SEVENTEEN Unveils Struggle Behind 5th Album While Sharing What CARAT Means

SEVENTEEN's fifth album involved a tough track selection.
It shows their dedication to their group synergy.
Their fans CARAT are their driving force.

SEVENTEEN has once again pulled back the curtain on their creative process, this time with the release of their documentary series, ‘SEVENTEEN: OUR CHAPTER’ on Disney+. The third episode, which dropped on the 21st, offers a particularly raw and honest look into the making of their impactful fifth full-length album, ‘HAPPY BURSTDAY’. It’s a masterclass in artistic collaboration, showing that even for a group at the pinnacle of success, the path to a final product is paved with intense debate, self-doubt, and ultimately, a unified vision. The documentary specifically zeroes in on one of the most critical decisions any artist faces: choosing the title track that will define the entire era.

The process was far from straightforward. The members had initially been developing a track titled “HBD” as the tentative title song. However, a formidable contender emerged from within their ranks: Woozi’s powerful demo, “THUNDER.” 

This immediately threw their plans into a state of flux, leading to deep, sincere discussions. Woozi, despite his confidence in the track, was adamant that it not be his decision alone. He presented the song with conviction.

“It’s autobiographical and honest, something that makes complete sense when SEVENTEEN sings it. Musically, I’m confident. The members have to be able to sing it with excitement for the synergy with the music to be maximized," said Woozi.

The other members were quickly captivated by "THUNDER." Jun expressed his surprise, noting,

“I was surprised when I first heard it. It was different from the songs Woozi had worked on before. Hearing how he created it made me even more certain.” 

Seungkwan echoed this sentiment, highlighting its strategic value. “I felt it could show a cooler, sharper side of Seventeen. It’s truly the definition of a ‘new challenger.’” 

This internal debate, as the documentary reveals, was the crucible that forged their final choice, a choice that proved to be a masterstroke. Upon release, “THUNDER” didn’t just perform well, it dominated, shooting to number one on major domestic music charts and securing an impressive eight music show trophies. 

It's success was a global phenomenon, charting on the Billboard Global 200, the UK Official Charts, and the Billboard Japan Hot 100, validating the group's difficult decision on the world stage. The intensity extended to the album's B-side tracks as well, with each member crafting deeply personal solo songs based on their own reflections and goals, further cementing 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' as a profoundly introspective project.

The Meaning of CARAT for SEVENTEEN

Despite the professional struggles and the immense pressure of their tenth year, the documentary underscores SEVENTEEN’s unwavering resolve and, more importantly, the central force that fuels it which is their fans, CARAT. In a deeply moving segment towards the end of the episode, the members were asked a simple yet profound question: “What do CARATs mean to you?” 

Their answers were not rehearsed fan-service platitudes, but heartfelt, genuine declarations that laid bare the foundation of their relationship. 

S.Coups described CARATs as “Companions who walk toward the same place,” a powerful statement of shared destiny. Joshua refined this further, calling them “Best friends who’ve grown with us,” emphasizing a history of mutual development. The emotional weight was palpable in Seungkwan’s poignant description of CARATs as “Saviors,” while Vernon distilled his feelings into the most encompassing term: “Our everything.” 

This moment in the documentary was more than just a tribute, it was a testament to a bond that transcends the typical artist-fan dynamic. It’s this very connection that fuels their long-term ambition. 

As Woozi powerfully stated, this album is “the starting point for us to become a team fans will be excited about for our 20th anniversary.” 

Their eyes are fixed on the far horizon, aiming not just for present success, but for a lasting legacy built alongside their fans. The final episode of this revealing documentary series, ‘SEVENTEEN: OUR CHAPTER’, is set to be released on November 28th, promising even more insights into the group's world. Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN continues to connect with CARATs globally through their ‘SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [NEW_] IN JAPAN’, with upcoming dome dates in Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, and Fukuoka throughout November and December.

Source: Allkpop, Chosun, tenasia, kpopmap, mk.co.kr