved us all this time."
Jun also looked back on the group's growth, saying, "During my 20s, we all ran together for our dreams, and while we were in our process, thanks to you, we were able to achieve a lot of our dreams. And we also got new dreams and got to show you our new aspects."
DK echoed the sentiment, adding, "You said that you'll wait for us, and that gave me strength. I am confident that I will do well and come back safely. I will be back in a better shape and return with better music."
The emotional atmosphere intensified when leader S.Coups became visibly tearful while speaking to fans. Adding to the significance of the evening, Hoshi and Wonwoo — who are currently serving in the military — made a surprise appearance in the audience to support their bandmates.
The fan meeting itself was packed with celebratory moments. Built around an "express train to CARAT LAND" concept, the show featured performances of beloved B-sides, special stages, and dance challenge covers. Mingyu drew cheers from the crowd with a playful performance of ILLIT's 'It's Me', showcasing a contrast between the song's cute choreography and his charismatic stage presence.
Since debuting in 2015, SEVENTEEN have established themselves as one of K-pop's leading self-producing groups, earning global recognition through chart-topping releases, world tours, and their close relationship with fans.
The group's military enlistment period began with Jeonghan in September 2024, followed by Wonwoo in April 2025. Hoshi and Woozi enlisted in September 2025, while Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino are expected to begin their service in the second half of 2026.
Before closing the event, the group left fans with a message that quickly spread across social media: "More brilliant now than at first, even more so in the future, us. CARATs, we'll come back to you as 13 members again."
For CARATs, it was not a farewell, but a promise. If all goes according to plan, SEVENTEEN's next full-group chapter will begin in 2028 — together once again as 13.
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