The threat of heavy rains did little to deter eager fans from lining up early outside Capital One Arena for the SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [NEW_] in the U.S. D.C. stop, which marked the grand finale of the group’s North American leg. This was the first of a two-night send-off, and CARATS, SEVENTEEN’s devoted fandom, showed up in full force. Fashionably dressed and equipped with lightsticks, banners, and SVT-themed accessories, fans exchanged freebies like bracelets, photo cards, and goodie bags as excitement buzzed through the crowd in anticipation of the show.
SEVENTEEN, the 13-member K-pop powerhouse under Pledis Entertainment, is known for their unique “self-producing” model, as they write, compose, and choreograph much of their own music. Their artistry has earned them titles such as ‘Performance Kings’ with a reputation that shines brightest on stage. Although some members are currently completing mandatory military service, the nine performing members have maintained seamless energy and teamwork throughout their current tour.
The stage setup was expansive, dominated by massive LED screens that projected live video, synchronized graphics, and thematic visuals for each song. Moving platforms shifted formations throughout the night, complemented by fog cannons, streamers, confetti blasts, and bursts of pyrotechnics that added an optical thrill to the overall performance. When the lights dimmed and the words SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [NEW_] appeared on the screens, the arena erupted in deafening cheers.
One by one, each member emerged in coordinated black, white, and denim ensembles, their outfits distinct yet unified in style. The opening sequence for “Bad Influence” set the tone with sharp choreography and attitude, immediately transitioning into the equally high-energy “HBD.” The members seemed to float on raised platforms as neon visuals lit up the space, confetti rained down, and they shouted, “Make some noise!” to the D.C. crowd. A low whistle pierced the darkness as the distinct intro for “THUNDER” began next. The arena momentarily blacked out before the group’s silhouettes emerged against a flash of white light. Lasers, pyrotechnics, and synchronized lightsticks filled the venue as CARATS sang the chorus at full volume.
The first ment brought a flood of energy and humor. “It’s been a really long time since we’ve been here with you guys. We missed you so much, did you miss us too?” they called out, greeted by cheers and playful barking from the audience. Each member introduced themselves individually before bantering with the crowd. “During sound check, we actually learned what D.C. stands for – but now we’re going to make it the ‘District of CARATS’!” The crowd roared in approval. They reminded fans that this was the last city of the U.S. leg, “You waited a long time, and we’re finally back – so let’s make this the hottest stop of the tour!” After teaching the crowd the new tour chant (though most already knew it), they led a call-and-response across the arena before launching into the next track.
The unit stage kicked off with a group performance of “Domino”, followed by “Network Love,” featuring JOSHUA, JUN, THE 8, and VERNON. As “Network Love” began, they rotated in perfect formation, showcasing the exceptional vocal skill and choreography in which SEVENTEEN is famous for. The four members moved to the edge of the extended stage, their fluid synchronization and tight harmonies sending the crowd into a frenzy.
The first solo segment of the night began with DINO’s performance of “Trigger.” Dressed in all black, he started on a raised platform, flanked by male dancers as the platform slowly descended. His fierce, athletic choreography commanded attention, culminating in an intense solo under a spotlight. JUN followed with “Gemini,” introduced through a unique yin-yang transition between the two members that mirrored DINO’s energy with graceful elegance. Dressed in lighter colors alongside female dancers, JUN’s smooth movements filled the stage with dreamlike beauty, ending with a burst of confetti. VERNON wrapped up the solo set with “Shining Star,” showcasing his electric guitar skills. He performed center stage against a rock-inspired backdrop as fireworks exploded to conclude his song.
The full group returned for the next few tracks; standing on multi-tiered platforms, they each took turns in the spotlight during “SOS,” before descending the extended stage for “F*ck My Life,” urging the audience to raise their hands and jump along. The energy peaked with “LOVE, MONEY, FAME,” as they engaged with the crowd across the barricades, laughing and hyping up nearby CARATS. During the next segment, they teased, “I think I know why our last stop is in Washington D.C. – because you all are having the most fun!” They pointed out excited fans, playfully referenced the KPop Demon Hunters song, “Soda Pop,” and thanked families, couples, and solo CARATS for coming. “We prepared a warm song for you next. If you know the lyrics, please sing along!” they requested before launching into “Darl+ing,” accompanied by softer choreography and a cascade of butterfly confetti.
The next solo set began with JOSHUA’s “Fortunate Change,” a tender performance framed by a nighttime cityscape on the screens; digital flowers bloomed behind him as he arose from a wooden bench, and slowly walked around the stage. DK followed with “Happy Virus,” beginning on a raised platform before descending the stage in rhythm with the bright, pop-driven beat. The screens projected close-ups of him on stage against the glowing crowd, his joyful energy mirrored by fans waving their lightsticks in unison. SEUNGKWAN’s “Raindrops” silenced the venue with its emotional depth – performing the first half of the song from behind a white grand piano, then later standing center stage under a spotlight, his voice swelling with raw emotion as fans chanted his name.
The third set of solo stages highlighted SEVENTEEN’s performance strength. THE 8 emerged as a hooded figure shrouded in mystery for “Skyfall,” atop a slowly descending platform before revealing himself mid-dance to cheers. His performance blended fluid motion and precision, building into a futuristic, EDM-inspired climax. MINGYU followed in a silver suit and dark sunglasses, strutting down the stage runway-style to “Shake It Off,” his crisp movements and charm feeding into the crowd’s energy. Finally, S.COUPS appeared on a staircase for “Jungle,” leading dancers through an explosive routine surrounded by bursts of flames and fireworks as the audience once again barked in approval.
Momentum surged as the group reunited for the next few songs. Dressed in coordinated red, white, and black, they commanded the stage amid bursts of fire and fog. “HOT” ignited the venue with energy; “HIGHLIGHT” slowed the pace against a starry galaxy backdrop, and “HIT” concluded the section with lasers, confetti, and a dazzling light show. DK surprised fans by kicking off “Rock with you” with a live drum solo, prompting the crowd to erupt in cheers. “D.C., are you ready to rock with us one last time?” they shouted, and the arena shook with their voices. Between the segments, SEVENTEEN took requests for acapella snippets of fan favorites, including tracks like “Home,” “Pretty U,” “Good to Me,” and more. They laughed as they tried to recall lyrics and choreography on the spot.
An intermission followed, featuring the animated character DJ Bongbongee. The DJ set blended tracks from SEVENTEEN into crowd-participation sing-alongs, while cameras captured fans dancing in costumes and waving signs. Colorful graphics flashed on the screens, lasers cut through the arena, and a Lorax cosplayer quickly became an audience favorite after being highlighted by the venue cameras.
When SEVENTEEN returned for the encore segment, they were dressed casually in denim, t-shirts, and caps. Their performance of “A-TEEN” and “9-TEEN” evoked a nostalgic rush as they performed mainly on the extended stage, closer to the fans. “You know what’s coming next, right?” they teased, leading the audience in synchronized arm waves, before wrapping up with “20.”
Ahead of their final songs, the group asked everyone to sit and rest while they settled onto the multi-tiered platforms for their closing messages. Each member took a turn speaking directly to the crowd – some with humor, others with heartfelt emotion. They expressed gratitude for the fans who had patiently awaited their three-year return, promised to come back soon, and reflected on the bond shared with CARATS worldwide. “Even when we’re far apart, we’ll do our best to ensure our love reaches you,” one member said. Another added, “I’m so happy to be a singer in this era and to have met you at this moment – thank you for being a part of my life.”
After a round of group photos with the audience, SEVENTEEN launched into the latter half of their encore performance with “Eyes on you.” They danced energetically, sprayed water at the crowd, and shared moments of spontaneous fun – even engaging in small dance-offs with audience members during abbreviated versions of songs like “Holiday,” “GAM3 BO1,” “Healing,” and “Super.” Following this playful interaction with CARATS, the group returned to the main stage, taking a final bow as the screens lowered to signal the end of the show.
Just when it seemed the lights were dimming for good, the group surprised everyone by reappearing for a bonus encore. An extended version of “VERY NICE” had the arena buzzing as they invited the male CARATS to sing a verse solo, and everyone participated in a lively call-and-response for “CALL CALL CALL!” Confetti blasted and the group took their last bows in an emotional finale as “_WORLD” played in the background, officially bringing the night to a close.
As the confetti settled and they bid their final farewells, it became clear that SEVENTEEN had truly transformed Washington, D.C., into the ‘District of CARATS.’ This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of a group whose deep connection with their fans, precision in performance, and self-made artistry continue to distinguish them nearly a decade into their career. With the North American leg now complete, the SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [NEW_] will continue through Asia next, concluding in Japan at the end of December.
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