Filo CARATs delivered!
SEVENTEEN brought their “NEW_” world tour to a close, calling it their “most enjoyable” stop after delivering a nearly four-hour spectacle powered by thunderous cheers from tens of thousands of fans last March 21 at the Philippine Stadium in Bulacan.
The venue quickly erupted into deafening screams as S.Coups, Joshua, Jun, DK, Mingyu, The8, Vernon, Seungkwan and Dino strutted down the stage to open the show.
From the get-go, the energy surged forward from there, as tracks from their latest best-selling release HAPPY BURSTDAY set the tone for a night that blended fresh releases with beloved hits. Even as a nine-member unit, with Hoshi, Jeonghan, Wonwoo and Woozi currently serving in the military, the group proved their stage presence remained as powerful as ever.
Songs like Thunder, SOS and LOVE, MONEY, FAME highlighted their evolving sound, while fan favorites HOT and HIT whipped the crowd into a frenzy, with fireworks during Rock with You and Eyes on You elevating the spectacle.
By the time VERY NICE closed the main set, the stadium had transformed into a sea of jumping fans, chanting and singing along with unmatched intensity.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came during SEVENTEEN’s A-TEEN and 9-TEEN, when the members rode moving carts around the stadium, bringing them closer to fans seated far from the main stage.
Waving, smiling and sending hand heart signs, the members created a more intimate connection with their fans, fondly known as CARATs.
Jun’s return to the Philippine stage prompted a special tribute from fans. CARATs prepared special projects to welcome him back, including coordinated light displays across the stadium and an aerial banner celebrating his return.
The solo stages further elevated the show, giving each member a moment to shine. Dino commanded attention with his high-energy Trigger, while Jun captivated with an ethereal, all-white performance of Gemini. Vernon leaned into his rockstar persona with the guitar-driven Shining Rockstar, and Joshua serenaded the audience with his velvety vocals on Fortunate Change.
DK charmed the crowd with his Happy Virus performance, while Seungkwan evoked the feels of a K-drama OST with Raindrops. The8 transformed the stage into a club party with Skyfall, Mingyu exuded confidence with Shake It Off, and S.Coups closed the segment with the intense Jungle, sending the crowd into another frenzy.
Throughout the concert, Filo CARATs matched the group’s energy at every turn, singing along to every lyric, cheering at every cue and even starting playful chants like “Walang uuwi!” that echoed across the stadium. As the night drew to a close, the members repeatedly expressed their amazement at the crowd, occasionally speaking in Filipino and visibly moved by the overwhelming support.
Mingyu reflected on the experience, sharing how much he enjoyed the outdoor concert and the memories created with fans.
“I had so much fun today. I really like having outdoor concerts — the weather is nice, but your energy is much nicer. Though we might not see you often because we’re far away from each other, I believe we made such good memories today,” said the rapper through an interpreter.
Seungkwan, meanwhile, opened up about the group’s initial worries starting the tour as nine, but seeing the crowd that night erased those fears and replaced them with gratitude.
“We wondered a lot if we could properly fill the spots of the four enlisted members. We really worked hard to do our part, and even for the members, too. And today, all those worries we had were gone. We’re truly so thankful to see you always come to fill this venue like this, even if you came from far away and give us so much love,” stated Seungkwan through an interpreter.
Leader S.Coups acknowledged the bittersweet feeling of the final stop but left fans with a promise: the group will come back as 13, assuring them that they will never separate.
“We’re happy today! I don’t know if it’s because it’s the last day, but the energy was great. I’m disappointed that it’s already the last day, but I’m really grateful to the CARATs who filled up this stadium. You might not be able to see us often for a while, but through solos or units, we’ll make sure to reach out to you. So, please continue to support and give love to those who are active, including me.”
“Also, the 13 of us will never be separated, and when we return, we’ll definitely come back as 13. So, please fill up this stadium again. Mahal kita, thank you, I love you! I’m not lying. Today is the most enjoyable,” said S.Coups.
The group’s encore shows for “NEW_” are set for the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on April 4 and 5.